Paul Taylor Dance Company Transforms the Art Form of Modern Dance with Incredible Artistry and Athleticism

By Ed Brice

One of the most iconic and dynamic modern dance ensembles of our time, the Paul Taylor Dance Company has been innovating and transforming the art form of modern dance since 1954. Their recent performance was an unforgettable experience for all those in attendance, as was accentuated by the standing ovation they received at the conclusion of their Lesher Center for the Arts performance in Walnut Creek, CA. on Friday, April 7. Each of the three pieces presented that night showcased the highly-athletic and musical skills of both the dancers and choreographers alike.

Brandenburgs (choreographed by the late, founding director Paul Taylor) was a visual delight as the dancers brought the musical score of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos #6 to life. We could see the rise and fall of the notes, the rhythm of the measures, and the ebbs and flows of the musical dynamics as the dancers curved and turned across the stage, eliciting images of the detail, beauty, and grandiosity often associated with the Baroque era.

Company B (also choreographed by Taylor) was a fun, romping piece, danced to the swinging, boogie woogie music of the Andrews Sisters. Nine different songs were brilliantly and fully danced to as a part of this larger ten-section-whole, and wonderfully each piece was choreographed with its own distinct mood and personality.

Rush Hour (choreographed by Larry Keigwin) closed out the evening. All the theatrical components of this piece contributed to the imagery of an urban landscape at rush hour, as the name implies--the wings and backdrop curtains were lifted to reveal the larger expanse of the of the stage space, the costumes (by Fritz Masten) only utilized the colors black and gray, square grid patterns covered the floor reminiscent of streets and avenues intersecting one would find on any major city map. The dancers executed the choreography of this dance with full-embodiment, shockingly so much so at times that gasps from the audience were heard. The movement vocabulary on display at times moved like the seamless flow of traffic, evoking images of birds flocking, while at other times scenes of road rage were inferred with combative-like partnering work.

Don't miss the chance to witness the mastery of the Paul Taylor Dance Company as they push the boundaries of modern dance with their incredible artistry and athleticism. I highly recommend going to see the Paul Taylor Dance Company whenever they perform in a city near you!