Gus Solomons Jr.

Gus Solomons Jr. (August 27, 1938 – August 11, 2023) was an American dancer, choreographer, journalist, and educator. He was a leading figure in postmodern dance and experimental dance.

Early life

Gus Martinez Solomons Jr. was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. His father, Gustave Martinez Solomons, an electrical engineer and Cambridge civic leader, graduated from MIT in 1928. His mother, Olivia Mae Stead Solomons, was a teacher. His brother, Noel W. Solomons, was an associate professor of Clinical Nutrition at MIT (1977-1984). His first dance teacher was E. Virginia Williams, founder of the Boston Ballet Company. and “moonlighted” taking dance classes with Jan Veen, founder of the Boston Conservatory's dance program.

Career Solomons moved to New York City in August 1961 to appear in “Kicks & Co.,” He undertook a clinical, postmodern approach to dance-making that linked a fascination with puzzles and architectural design to the process of "kinetic autobiography".

Company members included: Douglas Nielsen (1973–75)

PARADIGM

In 1996, Solomons, along with Carmen de Lavallade and Dudley Williams, started the dance collective PARADIGM, a dance company for mature dancers over the age of 50. whose goal was to "promote and celebrate the talents of mature artists on stage".

In 2001, Solomons was featured in “Free to Dance,” a three-part series presented on PBS's Dance in America.

Awards and honors

Dance Research Fellow. New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Jerome Robbins Dance Division. 2014. Solomons jr, Gus. "Teach-Learn Connection: Technique: Move your Feet! Merce Cunningham Technique" Dance Magazine 81:11. November 2007. Solomons jr, Gus. "Merce Among the Children" Dance Magazine 77:4. April 2003. Solomons jr, Gus. "Good guys" The Village Voice 45:43. 31 October 2000. Solomons jr, Gus. "Dance:King Rex" The Village Voice 43:20. 19 May 1998.