September 17, 2009
Modern Dance Powerhouse Paul Taylor Dance Company to Perform in Akron Oct. 3
The Paul Taylor Dance Company, long-recognized as one of the world's most beloved and respected dance troupes, will come to EJ Thomas Hall in Akron on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 8 pm for one performance only.
Tickets can be purchased by calling 330-972-7570 or online at ticketmaster.com. Deeply discounted tickets at $5 are made possible by a grant from Akron Community Foundation.
Presented by DANCECleveland in collaboration with The University of Akron's Dance Program and EJ Thomas Hall, the company will perform three works from the acclaimed and legendary dancemaker Paul Taylor who founded his company in 1954. Syzygy, created in 1987, is set to music part Big Band with a Latin beat -- by Donald York, the company's music director. The title of this high energy, whirling dance comes from the weather phenomenon that occurs when the sun, moon and earth are in perfect alignment.
Brandenburgs (1988), set to the well-known music by J.S. Bach, has been praised for its ability to provoke "childhood wonder at the enveloping power of the art." Changes (2008) showcases the various textures of the psychedelic sixties which are serenaded into existence by The Mamas and The Papas, whose music sets the mood for this dynamic dive into the world of flower power.
Choreographer Paul Taylor, who is the guiding force behind the troupe that has been to more than 450 cities in 60 countries, has been at the forefront of modern dance for over five decades. After attending Juilliard, he made his dancing debut with the Merce Cunningham Dance Company, then danced with Martha Graham before founding his own company in 1954. Taylor has been called the quintessence of new dance made in the USA. Paul Taylor Dance Company has appeared on PBS nine times, including the 1991 Emmy Award-winning Speaking in Tongues.
DANCECleveland has a 25-year history of presenting the Paul Taylor Dance Company. Since 1983, the company has performed seven times under DANCECleveland's sponsorship.
Other performances in DANCECleveland 2009-10 season will include: Doug Elkins & Friends (Nov. 20 -21), Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane (Jan. 30), Aspen Santa Fe Ballet (Feb. 27-28) and Pilobolus Dance Theater (May 8).
