Lynn Seymour: A Life in Dance
Lynn Seymour, born in 1939 in Winnipeg, Canada, is a name that resonates with the hushed awe of ballet enthusiasts worldwide. Her story is one of prodigious talent, unwavering dedication, and an enduring legacy that continues to inspire dancers even today. Though her journey was not without its challenges, Lynn Seymour's artistic spirit and sheer brilliance ultimately carved a path for her in the world of classical dance that is both remarkable and singular.
Her story begins in the quiet city of Winnipeg. There, surrounded by the plains of Canada's heartland, her natural inclination for movement manifested early. As a child, she would twirl in her parents' living room, dreaming of ballerinas and imagining herself dancing on a grand stage. This childhood yearning became a powerful force, propelling her to embrace ballet with the fervor of a true devotee. Under the tutelage of Gwen and Betty Lee at the Winnipeg Ballet School, she honed her talent and, at the tender age of 15, joined the company. The world of professional ballet beckoned, and she answered its call with both excitement and trepidation.
However, it was not on the plains of Canada that her legend was truly born. Her career trajectory took a dramatic turn when she moved to London, the epicenter of the ballet world, to join the Royal Ballet in 1957. In London, amidst the bustling energy and discerning eyes of the city's dance community, she soon proved her mettle. Under the esteemed mentorship of Ninette de Valois, the founder and director of the company, Seymour was chosen to perform lead roles in ballets like "Swan Lake," "Giselle," and "The Sleeping Beauty," each performance revealing her remarkable versatility. The precision of her movements, the emotional depth of her expression, and her captivating stage presence made her an immediate darling of audiences.
But Lynn Seymour wasn't one for conforming to convention. She was a force of nature in her artistic approach, constantly striving for authenticity and expression beyond the traditional ballet mould. She had a particular knack for the works of Frederick Ashton, his choreographies providing an ideal canvas for her unique blend of power and fluidity. Their collaborative relationship led to some of the most iconic moments of her career. Ashton saw in Seymour a dancer who could imbue his choreography with an unmatched emotional intensity.
A turning point came with the premiere of Ashton's "The Dream," inspired by Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, in 1964. Her role as Titania was groundbreaking. Seymour was able to project an air of regal dignity while imbuing the character with a palpable sensuality, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that captivated audiences. She was no longer simply dancing; she was living, breathing the character, revealing her innate talent for dramatic portrayal. Her performance in this role brought her critical acclaim and firmly established her place as one of the most prominent ballerinas of her generation.
During her time at the Royal Ballet, she had an intense relationship with fellow dancer, Anthony Dowell, that brought both passionate dancing and artistic clashes to her work. Her intense style and her push to make traditional ballets her own often left her in the unenviable position of clashing with company directors, both in London and on tours around the world. She challenged the established norms of the ballet world, questioning traditional interpretations and seeking greater depth of expression. Her commitment to artistic integrity led her to embrace innovative forms of dance and challenge the conventions of traditional ballet. Her bold interpretation of Giselle, for instance, showcased a fierce, almost feral intensity, moving away from the more innocent portrayal of previous ballerinas.
She made the decision to leave the Royal Ballet in 1970. Her time at the Royal Ballet ended in acrimony but it was through this turbulent period of her life that she established herself as an individual voice in the world of ballet. While the rest of the dance world questioned her rebellious nature, the fact was, she brought innovation and change to a traditional artform and paved the way for future generations to express themselves more freely.
The next chapter of her life found her performing as a principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre, under the visionary direction of Mikhail Baryshnikov. It was during this time she embraced a new world of choreographers, embracing and performing in works by Twyla Tharp and Glen Tetley. While she still possessed an undeniable ability to move within the confines of traditional choreography, her innate drive pushed her to embrace new, more modern forms of dance. Her career path echoed her unwavering dedication to the pursuit of artistic excellence and challenged the preconceived notions of ballet itself.
While on the American Ballet Theatre stage she rehearsed and premiered a multitude of new and innovative ballets. But Seymour's path was not one of conventional career trajectories. She yearned for more. During her time at the ABT, she discovered an inherent love for choreographing. As she had explored the expressive potential of ballet as a dancer, so she began to see dance in a new light - as a choreographer, a weaver of artistic tapestry. The transition came naturally, driven by her profound understanding of the art form. She created and staged several successful pieces for both the American Ballet Theatre and the Royal Ballet.
This inherent creative drive would come to define her legacy in more ways than one. Her ballet, “The Concert,” with its satirical examination of classical dance, proved particularly controversial, further establishing her rebellious spirit within the world of dance.
During her career she was always searching to find the perfect marriage of dancer and choreographer, where movement and emotion, strength and beauty, became intertwined as a powerful theatrical experience. In her later career, her dedication to developing the skills of others saw her establishing and becoming Artistic Director of a new company, "The Lynn Seymour Dance Theatre". Here, she aimed to guide and nurture young talent. She took under her wing a new generation of dancers and introduced them to her revolutionary and unorthodox way of seeing dance.
Her artistic achievements, however, were overshadowed by her private life. She faced great challenges, losing her close friend and former lover, Anthony Dowell, to a brain tumor in 1987. Their time as dancers together had left them both with their fair share of scars, and both continued to struggle through the emotional burden of the 70's, but together they were always a source of strength for each other.
Her love life and career had impacted the dance world and its audience, making Seymour a controversial and enduring figure. The battles and skirmishes with critics and critics' arguments were, in their way, proof that Lynn Seymour was a real force within the world of dance.
As the years passed, the fiery spirit of Lynn Seymour remained undimmed. Her contributions to the art of ballet went beyond the stage. She continued to contribute to the dance world by establishing a ballet program in Montreal, Canada. There she became a guiding light for aspiring young dancers, helping them blossom under her watchful eye. This new chapter was driven by her relentless dedication to her passion for dance and an unwavering belief in its transformative power.
It is perhaps fitting that Lynn Seymour, the fearless trailblazer, ended her life with a fierce determination. She battled Alzheimer’s with grace, embracing its inevitable reality with characteristic fortitude. Her struggle became a poignant testament to her resilience and unwavering strength.
Legacy:
- Lynn Seymour's legacy is vast. She redefined the world of ballet, challenging established norms and paving the way for a more expressive, individualistic style.
- Her artistic explorations continue to inspire generations of dancers who, emboldened by her example, dare to express their individuality through movement.
- She remains a controversial figure, but her artistry was undeniable. She continues to be remembered as a gifted ballerina who brought emotional depth and unparalleled technical skill to the stage.
- The world of ballet would be vastly different without Lynn Seymour's bold defiance of conventions and relentless pursuit of artistic truth.
Lynn Seymour left her indelible mark on the art of ballet, carving out a path that fused personal expression and innovative interpretation. The world of dance, forever shaped by her pioneering spirit, is a more dynamic, diverse place because of her unwavering dedication to the transformative power of movement. The echo of her captivating performances lives on, inspiring both audiences and fellow dancers with their emotional intensity, technical virtuosity and fearless exploration of the boundaries of dance itself.