Biographical/historical: Phyllis Lamhut (born 1933 in New York) is an American modern dancer, choreographer and teacher. She studied with Alvin Nikolais and Murray Louis and was a leading dancer with Nikolais' company. She began creating her own works in 1950, which were performed in recitals at the Henry Street Playhouse, and subsequently by the Jose Limón company. Between 1970 and 1996 she directed her own company, for which she choreographed many works, and since 1996 she has taught choreography and improvisation at NYU.