Incorporating his philosophy, liberal beliefs and experiences into dance, Bill T. Jones, a world-famous choreographer and dancer, spoke in the Union Theater Thursday as part of the Distinguished Lecture Series presented by the Wisconsin Union Directorate.

Jones has earned accolades including a MacArthur “Genius” Award, Kennedy Center Honors and two Tony awards for his work as a choreographer in Broadway shows Spring Awakening and Fela!

Jones had his eyes set on Broadway from a young age. He said after having done high school drama class, he went to college thinking he was headed to Broadway.

“Little did I know I took a little detour of about 30 years in dance. I did get to Broadway, ultimately, but my soul is shaped by the idea of this body, this thing, that if I just listen to it, then it can speak a truth,” Jones said. “And now when speaking that truth what if we, by chance, put a story on top of that.”

Dance is supposed to be an art form, Jones said.

“We don’t need to talk,” he said. “You should be able to go anywhere in the world and if your dance is true enough and deep enough, you don’t need to explain it.”

In performances by his Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company in the last couple decades, Jones uses Mozart’s music String Quartet No. 23 in F major, a piece written in July of 1790.

Jones described his experience writing a piece about the influence of “the romantic culture in the new world.” He also spoke on bringing purpose to his art without preaching.

“Let’s talk about slavery, let’s talk about subjugation of the Native Americans, let’s talk about all of that — but how can I do it without preaching?” Jones said.

As for his inspirations and motivations, Jones said he attributes his dance company’s success to the young people he has worked with over the years.

He also cited composer and avant-garde artist, John Cage, as an inspiration for some elements of his performances. He called Cage a “great architect of indeterminacy or chance.”

Jones elaborated on some of his creative and artistic philosophies after the lecture.

One student questioned whether one’s artistic valued can be equated to the value of their ticket prices.

Jones said the value of art is assigned in how it endures. He posed the question, ”Does that mean Elvis is a lesser artist than the Beatles? Or the Beatles are a lesser artist than Taylor Swift?”

Jones will be performing with his Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company on Saturday at the Union Theater.