Sarasota Ballet Presents: The Paul Taylor Dance Company

The Sarasota Ballet is pleased to kick-off their 2012/2013 season with performances by the internationally renowned Paul Taylor Dance Company, Oct. 26-28.

Direct from New York City, for their only Florida appearance this season, the contemporary dance Company brings a unique cultural opportunity to the Sarasota community.

Paul Taylor, the last living member of the pantheon that created America’s art of modern dance, is widely considered to be one of the foremost American choreographers of the 20th century. His works have made him among the most sought-after choreographers working today, commissioned by presenting organizations the world over.

“We feel honored to present the work of such an influential choreographer,” said Iain Webb, Director of The Sarasota Ballet. “Paul Taylor truly is one of the last legends of American modern dance and to have his work performed, by his company, in our community is just thrilling.”

A protégé of Martha Graham – an American modern dancer and choreographer whose influence on dance has been compared to the influence Picasso had on modern visual arts –Taylor’s dances are known for expressing the true inner emotions of the human mind. Whether he reveals mankind’s savage nature or expresses the ineffable sadness of a dysfunctional family, Taylor moves audiences as masterfully as he moves dancers.

This season at the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, the Paul Taylor Dance Company will perform three of Taylor’s most riveting pieces:

• Gossamer Gallants

With movement inspired by blue-bottle flies, dragonflies and other insects, this comedic dance compares mating rituals of the insect world with that of humans.

•   The Uncommitted

Taylor’s newest dance – unveiled July 2011– is a comment on the impermanence of many relationships in the 21st century. This dance looks at individuals who fail to create meaningful, lasting connections with other people. “Taylor reveals the meat of the human condition. The dance suggests a world in which loneliness is not exactly the same as being alone.”– Gia Kourlas, The New York Times

•   Cascade

The unlikely “collaboration” between a German composer from music’s Baroque era – J.S. Bach – and an American modern dance pioneer resulted in this elegant work in which men are reverential to women. The dance features highly energetic, free and open movement with complex patterns.

Later this season, The Sarasota Ballet will perform Taylor’s high-spirited Company B, Nov. 16-17. A recall of the World War II era, this popular dance features hit songs that depict an America surging with excitement, but reminds us that many soldiers never returned from battle.

“Not only will the Paul Taylor Dance Company kick off our season with breathtaking works of modern dance, they will also set the stage for the high caliber of work to be performed by our Company in the months ahead,” said Webb. “Audiences shouldn’t miss this opportunity.”

Performance Schedule and Ticket Information

The Paul Taylor Dance Company

Friday, October 26th at 8 p.m.

Saturday, October 27th at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.

Sunday, October 28th at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.

FSU Center for the Performing Arts,

5555 North Tamiami Trail

Sarasota, FL 34243

Tickets may be purchased online 24 hours a day, seven days a week with Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover. The box office can be contacted by calling (941) 359-0099 x101.

About The Sarasota Ballet

The Sarasota Ballet is the Gulf Coast of Florida’s only professional ballet company. Since 1990, the Company has been committed to enriching lives, captivating emotions and strengthening the community through the art of dance. Under the leadership of Director, Iain Webb the company has grown to national and internal recognition.

Maintaining a diverse repertoire that includes works by world-renowned 20th century choreographers as well as some of the most sought after choreographic talents of today – The Sarasota Ballet offers audience members the unique opportunity to experience ballets that have never been seen in Florida and rarely in America. Presenting both full-length classical ballets and brand-new world-premieres, the Company receives critical acclaim from New York and European press. 

For more information please visit www.sarasotaballet.org or call (941) 359-0099