Taylor Time is in full swing. The Paul Taylor Dance Company held their Gala performance tonight at New York State Theater in Lincoln Center. The evening presented two world premieres by Resident Choreographers Lauren Lovette and Robert Battle and the Taylor classic Sunset. This is a quick recap of the evening. A review(s) will follow, but we wanted to keep you in the know.
Lauren Lovette opened the evening with stim a high energy ensemble work set to the electrifying music of John Adams. The score refused to relent, and it defied the conventional/traditional suite format. No second movement adagio, no big coda ending just non-stop energy from beginning to end. John Harnage was a standout.
There is something about a man in uniform. They define masculinity and heroism and in Sunset (as in Company B) Taylor adds just a dash (or two) of homoeroticism. Lee Duveneck and Jake Vincent take us on a randy ride of subtle gestures and innuendo framed in Taylor’s unmistakable musicality and indelible structural prowess.
After a heartfelt Company update and acknowledgements by Artistic Director Michael Novak Robert Battle’s second company work and first ensemble creation Under the Rhythm got underway. Using a selection of gospel, and spirituals performed in a jazz style by artist such as Ella Fitzgerald and Wycliffe Gordon Battle took us on a different Gospel train. The work showcased Battle’s strong use of syncopation and his astute sense of economy. These strong traits combined with his storytelling gifts helped make this abstract narrative an instant season favorite.
Shout out to Alex Clayton you are truly a little giant.
The season runs through November 23 if you haven’t seen the Paul Taylor Dance Company yet… you should!
For more information about the Paul Taylor New York season and/or purchase tickets visit https://paultaylordance.org/performances/newyorkseason/
