Carolyn Carlson, the name evokes a sense of artistry, innovation, and unwavering passion for dance. I first encountered her work as a young student at the Royal Ballet School. Her ballets, bold and evocative, felt different, defying convention, embracing an exploration of the human spirit, not just a technically impressive showcase. That's what initially attracted me to her – that captivating ability to weave storytelling through movement and expression. I have long been captivated by her, not just as a renowned dancer and choreographer but as a force driving artistic exploration, constantly pushing the boundaries of classical ballet, defying expectations, and forging a unique path. A Life Dedicated to Dance Born in New York City on August 17th, 1940, to an artistic family, her path was laid out before her – Carolyn Carlson was destined for the stage. Her mother, a ballet dancer and former student of Martha Graham, fostered a deep love for dance in Carolyn from an early age. However, she was drawn not to the structured elegance of classical ballet but to the free-flowing expression of modern dance. This divergence took her to New York City, where she studied at the renowned Martha Graham School, a journey she documented in her insightful autobiography, "Un Seul Rêve, Une Vie." Carolyn's early years were a whirlwind of dance exploration. Her talent shone brightly. She was soon dancing professionally, even touring Europe in a ballet adaptation of William Faulkner's "As I Lay Dying," alongside her mentor and renowned American dancer, Pearl Lang. Embracing Europe and Exploring Choreography Yet, it was the spirit of Europe, its rich cultural landscape and artistic experimentation, that truly called to her. The journey took her to London in 1965 to join the Royal Ballet Company under the artistic direction of the legendary choreographer, Frederick Ashton. It was there she refined her technique, learning from masters and further enriching her artistry. But even in this classical world, she yearned for creative exploration, to tell her own stories. In 1972, a pivotal year, she began to delve deeper into the world of choreography. Collaborating with avant-garde composers like John Cage and Mauricio Kagel, her works started pushing the boundaries of what audiences were accustomed to. She moved beyond traditional narrative ballets to create experimental, often improvisational pieces that challenged preconceived notions of movement and form. Creating a Legacy in France: Carolyn Carlson and the Compagnie Carolyn Carlson Carolyn's creative journey then took her to France, where her art found fertile ground, allowing her to blossom as both a dancer and choreographer. In 1975, she founded her own company, the Compagnie Carolyn Carlson, an endeavour that was to define her career. The Compagnie quickly established itself as a unique and captivating force in the contemporary dance scene. Through Carlson's creative vision, the company moved beyond classical conventions to create powerful, innovative work that resonated with audiences worldwide. She established the company’s artistic direction to combine dance, music, theatre and even cinema in creating bold, unforgettable artistic statements. She would collaborate with the very best – from established choreographers to innovative contemporary composers, such as John Cage, Pauline Oliveros and Mauricio Kagel. Her creative reach also expanded into other forms – creating operas, film scores, installations and performance pieces which showcased a dancer and a choreographer of vast range and influence. It was during this time in France, that she began working on her seminal piece "L'Éveil des Signes" (Awakening of Signs), a profound ballet which explored the language of gestures, challenging our perceptions of movement, the essence of the human body, and the expression of the soul. Its powerful imagery, symbolic representations, and complex movement sequences became iconic elements in Carolyn's repertoire, representing the turning point in her choreography style. It brought her international acclaim and became a crucial marker in her own unique style of dance – exploring abstract concepts and themes while showcasing powerful and innovative choreographic sequences. It brought Carolyn international recognition. Awarded the prestigious "Victoire de la Musique" in 1988, it solidified her position as a trailblazer in the world of contemporary dance. Continuing a Creative Odyssey: Beyond Tradition, Exploring the Human Experience Carolyn's artistic vision continued to grow, creating works like "Antigone," which drew inspiration from the ancient Greek myth of the rebel daughter who defies societal norms. This ballet marked another important milestone for Carolyn. A collaboration with the innovative stage designer, the avant-garde scenographer, Claude Girard. She found inspiration in this theatrical set design which mirrored her own creative, revolutionary journey through her artistic career. Yet, the themes Carolyn explores go far beyond the constraints of narrative – she explores deeper, probing questions of the human condition: "La Maison de la Nuit" (House of the Night) – the darker side of human emotion, "Orphée et Eurydice" – reimagined myths for a new generation, exploring themes of life, death, and loss. These explorations often led her to combine theatrical elements, evocative music, and multimedia aspects into her choreography. The resulting experience wasn't just watching dance but feeling a world come alive through a poignant story, an emotional landscape revealed through gesture and movement. More Than Just a Choreographer: The Artist and Teacher Her passion extended beyond the creation of breathtaking performances; she was deeply invested in teaching the art of dance. Not only through her work with her company, she would take on the role of teaching, training a new generation of dancers. This passion brought her to the world-renowned Institut National Supérieur des Arts du Spectacle in Lyon in 1994. Here, she honed her role as a mentor, instilling the passion for artistic expression in countless young aspiring dancers, enriching the French dance scene and furthering her legacy as an artistic mentor and innovator. Carolyn's Enduring Legacy Carolyn Carlson’s work has received significant recognition. She is a recipient of the esteemed Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters), a testament to her contributions to the world of French and global dance. It is undeniable that Carolyn Carlson’s impact on the contemporary dance scene is immeasurable. She transformed how we perceive the dance itself and broke down the barrier between ballet and modern dance. Her bold vision for dance – innovative, experimental, deeply personal – brought a sense of freedom and raw expression. She has influenced the evolution of contemporary dance with a style that was unique, personal, and inspiring. Her dedication to exploration, to breaking boundaries and challenging expectations has allowed generations of artists to embrace and be inspired by her unique vision. Her artistic legacy transcends national borders, leaving a lasting impact on the dance world that continues to inspire us even today. She remains a powerful influence for any young aspiring artist. This makes Carolyn Carlson, an artist to learn from, a legacy that speaks of talent, commitment, and innovation.
