Correction to my post below: I should have written "Piazzola Caldera" instead of "Piazza Caldera."
On occasion over the last couple of decades, I’ve gone to see ‘Esplanade’ in person. The sad death of Paul Taylor is a reminder that its been too long since the last time. But in between live performances, I’ve sometimes turned to the wonderful five-part film version on YouTube when the need arises. It just did.
Almost immediately, Part 1 begins with the face of each of nine young dancers filling the screen for just three seconds, beaming out at us, with their names writ large in yellow letters stretching from shoulder to shoulder. Less than half a minute has gone by, and then the magic begins.
If you’ve seen ‘Esplanade’ before, either in person or on film, you know what’s coming. First timers can sense that something exuberant is about to happen, and it does, but that’s all they know. Lucky them! The lyrical and darker parts of Bach’s music and Taylor’s choreography will soon work their magic as well.
Louis Torres, Co-Editor, Aristos (An Online Review of the Arts)
5
An exceptional obit for a remarkable artist. Thank you for writing it AM, and thank you NYT for giving it this space. Taylor's range and fecundity was astonishing and AM does an admirable job of surveying it clearly and generously. Well done.
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What a wonderful obituary. The loss of Paul Taylor, the last great living modern dance legend is a terrible loss for the modern dance world.
5
One of the most eloquent and passionate obituaries I have ever read. Thank you for the remembrance!
12
By chance I caught just the ending of Esplanade on TV in about 1978, with the women flying across the stage to be caught by the men at the last second, and I was hooked. I have hardly missed a season since. One of the marks of Paul Taylor's genius was the wide range of his dances--music, colors, motions, emotions--that all work so well. It amazed me that in the same year he created one of the most achingly beautiful dances (Roses) and one that was anything but, where the dancers appear to torture themselves (Last Look). In Last Look the dancers seemed to me to be survivors of a nuclear blast who were writhing in pain from radiation sickness. Yet, amazingly, it works as well as the gorgeous Roses. Both out of the same mind in the same year. Two of my many favorites. Around the company's 50th anniversary season they asked audience members to pick their 3 favorite Taylor dances. No way could I get it down to 3.
11
Dancing in Paul Taylor's company was one of my goals when I came to NYC over 30 years ago. I studied at his school, and with Carolyn Adams, who is pictured reclining in the lead picture, along with several others. I just loved the full and weighted sense of movement in his pieces. I followed his company through the creation of many works and different theaters, from BAM to City Center to Lincoln Center. What a towering figure he was. His contribution to modern dance, to all dance really, is just monumental. Rest in peace.
I danced at BAM and Lincoln Center and for other companies, but never with his.
7
For those of you who haven't read his autobiography ... it's wonderful. He wrote like he danced and choreographed, wryly, sometimes touchingly, always with exuberance. Where he grew up (in or near Pittsburgh) had a Sunnyside and a Shadyside, again like his work.
6
Like Alvin Ailey... Paul Taylor created many wonderfully accessible dances.
1
One of the most remarkable things about Taylor was how prolific he was. He created 147 ballets for his company, certainly a record for any choreographer in the world. What's more, most of them remained in repertory or were brought back after a "rest" of a few seasons. Some, like "Esplanade" and "Piazza Caldera" were great crowd-pleasers and came back season after season; a few, particularly some of the silly works from his early career such as "Snow White," were mostly retired. (Taylor's antic side was not mentioned in his Times obit, but it was an important aspect of his work.) But the number that remained in active repertory was simply astounding, and a joy to those of us who loved them like dear friends and rejoiced to see them return. Here's hoping that the company will continue to maintain the vast and ebullient legacy of dances he left for us.
8
@Daniel I would LOVE to see Snow White again. Some really great performances and casts over the years.
@PAB I'm with you! It was one of the first Taylor dances I ever saw, and it is an unalloyed delight. Hope the company brings it back.
Thank you for this lovely obituary.
8
I discovered Paul Taylor when a good friend of mine joined the Junior company in 1999. Since then, I have seen three or so generation of great dancers come through and out the door and grew to love his dances. RIP to a great artist
2
Thee only thing better that watching Esplanade is watching it with an audience where some have never see it before.
13
Attending a Taylor dance concert has been, for most of my life, a necessity every season, and will continue to be. I am grateful for his contribution to the form. I love his use of music, vocabulary of movements that include the full expression of the upper body, and choice of dancers who expressed themselves as individuals.
14
I came to Paul Taylor late- I watched the documentary 'Dancemaker' (wonderful) and went to the next season at City Center. Esplanade was one of the pieces performed and of course, I was sold. Being one of the few commenters who only had the opportunity to see only a few years of his work vs decades of it, I remember them as joyful, very musical, truly original dances. I am sorry to hear he is gone and now, I think I'll watch that film again and be reminded of who he was.
12
The dancer's muse never left you alone for long; in your dreams, hopes, aspirations, sorrows-- may your steps travel well-- across time and space, seen and unseen! RIP.
13
He truly enriched the world of dance.
8
In the ate seventies I was studying music in San Francisco and drove down to Stanford with some fellow students to see an evening of the Paul Taylor Dance company. We were treated to a dizzying variety of expressions; the only title I remember is "Cloven Kingdom", but I will always be grateful for that evening. I wish I had seen more of his work.
8
@Shanti I think I was at that same performance! I recall it included Polaris, and possibly Soup to Nuts. It was my introduction to Taylor -- and my introduction to modern dance as well -- and my spouse and I have been fans for about 40 years!
The most enduringly brilliant, varied, and soul-stirring of the modern dance giants from the 20th century, Paul Taylor remains my choice for the greatest choreographer of modern dance, and
indeed, modern times. A thrillingly beautiful dancer, he seemed almost effortless in his mastery of all kinds and styles of dance. And his works, like his dancing, were simultaneously unaffected, technically stunning, completely musical, exciting, and emotionally satisfying. There seemed to be no end to his invention or variety, and yet there is a clearly identifiable Paul Taylor style. Even his super-dark and pessimistic dances delight us. For me, the incredible scope and number and genius and sheer enjoyment of Paul Taylor's dance elevate him to a mastery beyond Balanchine, Robbins, Bournonville. and even Martha Graham.
9
In the late 1980's I was fortunate enough to take intro modern dance classes at Cleveland Sate University taught by the magnificent dancer, Tom Evert, who had been a part of the Paul Taylor company from 1977-1985.
Experiencing dance this way was one of the joys of my life.
I suspect that Paul Taylor's genius will continue to reach audiences and humble dancers like myself through those who danced in his companies, such as Mr Evert, who continues to keep dance alive in Northeast Ohio to this day.
7
I first saw Paul Taylor at age 16 (in 1964) when he toured the Philippines under the sponsorship of the US Government. He performed at the University of the Philippines and we were all lucky to have been introduced to this iconic choreographer and his works. He is a gem of a choreographer who lifted our spirits and managed to generate great interest in modern dance. May you rest in peace Mr. Taylor. Thank you for making the modern dance world a beautiful and memorable place to experience.
5
RIP. Great company, great talent. His life was filled with movement.
10
Paul Taylor....Pure Genius. As seen in many American Dance Festival performances in Durham, North Carolina, my all-time favorite. His marvelous Company has thrilled, challenged and delighted us in every way possible. Ferocious in their execution of his ideas, the image is still imprinted in my memories. Not knowing how incredibly shy he was, I have spoken with him and have a signed copy of his autobiography Private Domain. Will be missed terribly. A true Gentleman.
8
The Taylor Company danced at the American Dance Festival at Connecticut College for many years. In the summer after my freshman year, I attended a performance that included the extraordinary dance called Polaris. The dance and the dancers changed my life. I didn't become a dancer but I did become a person fascinated with the aesthetics and meaning of dance, and from there to a far greater appreciation of music and art in all their facets. When Mr. Taylor walked on stage to acknowledge the applause, I was smitten. I have attended nearly every New York season since I moved there in 1976 and realized that I could afford tickets. Taylor was, as many critics and fans have written, a giant. He created dances that leave indelible images in the mind - Esplanade, Aureole, Roses, Polaris, Speaking in Tongues, Piazzola Caldera, Syzygy, Sunset, Danbury Fair, Promethean Fire. The world is a lesser place without Paul Taylor, whose genius altered the course of dance. I am so sad, and so thankful to him and the truly great company he created.
24
I'm surprised you didn't mention the documentary about Taylor and his company "Dancemaker" from about 10 years ago. It was nominated for an Academy Award and is one of the best peeks behind the genius of this man and the world of dance that I think I've ever seen. I feel so lucky to have seen a performance of the company's spring season this past March while visiting from LA. RIP Paul Taylor.
20
Truly sad to learn of this handsome giant of the world of dance. His beautiful choreography was a worthy successor to the work of Martha Graham.
Having first seen his work in the 1960s when he was at the height of his strength and creativity, I am saddened that the world has lost his living presence but gladdened that his body of work will survive.
6
Hard to believe he's gone. How we will miss him! Thanks, Mr. Macaulay, for the lovely tribute.
6
So Sad. Farewell, Paul. Thank you for the beauty, the joy, and the happiness that watching you brought.
8
The world of art dance has lost a wonderful leader ,I often wonder what happened to Ex dancers from his company ,one
comes to mind, Monica Morris .
3
As a young dance student in Los Angeles, whenever Taylor's company came to town I endured the 405 Freeway and drove to UCLA's Royce Hall, hoping to get a rush ticket. I saw "Company B" and "Aureole" from $7 seats. The joy was all mine.
6
@Diane Leach I recall attending performances many years ago -- 1980 or earlier -- where many tickets were priced at $10. Those 10 dollar tickets have been available every season since.
Another giant has left the stage. We are all better for having experienced his creations. I only hope his works continue on ...
6
The wonderful works mentioned in this article will remain forever in the hearts of those who loved them and never tired of seeing them with each successive new cast. Who could ever really forget "Sunset" or "Roses" or "Mercuric Tidings" or so many others? Now it's up to those who remain to keep these works alive and as vivid as they have always been.
7
Paul Taylor touch/ enriched the lives and imagination of millions through his creations. he not only interpreted the world ( both external & internal), but always suggested a tone of explorartion behind/ beyond the surface - all done with utmost grace, inventiveness, and poetry.
a good way to transmit Taylor's legacy to today's children would be to produce a library of his work and offer it to elementary and high school kids starting to explore their world.
5
Reading the above, I imagine a long, appreciative essay on Bach's B minor mass. . .or Mozart's "Don Giovanni". . . .
. .. being read by someone completely tone deaf.
I'm sorry. I will never love ballet. It does nothing for me.
And yet. ..well. . .why not STRETCH myself.
Read as attentively, as appreciatively as I can, the remarks of someone who DOES love ballet--who understands every slight movement--who can effortlessly relate ALL these movements--leaps--contortions--twists--crouches. . . .
. . .to the perennial passions and sufferings of real human beings.
The things we ALL undergo--every moment that we live.
Thank you. That piece was more than just a piece.
It was an education. As if someone was endeavoring to open my eyes to colors invisible to most human beings.. . .
. ..or open my ears to sounds and harmonies indistinguishable to most human beings.
It's good to stretch oneself. Clamber out of those cardboard boxes in which one lives. . . .
. .. get into the loves and passions of other people.
For a change.
Thank you again. Great piece.
8
Had exactly the same reaction. I’ve never been that interested in dance, but this piece calls into question my complacency. It’s the best cultural appreciation I’ve read in a long time.
5
When I first arrived in New York, I had the fun of doing a variety of administrative jobs for Paul Taylor. Fresh off the turnip truck, I liked that he liked that I was Southern.
Through it was so, so many years ago, I remember this time vividly and romantically: waiting at his Van Dam down house for museum people to pick up the Rauschenberg he was lending; watching the patrons jockeying for his attention; my father's speechlessness after watch him work on a piece in the studio; coughing and stuttering as I told him him I thought his pet pig belonged outside, and receiving generous hand-made Christmas presents at wonderful parties, unparalleled sadness at losing great dancers too early; learning from the experts he attracted, each uniquely talented and dedicated.
All the memories sparkle in my mind, awash with his wit as well as his temper and impatience.
How lucky I was to know, even briefly, a beloved renegade - an American genius. The whole world will miss him. I send condolences to the Company.
29
Thank you for a remembrance that is the equal of its subject. Extraordinary.
19
"...he sold four works owned by Rauschenberg" doesn't make sense. Perhaps they were works created by Rauschenberg and given to Taylor?
I've followed the company for years -- generations of dancers -- and the catalog is glorious, and "beloved".
2
August 30, 2018
America Dance is forever in gratitude to the genius of Paul Taylor's wondrous contribution to is aesthetic renowned performances that will be enjoyed forever as true art moving the live experience delightfully.
jja
3
Rest In Peace, Mr. Taylor.
Go see the Paul Taylor Dance Company here in NYC or when they're touring the world. You won't be sorry.
8
Paul Taylor's artistry changed my life. Through my work with a local dance presenter I was privileged to meet him and many of his company on several occasions. More importantly, I got to see them perform many times. This essay really says it all. He was endlessly creative, mischievous, a little cranky and fun. If reincarnation exists I want to be reborn as Taylor dancer.
4
I first saw Paul Taylor Dance in Amsterdam in the mid 1960's. I was thunderstruck..When I moved to Brooklyn 10 years later ,I would go to BAM to see his Company. Then to City Center..to Lincoln Center and most recently to The Mahawie, in Mass.
He was a genius..
I remember coming out Of a BAM performance and falling into step behind him as he walked up Fulton Street alone. He was tall..muscular ,hulking . It was Fall and he wore a Missoni like sweater. I can see him now..This dynamic force...
9
Paul Taylor's company was the one you aspired to join as a ballet-trained dancer with a modern degree or a less-than-perfect ballet body. He made every dancer look like a star with his melding of lyricism and contemporary sensibilities. You could be an athletic girl dancer or a more cat-like boy and fit his choreography, where others' movement looked wrong. I was never more thrilled by a dance performance than sitting in the tiny Jacob's Pillow theater watching "Esplanade." I didn't make it to his company--life events derailed my dancing career--but in my dreams I'll always be a Paul Taylor dancer. Such a loss.
7
I'm a fan of classical ballet and my favourite ensembles are the Bolshoi and Mariinsky.
But the US has the best modern dance ensembles. And Paul Taylor was the greatest American choreographer of his time, before he set up his own, and became one of the most influential figures in the dance world. The pieces he choreographed in the 1970s are still highly entertaining - they are timeless.
May Paul Taylor rest in peace. His all-American youthfulness and vitality, all have set standards for American dance and his contribution to modern dance will have its place in history.
9
There is a DVD on Paul Taylor called Creative Domain, released in 2014. I haven't seen it yet, but it has been on my list for awhile. This sad news reminds me to seek harder for it.
Dance is something you have to see to appreciate....
12
A heautiful man...a wonderful dancer...a heartbreaking loss. Rest In Peace
39
I had the pleasure to know Paul after I had trained with his soloist Liz Walton for many years and named my daughter Taylor for him. His work is so challenging and delicious to learn and I am blessed to say we both had the good fortune to study it. My heart goes out to all his dance family. I imagine Liz waiting for him in heaven with her arms outstretched. Aureole in a heavenly setting ♥️
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@Lori Weatherly
What lovely thoughts! I had met Liz and seen her dance with the company in India in late Sixties when they toured for State Dept. She was angelically lovely and so young...
The Indian audience didn't get them at all but as a young Foreign Service Officer I certainly did! What good fortune to be there then in New Delhi!
3