Burton Taylor; Former Dancer With Joffrey Ballet

Burton Taylor, 47, a former leading dancer with the Joffrey Ballet, known for his speed, lightness and strong acting ability. Taylor danced such roles as Captain Belaye in John Cranko’s “Pineapple Poll” and Arthur Saint-Leon in Robert Joffrey’s “Pas des Deesses.” Taylor made his professional debut with the Eglevsky Ballet in 1959. He joined the American Ballet Theater in 1962 and the Joffrey in 1969, dancing with the company through 1978. He also was a contributing editor of Dance magazine from 1979 to 1983. On Wednesday in White Plains, N.Y., of the complications of acquired immune deficiency syndrome.