Kayla Zalk papers, Additions

1967-1983

Kayla Zalk (1931-2001) was a dancer, choreographer, teacher, and author. She earned a degree in English literature from the University of Michigan and took graduate courses in dramatic arts at Columbia University. Zalk studied dance with Doris Humphrey and José Limón before branching out into general movement studies. In 1965, she earned a certificate in the first Effort/Shape training program taught by Irmgard Bartenieff at the Dance Notation Bureau. Zalk continued her association with the Dance Notation Bureau, and went on to study Labanotation and its creator Rudolf Laban in particular.

She served as president of the American Dance Guild, which published Dance Scope magazine from 1965 to 1981. Dance Scope covered all areas of dance – history, criticism, technique, choreography, education, and philosophy – in addition to interviews and contributions by top dance professionals. Along with Naima Prevots, Zalk worked to contribute to Dance Scope's Laban centenary issue. Zalk was also a member of the American Dance Therapy Association and attended conferences at the Sesame Institute in London.

Zalk was a member of the faculties at New York University, Brandeis University, The State University of New York-Purchase, Lesley College and The University of California at San Diego. She lectured in choreography, movement analysis, Labanotation, and dance for actors. At the time of her death she was on the faculty at The Boston Conservatory.