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Legacy Oral History Online Collection

Aaron Osborne

osborne RESIZED.jpg

Aaron Osborne

Aaron Osborne (1947-1995) was a passionate dancer. He studied with the pioneering modern dance great, José Limón, as well as Maggie Black and Mary Anthony. From 1969 to 1974, he danced with the José Limón Dance Company. Limón created Orfeo, one of his last pieces, specifically for Osborne. Osborne went on to join the Lar Lubavitch Dance Company. In the latter part of his career, he turned to teaching dance, instructing in his own style of modern technique. He won a loyal following of dancers who continue to pass on his legacy.

Osborne came to dance late and seemingly accidentally as a college student. Once he found dance, however, he hungrily applied himself to the discipline. He transferred from the University of Oregon where he was a pre-med student to the Julliard School. He studied and danced in private studios throughout New York City while following his course of study at Julliard. He became well versed in the techniques of Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, and José Limón. Osborne said that it was the human quality, the psychological motivation animating Limón’s work that captivated him.

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