ALEX CLAYTON grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, He received his B.F.A. in Dance with a Minor in Visual Arts from Stephens College in 2013. He was a Graham 2 company member from 2014 to 2015. He also performed with companies including 10 Hairy Legs, Abarukas Project, Curet Performance Project and Performa15. He served as Rehearsal Assistant for Paul Taylor American Modern Dance “Taylor Company Commissions” choreographer Lila York when she created Continuum in 2016. He joined the Paul Taylor Dance Company in Summer 2017.
“I wasn’t aware that Black people could dance professionally until I was 16, when I saw Alvin Ailey. I felt there was a future for me.”
Taylor introduction: “I was taught Brandenburgs by Cathy McCann; it was galvanizing. I was Rehearsal Assistant for Lila York’s commissioned dance; Taylor dancers had big personalities, and I fought even harder to get into the Company.”
Audition: “When Paul chose me I stood there and sobbed.”
Taylor’s work: “Loaded. Complex. Satisfying.”
Favorite restaurant: “Vinateria in Harlem.”
Specialty dish: “Cacio e pepe.”
Favorite artists: “Tina Turner. Hans Zimmer.”
Fun fact: “My great-grandfather, principal of Central High, saw greatness in Muhammad Ali and passed him even though some teachers didn’t want to! Louisville breeds strong people; I feel that resoluteness.”
Favorite artwork: “Bernini’s ‘Ecstasy of Saint Teresa’.”
Alex Clayton in Concertiana, photo by Paul B. Goode.
