From Ballet to Modern

[terpsichore]

Does anyone know of professional ballet dancers who made the transition (successfully) to modern dance? I can think of Baryshnikov but not many others. (I am not considering Twyla Tharp because her dances are often "balletic" and not avant-garde, really away from ballet modern.) I was also wondering if anyone can speak from experience about making the transition itself (something I am looking into).

[Alexandra]

I think it depends on what you mean by "successfully" Ballet dancers hitting middle age have been performing modern dance works since at least the 1960s.

[Leigh Witchel]

Terpsichore - you may want to ask that question at our sister site, Ballet Talk for Dancers http://www.balletalert.com/dancersforum - (you'll need to register there again, though) - this site discusses primarily from the point of view of the audience and you may find more of the information you're looking for.

[carbro]

Cathy McCann was an eloquent member of Paul Taylor's company after having performed with the Eglevsky Ballet. Another member of his company, almost completely contemporary with McCann, was audience favorite (but not mine) Kate Johnson. She joined Taylor after a few seasons with Eliot Feld. Both dancers "transitioned" early in their careers, though.

Both joined White Oak after they left Taylor. So here we are -- back at Baryshnikov!

--Carley

[Treefrog]

Patrick Simonello and Taryn Kaschock both moved from the Joffrey to Hubbard Street Dance Chicago a couple of years ago.

[carbro]

Thank you, Treefrog, for reminding me that -- OF COURSE! Patrick Corbin! He left Joffrey at the height of his powers -- or maybe not quite yet at the height of his powers -- and has had almost a full second career with Paul Taylor!

And Sandra Brown, who recently left ABT, now dances with Complexions. Complexions is Modern, isn't it?

--Carley

[Dale]

Emily Coates was with New York City Ballet, went to White Oak and now, I think, is with Tharp.

[Old Fashioned]

Dominic Walsh left Houston Ballet after last season to become fully involved in his contemporary dance company Dominic Walsh Dance Theatre. They're doing a performance this weekend, a collaboration with Mercury Baroque Ensemble. A few of the HB dancers (including former dancers) have danced with DWDT.