Carolyn Adams: A Dance Legacy
Paul Taylor had an immense appreciation for his dancers, but when it came to Carolyn Adams, his admiration reached extraordinary heights. In his autobiography, he fondly recalled his immediate response to her audition for his company, describing her as “a sure bet, a gold mine.”
Adams arrived at that fateful audition with no intention of securing a position in the company. As a senior at Sarah Lawrence College, she had merely volunteered to drive her friends to the audition on a chilly January Friday in 1965, all while navigating in her father’s De Soto.
“It’s almost embarrassing to recount this story,” Adams reflected. “I kept anticipating that I would be cut from the selection process.” With a staggering 200 aspiring dancers present, she felt the pressure mounting. “However, there came a moment while we were moving across the floor when I thought to myself, Oh, this dress fits rather nicely.” Adams realized that Taylor’s unique movement style resonated beautifully with her physicality.
Before she could officially join the prestigious company, there was one critical hurdle to overcome: completing her education. Paul Taylor struck a deal with Bessie Schönberg, the director of Sarah Lawrence’s dance program, allowing Adams to be excused during specific hours to learn the repertory. “That was quite unconventional for that time,” Adams remarked. “Students didn’t simply stroll in and out of school.”
Now at the age of 81, Adams continues to make significant contributions to the world of dance as the director of education for the Taylor company. On Wednesday, she will be celebrated at the company’s gala at Lincoln Center, where a new piece by Robert Battle will be unveiled in her honor. Titled “Dedicated to You,” this solo performance, featuring Jada Pearman, will be set to a beautiful blend of Bach and the soulful Sarah Vaughan. Battle, who formerly held the artistic director position at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, attributes much of his success to Adams, whom he regards as a pivotal mentor during his time as her student at Juilliard.
