Zalk, Kayla Kazahn

Kayla Zalk (1931-2001) was a noted teacher of movement, choreography, dance, as well as Labanotation and other forms of dance notation, whose career centered around her expertise in movement analysis.

Born in the Bronx, New York, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature from the University of Michigan and took graduate courses in dramatic arts at Columbia University. She began studying dance with Doris Humphrey and José Limón, then branched 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, the Precursor of the Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies (LIMS). She later served as president of the American Dance Guild. She also founded the Westbury Arts Center in Westbury, New York, which established a curriculum of art, dance, music, and pottery training for community children and adults. When her daughter was killed in a car accident, Zalk founded the Newton, Massachusetts branch of Compassionate Friends, an organization that helps families who have lost children find a positive resolution of their grief. She was a member of the faculty at Brandeis University, Lesley College, New York University, Purchase College, State University of New York, and the University of California at San Diego. At the time of her death she was on the faculty at The Boston Conservatory.

From the description of Kayla Zalk papers, 1962-2001. (New York Public Library). WorldCat record id: 169946332

Kayla Zalk was born October 21, 1931 in Bronx, New York. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature from the University of Michigan and took graduate courses in dramatic arts at Columbia University. Zalk began studying dance with Doris Humphrey and Jose Limon, then branched out into general movement studies. Zalk’s career centered around her expertise in movement analysis. In 1965, she earned a certificate in the first Effort/Shape Training Program taught by Irmgard Bartenieff at the Dance Notation Bureau, the Precursor of the Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies (LIMS).

She served as president of the American Dance Guild and founded the Westbury, Arts Center in Westbury New York which established a community based curriculum of art, pottery, dance and music training for children and adults. When her daughter Mara was killed in a car accident, Zalk founded the Newton, Massachusetts branch of Compassionate Friends, an organization that helps families who have lost children find a positive resolution of their grief.

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. At the time of her death she was on the faculty at The Boston Conservatory. Zalk died on November 16, 2001 in Newton, Massachusetts.

From the guide to the Kayla Zalk papers, 1962-2001, (The New York Public Library. Jerome Robbins Dance Division.)