In a city of pink tights and pointe shoes, Taylor Arrington is opening new doors and challenging old ideas and stereotypes. “I want kids to see me and think they can do what I am doing. That is why I love teaching and telling people about dance. I want to open young people up to this art. It is a great feeling to show kids, someone who may never have had the opportunity to experience dance that they could see themselves as being able to do this, to find love for something they never considered or would have thought they could appreciate.”
Taylor, a senior at Collegiate Academy, has been dancing most of her life and her accomplishments are many. During the winter of 2015 Taylor attended The International Association of Black Dance (IABD) Convention. At the Intensive Auditions, Virginia Johnson, Artistic Director of Dance Theatre of Harlem, awarded Taylor a full scholarship to DTH Summer Intensive in New York City. Founded in 1969, DTH is renowned both as “the first black classical ballet company” and “the first major ballet company to prioritize black dancers”.
It was then that Taylor realized she didn’t only want to be a dancer, but more specifically, a contemporary ballerina. So she started training at Sovereign Ballet full time. One of my goals is “to be a member of a contemporary ballet company where I feel comfortable expressing myself and being me, but at the same time trying new things and growing as an artist.”
This summer Taylor attended The New York City Dance Alliance (NYCDA) National Convention as an Outstanding Dancer (along with SB’s Olivia Lane). Taylor received college scholarships to Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA and Montclair State University in New Jersey. She also received a full scholarship to The Alvin Ailey School Summer Intensive program for 2017.
Taylor also attended (with SB’s Hannah Borczon) both Complexions Winter and Summer NYC Intensives, where Gelsey Kirkland (former American Ballet Theater principal), after viewing classes, invited Taylor to attend her Ballet Academy in NYC for the academic year of 2016-17.
Taylor maybe noticed by her beautiful smile, amazing legs and flexibility, but is remembered for her strong work ethic and drive to be the best dancer she can be. Sovereign Ballet’s director, Christina Maria says of Taylor, “She is an amazing role model for every student. Not only is she an amazing versatile dancer where others will commonly stop what they’re working on in class to watch her, Taylor will not hesitate to take the time and help a struggling dancer with details of a combination.“
From Virginia Johnson to Gelsey Kirkland, leaders of the international dance world are taking notice of Erie’s own, Taylor Arrington.
As Taylor Arrington’s Great Aunt, I’ve been able to observe Taylor as she danced her way through life in our family even before her first Dance Recital. Even then, she took her dancing very seriously, striving for excellence,. I was delighted to see her dance, not only in ballet, but also tap, jazz, and other contemporary forms, and always with a joy not only visible in her steps, but on her face. I had a feeling she had the God-given talent to become an accomplished adult dancer as her years of study went along. I am amazed that she has given so much of herself, so much of not just “free” time, but times that other fun activities were replaced with dance practice. I truly admire this lovely young woman and I am so proud to call her my Great Niece! p.s. Kudos also to her Mom, Amy, who has always supportive, encouraging, and always there for Taylor; and I commend her dad, Brian, for always being part of the family team in bringing up Taylor with love and strength.
With love, Aunt Kay