One of the pioneers of contemporary dance in North America is about to be spotlighted in Vernon.
New York’s Paul Taylor is widely considered to be one of the foremost American choreographers of the 20th century. His recent dances, as well as his classics, offer cogent observations on life’s complexities while tackling some of society’s thorniest issues.
The company he founded, the Paul Taylor Dance Company, is about to make a special engagement when it performs at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre Nov. 10.
But first locals will have a chance to learn about the man himself when the centre hosts a special screening of the documentary film, Paul Taylor: Creative Domain, Saturday, Oct. 24.
“I make dances because I believe in the power of contemporary dance, its immediacy, its potency, its universality,” Taylor is quoted as saying. “I make dances because that’s what I’ve spent many years teaching myself to do and it’s become what I’m best at.”
The documentary is currently screening in New York’s Lincoln Center to rave reviews and follows Taylor during his creative period choreographing Three Dubious Memories, his 133rd dance. The film crew captures the first day the dance is cast to its premiere.
“The film is exceptional, both in its craft as a documentary and the opportunities it creates for discussion, education and insight into the world of dance,” said Jennie Lay, with the Bud Werner Memorial Library in Steamboat Springs, Colo.
Saturday’s film screening at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre starts at 3 p.m. Admission is free. Tickets to see the Paul Taylor Dance Company‘s Masterworks at the centre, Nov. 10, are on sale now at the Ticket Seller, 549-7469, ticketseller.ca.
