Lindsay Live Interview with Paul Taylor
Last Thursday, I met up with Paul Taylor to discuss his life as a modern dance choreographer as well as his company's upcoming season which starts February 28 at City Center .
As you can imagine, I was more than slightly nervous! Although I read his autobiography and studied his works extensively in college, Taylor's existence still seemed somewhat illusive to me. It was more than not being able to entirely grasp the eccentricity of his choreography; simply put, it was everything about him. In class discussions at Barnard, he often took on a larger-than-life persona, someone capable of solving all of the world's problems through the exploration of dance. A kind of dance deity. I mean, he was Paul Taylor, after all. Never did I anticipate meeting this mystery movement maker, let alone speaking with him one-on-one at his incredible Soho studio for an on-camera interview.
Humbled in the presence of dance greatness, I tried to maintain my composure despite the butterflies performing "Cloven Kingdom" in my stomach. I had no idea what to expect, but Paul was kind, gentle, and his blue eyes lit up when he explained the motivation behind his craft. By the end of our conversation, I came to realize that Paul is not the illusive deity I anticipated, but rather the personification of the definition of art. He speaks the language of dance, and while I still put him on a much deserved choreographic pedestal, I am finally beginning to understand what he is saying.
I hope this interview gives you something of a glimpse into the life and work of Paul Taylor.
The Paul Taylor Dance Company City Center season runs from February 28 - March 16.
Below is the remainder of the 2008 performance schedule:
Mar 26 Syracuse, NY
Landmark Theater
Mar 29 Erie, PA
Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center
Apr 1 Johnstown, PA
Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center
Apr 3 Huntingdon, PA
Halbritter Center for the Performing Arts
Apr 5 Bloomsburg, PA
Mitrani Hall
Apr 8 Easton, PA
Williams Center for the Arts
Apr 10 Kutztown, PA
Schaeffer Auditorium
Apr 11 - Apr 12 Harrisburg, PA
The Rose Lehrman Arts Center
Apr 15 Wilkes-Barre, PA
F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
Apr 17 - Apr 19 Philadelphia, PA
Annenberg Center
Apr 21 Mercersberg, PA
Burgin Center for the Arts
Apr 22 Shippensburg, PA
H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center
May 1 - May 3 Seattle, WA
Meany Hall
May 9 - May 10 Baltimore, MD
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
For more information on Paul Taylor Dance Company, visit their website at www.ptdc.org.
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Modern, Enthusiast, Performance, City Center, Interview, Paul Taylor (all tags)