Paul Taylor and his company of dancers paint a unique and refreshing picture in the world of dance. It’s breathtaking, expressive, emotional, painful, and beautiful all at the same time. Paul’s choreography and the way his dancers convey this choreography through their bodies, minds, and emotions show their devotion dance. Modern dance is such a broad term, but Paul Taylor’s company and his dance technique are a cornerstone in the definition of modern dance.
The styles of dance that I observe throughout this documentary include ballroom, ballet, lyrical, and of course, Gram’s “contract and release” modern. Despite these classic methods of dance, Paul Taylor brings an element of humanity into each. He incorporates the movements he sees in everyday life, such as walking, jumping, falling, and tripping. He also brings a depth and seriousness with his head gestures, torso movements, and arm positions that are singular to his technique. Sometime the movements are odd or distorted and cause the onlooker to puzzle, and sometime the movements are so simple, we wonder how we never saw the grace and beauty that is portrayed through a walk until now?
As stated earlier, a lot of Paul Taylor's choreography and inspiration for the choreography comes from his observations of everyday life. It also comes from the music that he is listening to. And, of course, dance is Paul’s way to work through his fears, hardships, and memories. He comes into the studio, often, with merely a vague idea of what he wants the dance to be like and then commences the great journey of give and take between himself and the dancer before the perfect outcome occurs. Whether it be grace, poise, rigidness, angularity, speed, articulation or flow, Paul's dancers strive to emulate whatever emotions or actions are required for the steps. It looks both challenging and wonderful to be a part of.
In the premiere of Piazzolla Caldera, I saw some unique choreography from Paul and his dancers. In my opinion it was not a typical Paul Taylor piece, but something young, provoking, and new. With its sensual costumes, tango styled music, and passionate choreography, it, frankly, looked like a lot of fun! Though I know the choreography process was grueling and the practice and performance of it was difficult, it must have been so enjoyable to perform. My favorite part of the company's performance in India though was when the music malfunctioned and yet the dancers continued to dance! This speaks volumes to the quality of training these dancers have had and the passion they have for it. Dance doesn't always need music. Music doesn't always need dance. But Paul Taylor’s company of dancers, in those moments where the music stopped and the dancers continued to dance, provided the audience with a bridge between the two worlds of dance and music.
Isabelle Bailey
Cynthia DuFault
Modern Dance II
3/3/21
Dancemaker Review
Paul Taylor and his company of dancers paint a unique and refreshing picture in the world of dance. It’s breathtaking, expressive, emotional, painful, and beautiful all at the same time. Paul’s choreography and the way his dancers convey this choreography through their bodies, minds, and emotions show their devotion dance. Modern dance is such a broad term, but Paul Taylor’s company and his dance technique are a cornerstone in the definition of modern dance.
The styles of dance that I observe throughout this documentary include ballroom, ballet, lyrical, and of course, Gram’s “contract and release” modern. Despite these classic methods of dance, Paul Taylor brings an element of humanity into each. He incorporates the movements he sees in everyday life, such as walking, jumping, falling, and tripping. He also brings a depth and seriousness with his head gestures, torso movements, and arm positions that are singular to his technique. Sometime the movements are odd or distorted and cause the onlooker to puzzle, and sometime the movements are so simple, we wonder how we never saw the grace and beauty that is portrayed through a walk until now?
As stated earlier, a lot of Paul Taylor's choreography and inspiration for the choreography comes from his observations of everyday life. It also comes from the music that he is listening to. And, of course, dance is Paul’s way to work through his fears, hardships, and memories. He comes into the studio, often, with merely a vague idea of what he wants the dance to be like and then commences the great journey of give and take between himself and the dancer before the perfect outcome occurs. Whether it be grace, poise, rigidness, angularity, speed, articulation or flow, Paul's dancers strive to emulate whatever emotions or actions are required for the steps. It looks both challenging and wonderful to be a part of.
In the premiere of Piazzolla Caldera, I saw some unique choreography from Paul and his dancers. In my opinion it was not a typical Paul Taylor piece, but something young, provoking, and new. With its sensual costumes, tango styled music, and passionate choreography, it, frankly, looked like a lot of fun! Though I know the choreography process was grueling and the practice and performance of it was difficult, it must have been so enjoyable to perform. My favorite part of the company's performance in India though was when the music malfunctioned and yet the dancers continued to dance! This speaks volumes to the quality of training these dancers have had and the passion they have for it. Dance doesn't always need music. Music doesn't always need dance. But Paul Taylor’s company of dancers, in those moments where the music stopped and the dancers continued to dance, provided the audience with a bridge between the two worlds of dance and music.