MA Liberal Arts and Science (MALAS) - San Diego State University 2024

BFA Dance - San Diego State University 2022

A.A. Sociology - Folsom Lake College 2020

A.A. Dance Studies - Folsom Lake College 2019

Robbie Taylor is a Placerville, California native who has had a passion for the arts his whole life. Having access to the family computer, he learned how to dance through YouTube videos and later joined the dance department at his high school in Placerville, California. After graduation, Robbie attended Folsom Lake College where he explored dancing ballet, modern, musical theater, and dance composition and production. While attending Folsom Lake College, he joined the MOSAIC Dance Company of Folsom Lake College in 2016 where the company's focus was on local outreach programs, performing at local events and venues, and touring nationally. 

In 2017, Robbie performed in the annual Sacramento Ballet 'Nutcracker' under the direction and mentorship of artistic director Ron Cunningham. While studying at the Sacramento Ballet, his training focus was on character pantomime and performance, Alexander technique, and classical ballet. He also performed with the company in other works including 'Carmina Burana' and 'Giselle'. 

Robbie joined Sacramento Contemporary Dance Theatre (SCDT) in 2018, under the direction of Jacob Gutierrez-Montoya. He found a home in SCDT where the company brings the work of local non-profits to the stage through visual and performing arts. 

In 2019, Robbie finished his associate degrees in dance and sociology from Folsom Lake College. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, he moved from Sacramento to Orange County for a year to study at CSU Fullerton and later transferred to San Diego State University where he obtained his BFA in Dance in the Fall of 2022. 

After graduating, Robbie continued his research in the Master of Arts in Liberal Arts and Science program at SDSU where he is continuing his education and dance studies and in the future intends on pursuing his Ph.D. in Performance Studies. 

I always wanted to be a dancer, but instead I was a wrestler for twelve years, living the life my parents wanted for me. My mom refused to let me take ballet at the local studio in El Dorado, CA because she believed dancing ballet was for girls. I was able to teach myself from YouTube in which I was able to learn the basics of ballet and jazz technique. Dance gave me the space to discover and accept myself and even though I was still in the closet, I finally felt some form of freedom. 

Through dance, I was able to express both my masculine and feminine qualities. Along the way, I learned that many queer dancers don’t have the privilege to express many aspects of their identity. My dance ancestors and other social activists have brought us a long way in terms of gay rights, and I believe it's my mission is to continue their work by creating performances and holding classes that give LGBTQ+ dancers the opportunity to fully express who they are. 

I want to inspire those around me to get active, understand that what they learn in their dance training can influence their daily life, and that they can make a positive change for our world and what's important to them.

Some questions I am working with are:

How can I create a safer space for other queer dancers so they can also feel free to be who they are and to express themselves?

How can dancemaking be a celebration of my sexuality and a place to explore across the spectrum of masculinity and femininity? 

What is the difference between me "dancing the dance" and the dance "dancing me"? 

You can find other questions I am curious about in my practice as research in "We Open at the Close" or my graduate thesis-project The With;OUT Dance Project.

Sincerely,

Robbie T.