Last modified: Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Taylor 2 dance troupe comes to IU for residency, performance at IU Auditorium
WHAT: Taylor 2
WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1
WHERE: IU Auditorium, 1211 E. Seventh St.
TICKETS: $10 to $30 for IU Bloomington students with a valid ID and $20 to $35 for general public, on sale now. Tickets may be purchased online at IUauditorium.com, in person at the IU Auditorium Box Office, as well as through Ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets or charge by phone at 800-745-3000. The IU Auditorium Box Office is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 22, 2013
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Taylor 2 dance troupe carries on the modern dance legacy of legendary choreographer Paul Taylor with a series of educational outreach opportunities for Indiana University and community dance students and professionals Jan. 30 through Feb. 1, followed by a performance at 8 p.m. Feb. 1 at IU Auditorium.
A recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors, an Emmy Award and the National Medal of Arts, Taylor is the last living member of the pantheon that created America's indigenous art of modern dance and was dubbed by Martha Graham as "naughty boy" of dance. In 1993, Taylor established Taylor 2 to ensure his works could be seen by audiences all over the world, unhindered by economic or technical limitations. He worked alongside longtime colleague Linda Hodes to create a company that could accommodate performance requests, as well as teach and provide community outreach.
Taylor looked back to the 1954 origins of the Paul Taylor Dance Company for the structure of his new company: six professionals with a particular gift for his style who would perform his works throughout the world. In selecting repertoire for Taylor 2, Taylor chooses dances that span the broad spectrum of his work. Critics and audiences have responded with enthusiasm as Taylor 2 introduces the athleticism, humor and range of emotions that are the signature elements of Taylor's work.
The Feb. 1 performance will feature three of Taylor's works: "Aureole," first performed in 1962 with music by George Frideric Handel; "Images," first performed in 1977 and restaged for Taylor 2 in 1998, with music by Claude Debussy; and "Piazzolla Caldera," first performed in 1997 and restaged for Taylor 2 in 2000, with music by Astor Piazzolla and Jerzy Peterburshsky.
"Presenting Taylor 2 is an honor for IU Auditorium," IU Auditorium director Doug Booher said. "Paul Taylor has set the gold standard for modern dance worldwide, and now this captivating ensemble is sharing his groundbreaking works with the Bloomington community. This performance, along with the educational opportunities Taylor 2 will be providing for Indiana University students, is sure to provide an invaluable and intimate look into the world of modern dance."
At Indiana University, Taylor 2 will be participating in a three-day residency aimed at engaging students involved in IU Contemporary Dance, the greater Bloomington dance community, IU arts management and administration students and the general public. The residency includes a series of contemporary dance classes at the IU School of Health lead by Taylor 2 company members; classes taught at Windfall Dance Company by Taylor 2; a professional lecture forum with Taylor 2 company members and administrative staff, open to the public, to discuss careers in the arts; a master class led by Taylor 2 director Ruth Andrien, also open to the public; Taylor 2 dance rehearsals open for student observation; a post-performance talk-back open to all ticket-holders; and more.
"Paul Taylor is considered to be the greatest living modern dance choreographer, and to have real face time with the company will be an amazing educational opportunity for our dancers," said Elizabeth Shea, director of IU Contemporary Dance. "Our students are well-acquainted with his works, having performed 'Aureole,' '3 Epitaphs' and most recently this past November at the IU Auditorium, the iconic 'Esplanade.' The opportunity to deepen their studies of Taylor and work directly with his dancers will add to their knowledge of the professional dance world. We are all so grateful for the residency activities and, of course, the performance itself."
For more information on Taylor 2 and the rest of the 2012-13 season, visit IUauditorium.com. The website features video clips and a selection of songs from this season' s performances, in addition to a direct link to the IU Auditorium Facebook and Twitter pages, whose followers receive exclusive benefits throughout the year.
Taylor 2 at IU Auditorium is sponsored by Finch's Brasserie. IU Auditorium's 2012-13 season is presented by Curry Auto Center, B97, The Herald-Times and IU Residential Programs and Services.
