Photo by Paul B. Goode
Even when the story appeared in Monday's New York Times, a publication of considerable credibility, I had trouble believing it.
For all of its stunning 60 years, the Paul Taylor Dance Company performed the works of one choreographer: Paul Taylor, now 83, and still choreographing away, American Dreamer being just one of his recent works. But now, this news:
Paul Taylor, who is among the remaining pioneers of the modernist movement that transformed dance in the mid-20th century, is shaking up his company as it celebrates its 60th anniversary — in the hope, he said, of keeping it going for "at least" another 60 years.[He said] said that he wanted to broaden its mission to include presenting past masterworks of modern dance and works of contemporary choreographers in addition to his oeuvre and the dances he plans to continue to create.
"I want to bring back great works of American modern dance that have been done in the past, so that today’s audiences can see them, and I want to encourage future choreographers of modern dance."
To make certain the story is accurate, I asked PTDC Executive Director John Tomlinson, and he responded:
It is true — nothing in Taylorland ever stands still. Paul Taylor loves to defy all those who think they know him. Myself included.
This is one more reason to look forward to the future of the company, and its appearances with San Francisco Performances.