By Cathy Harding
Scheduling a performance season that features a different show every day – or sometimes twice a day – is a no easy task when a dance company has 170 works in its repertory. But for Michael Novak, Artistic Director of the Paul Taylor Dance Company, the weeks of mixing and matching dances as he builds the troupe’s annual Lincoln Center season is well worth the effort. In the six years that he has led the Company, Novak has continued to reaffirm Founder Paul Taylor’s commitment to showcase important historical works in the modern dance canon alongside masterworks from the vast collection of dances by Taylor himself as well as new commissions from contemporary choreographers. Indeed, from Novak’s perspective, in naming him as Artistic Director before his death in 2018, Taylor provided a clear path forward. For the Company’s upcoming season at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, Novak assembled 21 different programs.
“Paul believed that the future of our art form would rest in being well-grounded in modern dance history while keeping the door wide open for new voices,” says Novak. “For me, the richness comes in having Paul’s genius as the centerpiece in that equation. The weeks I spend finalizing the program are always inspired by Paul’s vision for how to move modern dance forward.”In performing annually at Lincoln Center, the Taylor Company stands alone among modern dance companies. “For audiences that are more familiar with seeing ballet at the Koch, I want to create as many contexts as possible to appreciate the breadth, athleticism, and sheer emotional power of this group of 17 artists,” Novak says of the Company. “Some nights that will mean programs that feature Paul’s works only. Sometimes it will mean layering in history and new voices. Either way, these dancers put everything into their performances and really blow you away.”
Starting on November 5 and through November 24, audiences can see a total of 10 unforgettable dances by Paul Taylor, including Promethean Fire, a monumental work of human resilience created in the aftermath of 9/11; Aureole, Taylor’s first major success, marrying his loping choreographic style to a Baroque score by G.F. Handel; Funny Papers, a well-described, lighthearted romp through a comic-strip sensibility; and Esplanade, Taylor’s signature masterpiece constructed entirely from everyday, non-dance movements.
Among the World Premieres during the season are two works by Lauren Lovette, a former principal dancer with New York City Ballet whom Novak appointed as the Taylor Company’s Resident Choreographer in 2022. One of her works, Chaconne in Winter, reunites her with the Grammy Award-winning trio Time for Three, who accompanied her hit from last season, Echo. Renowned choreographer Robert Battle will also present a World Premiere for one-night only on November 6.
Historic dances include two tributes to Loïe Fuller, whose bold experimentations with light and fabric at the cusp of the 20th Century mark her as a modern dance foremother, as well as the return of Vespers, a fierce evocation of faith and womanhood by the late Ulysses Dove.
The Orchestra of St. Luke’s will perform live for all 21 shows – also uncommon among modern dance companies, although a staple of performances at Lincoln Center. For Novak, live music is a must-have.
“Just as changing programs daily supports the dancers’ artistry, ensuring that they remain nimble and responsive, so does live music bring forth their deepest instincts as performers. We are beyond fortunate to have OSL as our partners at Lincoln Center. Not only are they outstanding musicians, but they bring extraordinary sensitivity to the needs of dancers,” he says.
New this year, Novak has included an intermission-free, 75-minute matinee of Taylor works on November 16. “Parents asked us to build a program for them and their children that would ease their introduction to modern dance,” says Novak. “This year’s Family Express addresses their need without any artistic compromise.”
The final show of the Season will conclude with Esplanade, launching the 50th anniversary of what is often called “the dance that changed modern dance.”
“Whether this is your first Esplanade or your 50th, audiences can expect a high voltage show that will be a fitting close to an exceptional and unforgettable season,” says Novak. “We hope everyone will join us in the Koch theater and experience the Taylor magic.”
More information on the season and tickets is available at www.boxoffice.dance.
Can’t wait!