Clay Taliaferro, Professor of the Practice, is dedicated, through the expressive powers of human movement, to an on-going exploration of "what is dance?" He has had extensive involvement in American dance theater for the four decades as a performer, teacher, and maker of dances throughout the Americas, Europe, and the former Soviet Union. He was, most notably, a principal dancer and guest artist with the José Limón Dance Co. for ten years, also serving the company as Assistant Artistic Director to Ruth Currier. Prior to being invited by Josè Limón to join his company, Clay danced with, and was Acting Artistic Director for the Donald McKayle Dance Company. He also co-founded/directed and performed with the Theatre Dance Trio. In addition to performing on and off-Broadway, in T.V. and on film, Clay has choreographed over eighty works. He has received grants for his work from, among others, the Duke University Institute of the Arts, the American Dance Legacy Institute, and the National Endowment for the Arts. A Professor of the Practice of Dance and a recipient (´98) of Duke University´s Richard K. Lublin Distinguished Award for Teaching Excellence, Clay continues a guest artist professional schedule throughout the world. Humanist and student of the world, Clay Taliaferro´s early training was at the Boston Conservatory of Music with Jan Veen and Ruth Ambrose and at the Gene Frankel Theatre Academy in New York City. Clay received, in 1986, an honorary degree, Doctor of Fine Arts, from Rhode Island College.