One of the world’s most highly respected and
sought-after ensembles, the Paul Taylor
Dance Company brings the vibrancy, relevance, and power of its namesake
icon to Diana Wortham Theatre on Friday
and Saturday, October 17 & 18, 2014 at 8:00 p.m.
At an age when most artists’ best works are
behind them, Paul Taylor continues to win public and critical acclaim as one of
the seminal artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. His
works have shaped the homegrown American art of modern dance, which he has
helped define and develop since he became a professional dancer and pioneering
choreographer in 1954. Taylor offers cogent observations on life’s complexities
while tackling some of society’s thorniest issues. While he may propel his
dancers through space for the sheer beauty of it, he more frequently uses them
to illuminate such profound issues as war, piety, spirituality, sexuality,
morality, and mortality.
In its October 17
& 18 performances at Diana Wortham Theatre, Paul Taylor Dance Company
performs the following works: Arden Court,
one of the exuberant dances from Mr. Taylor’s highly acclaimed collection of
works, set to baroque music; Sunset,
set to the music of Edward Elgar, a poignant look at camaraderie among soldiers
and the sweethearts they leave behind; and Syzygy,
a full-throttle exercise in physicality as dancers hurtle across the stage like
so many celestial bodies orbiting and eclipsing each other, set to an urgent
score by Donald York.
Paul Taylor Dance
Company’s first public performance in Manhattan in 1954 marked the beginning of
a half-century of unrivaled creativity, and in the decades that followed, Paul
Taylor became a cultural icon and one of history’s most celebrated artists,
hailed as part of the pantheon that created American modern dance. The Paul
Taylor Dance Company has traveled the globe many times over, performing in more
than 520 cities in 62 countries, representing the United States at arts
festivals in more than 40 countries and touring extensively under the aegis of
the U.S. Department of State. The company has appeared on PBS in ten different
programs, including the 1992 Emmy Award-winning Speaking in Tongues; the 1999 American Masters series program Dancemaker, the Academy Award nominated
documentary about Mr. Taylor and his Company; and the 2013 airing of Paul Taylor Dance Company in Paris,
featuring renowned works Brandenburgs
and Beloved Renegade.
Paul Taylor Dance
Company’s performances are also part of the Matinee Series for Students and Families, with a performance on
Friday, October 17 at 10:00 a.m. The Matinee Series is open to school groups,
homeschoolers, community groups, and families.
For insight and
increased enjoyment, ticket holders of the October 17 & 18 evening
performances can attend free pre-performance
discussions with members of the Company in The Forum at Diana Wortham
Theatre at 7:00pm both nights prior to the 8:00pm performances. Seating is
limited and offered on a first come, first served basis. We regret that we may not
admit patrons to the discussions after 7:10 p.m.
Paul Taylor Dance
Company’s Asheville
performances are presented with support from The Arthur J. Fryar Charitable
Fund; and made possible by Performance Sponsors Will and Catherine Gay, Susan
Holden, Tina & John McGuire, Ronna & Rob Resnick, Hedy Fischer &
Rancy Shull, BMW of Asheville, and Diamond Brand Outdoors; and by Mainstage Dance
Series Sponsors Dan & Linda Hinchliffe and Steve & Rena Hoffman; with
additional support from Media Sponsors WCQS 88.1FM, WNC magazine, and WTZQ AM 1600.
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