By Walter Rutledge
Paul Taylor’s American Modern Dance (PTAMD) begins its annual New York City Season Tuesday, March 15 at the David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center. The three-week, twenty-one performance spring offering runs thru April 3 and will include two New York premieres by Taylor, Sullivaniana and Dilly Dilly- his 143rd and 144th works for the company. The performances will feature live music performed by the renowned Orchestra of St. Luke’s, conducted by long-time Taylor Music Director, Donald York.
In addition to the two new works by Taylor, the season will also feature two world premieres and two revivals of masterworks. As part of Taylor’s new dance initiative choreographers Larry Keigwin and Doug Elkins received commissions to set new works on the PTAMD. Both artists were given six weeks at Taylor’s Grand Street studios to develop new works. “The public is hungry for new dances, which are the lifeblood of a modern dance company and the reason I make two new dances every year,” Mr. Taylor, 84, said in a statement.
With the success of presenting two modern dance masters during the 2015 seasons (Doris Humphrey’s architectural marvel Passacaglia and Fugue and Shen Wei’s Rite Of Spring) Taylor returns for 2016 with two new masterworks. Donald McKayle’s 1959 masterpiece Rainbow ’Round My Shoulder performed by Dayton Contemporary Dance Company and Martha Graham’s Diversion of Angels performed by PTAMD. This is the first time the Taylor Company will perform a Graham work.
One of my most gratifying experiences is developing a rapport with the performing artists, artistic directors, and choreographers we review for O&A NYC. Taylor dancer Michelle Fleet has graciously talked with us before the Taylor Company’s New York seasons every year since 2011. We have seen Fleet grow as an artist; with each interview she exudes greater confidence as she shares her personal process and insight for bringing dances from concept to the stage. In this two-part interview Fleet shares her thoughts on the upcoming season and the new direction of the company.
Conversation With Michelle Fleet
Paul Taylor’s American Modern Dance performances are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm.Ticket prices range from $10 to $175 (visit www.boxoffice.dance). Premium $175 seats include an invitation to the Patrons Lounge during intermissions.
In Photo: 1) Michael Trusnovec with Michelle Fleet, Annamarie Mazzini and Robert Kleinendorst 2) Jose Limon Dance Company 3) Michelle Fleet 4) Michelle Fleet with James Samson, Erin Bugge, Michael Novak, Aileen Roehl, Michael Trusnovec, and Heather McGinley
Paul B. Goode photographer