Review: PAUL TAYLOR at Lincoln Center is Stunning and Exciting

Paul Taylor American Modern Dance Company makes a triumphant return to Lincoln Center's David Koch Theatre for their 2016 Season through April 3rd. The shows will feature fourteen repertory dances, two premieres by Taylor, and pieces by Martha Graham, Donald McKayle, Doug Elkins, and Larry Keigwin. Every program of the run has music played live by Orchestra of St. Luke's. With multiple programs on the schedule, dance enthusiasts and many more can return to the Lincoln Center venue to enjoy the company's abundant talents again and again.

We attended the March 18th program in three acts that included "Images," "Dilly Dilly" and "Beloved Renegade." The diversity of the offerings added to the excitement of the stunning evening of dance.

"Images" was the opener with music by Claude Debussy, choreography by Paul Taylor, costumes by Gene Moore, and lighting by Mark Litvin. The piece, first performed in 1977, featured eight of the Paul Taylor dancers in charismatic and engrossing display that evolved beautifully. Playful yet, dramatic, "Images" showcases the remarkable precision and graceful athleticism of the troupe.

The second act, "Dilly Dilly", set a very different tone with familiar songs sung by Burl Ives. The choreography is by Paul Taylor, set and costumes by Santo Loquasto, and lighting by James F. Ingalls. Folksy themes are portrayed with the dancers clad in colorful western garb. The piece is making its premiere season and it is a wonderful addition to the company's repertoire. "Dilly Dilly" has some whimsical moments such as the full cast performing "The Doughnut Song" and an opportunity to experience the storytelling talents of the company with a clever rendition of "Frankie and Johnny" featuring Ms. Halzack and Mr. Trusnovec. "Dilly Dilly" concluded with an especially fun piece, "The Big Rock Candy Mountain", that featured Ms. Fleet, Mr. Mahoney, and Mr. Graciano.

The third act, "Beloved Renegade", has music by Francis Poulenc performed by St. Georges Choral Society. The vocalists, in particular soprano Devon Guthrie, were absolutely superb. The choreography is by Paul Taylor, costumes by Santo Loquasto, with lighting by Jennifer Tipton. "Beloved Renegade" is a moving, modern balletic piece inspired by the life and work of Walt Whitman. It was first performed in 2008. Outstanding moments in the "Beloved Renegade" were "I sing the body electric" with pairing by Ms. Khobdeh and Mr. Kleinendorst, and the spectacular finale, "I bequeath myself to the dirt to grow from the grass I love, if you want me again look for me under your boot-soles" that featured the full cast.

The Paul Taylor Dance Company roster is Michael Trusnovec, Robert Kleinendorst, James Samson, Michelle Fleet, Parisa Khobdeh, Sean Mahoney, Eran Bugge, Francisco Graciano, Laura Halzack, Jamie Rae Walker, Michael Apuzzo, Michael Novak, Heather McGinley, George Smallwood, Christina Lynch Markham and Madelyn Ho. The Rehearsal Director is Bettie De Jong.

See The Paul Taylor American Modern Dance Company and relish the rich opportunity to experience dance at it's very best. For more information on their upcoming performances at Lincoln Center and to purchase tickets, visit:http://ptamd.org.

Photo Credit: Paul B. Goode

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