Robert Kleinendorst

Biography

Robert Kleinendorst received his B.A. in Dance from Luther College in 1995. Immediately upon graduation, Robert moved to New York City to pursue a dance career. Robert attended daily classes at the Paul Taylor Dance Company while dancing for Anna Sokolow’s Players’ Project, Gail Gilbert Dance Ensemble and Cortez and Co.

In 1998, Robert was asked to join Paul Taylor’s second company, Taylor 2. Robert was then asked to join Mr. Taylor’s main company in 2000 in which he danced until his retirement in 2019. In his 21 years with Paul Taylor, Robert danced 98 roles in 77 of Taylor’s dances and originated 28 roles with Mr. Taylor. He also originated roles with choreographers Larry Keigwin, Doug Varone, Lila York, Doug Elkins, Bryan Arias, Pam Tanowitz, Margie Gillis and Kyle Abraham.

In addition to his performing career, Robert taught master classes domestically and abroad as well as teaching at the Taylor School in New York. Robert also took on the responsibilities of assistant rehearsal directing and administrating all of Mr. Taylor’s company auditions. Robert received his M.F.A. in Dance from George Mason University in 2021. He spent the following year as the Coordinator of the Dance Department and Director of the Dance Company at Anne Arundel Community College. Robert is currently in his fourth year as an Assistant Professor of Dance at Towson University.