Laura Dean is an American postmodern dancer, choreographer and composer known for her rigorous whirling dances and driving rhythmic music scores. She often incorporates repetitive phrases, geometric patterns, spinning, and unison ensemble movements into her choreography. Her signature movement is non-spotted turning which can be seen in most of her 109 works. Explaining this emphasis, she has said, “Not only are the planets spinning, but the galaxies are spinning, too, and the Milky Way, our galaxy, is in a spiral pattern. Even our DNA is a spiral. Whatever that universal force is, I feel a kinship.” Dean founded her company in 1972 after having performed in the companies of Paul Taylor and Paul Sanasardo. She has made dances for a wide range of companies and genres, encompassing ballet, ice skating, and folk dance ensembles.
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