Paul Sanasardo (born 15 September 1928) is an American dancer, choreographer and dance teacher of Italian descent.

Paul Sanasardo
Born(1928-09-15)September 15, 1928
Occupation(s)Dancer, choreographer

Life and career

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Sanasardo was born in Chicago, Illinois, to a Sicilian family from Palermo, Italy. He attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, studied dance with Antony Tudor and Martha Graham, and made his debut in 1952 with the Erika Thimey Dance Theater. In 1955 he performed with Anna Sokolow and in 1957 and 1964 with Pearl Lang. He also danced with New York City Opera and in musicals on Broadway.[1]

Sanasardo founded the Paul Sanasardo-Donya Feuer Dance Company in 1957 and the Studio for Dance school (later Modern Dance Artists Inc.) in 1958. He served as the artistic director of the Batsheva Dance Company from 1977 to 1981.From 1981 till disbanding his company in 1986, he ran a second story dance studio on 21st street. After disbanding his company he continued choreographing and teaching.[2] His works continue to be performed by several companies, including Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

Works

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Selected works include:

  • Fatal Birds (1966)
  • Pain
  • The Path
  • Bells
  • Shadows
  • Consort for Dancers
  • Children in the Mist
  • Cyclometry (1971)
  • The Seven Last Words (music by Kancheli, 1994)
  • Sleepless Nights in the City
  • Abandoned Prayer
  • Metallics

References

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  1. ^ "Poetry and the Dance: a conversation with Paul Sanasardo". 22 June 2009. Retrieved 15 January 2012.
  2. ^ Kisselgoff (19 May 1985). "Dance: Paul Sanasardo Company in 'Fatal Birds'". The New York Times. Retrieved 15 January 2012.
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