Taylor, Margaret Palmer, 1908-2004

Biography / Administrative History

Margaret Palmer (1908-2004) was a pioneer in the field of sacred dance in America. Born in Oakland, California, she was a daughter of a Congregational minister. The family moved to Honolulu in 1917, where she learned creative dance in school. She continued to study dance, and earned her B.A. at Oberlin College in 1930, later attending Chicago Theological Seminary, 1931-32.

Her first husband, Chester B. Fisk, was a minister, and Margaret began to incorporate sacred dance in the church worship services. She continued to expand her dancing, organizing rhythmic choirs and teaching in workshops, festivals, and classes in many denominational and college settings. She interpreted and choreographed dances for worship services well into her 90's.

She is the author of several books and articles, performed sacred dance on early television, and was a founding member of the Sacred Dance Guild. She lived and traveled extensively throughout the United States. She assumed the names of all four husbands. In 1957 she married Walter A. Taylor; in 1969, Elwyn B. Chaney; and in 1980, Clarmont Paul Doane. This resulted in several combinations of married names in her writings and performances.

Her choreography was designed so that members of the congregation could participate and express a relgious and communal spirit. She writes, "Sacred dance is really a sacred trust. We can use energy in our dances to share meaningful awareness of our Creator's power among us, strengthening us, and bringing us resiliency as we grow in mutual caring and daring."

From the guide to the Margaret Palmer Taylor collection of Sacred Dance, 1920-2004, (The Graduate Theological Union. Library.)