Syracuse University and the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra (SSO) have partnered to co-produce public performances by the world-renowned Paul Taylor Dance Company Nov. 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. in the Mulroy Civic Center Theater at Oncenter. The program includes the world premiere of Taylor’s “Brief Encounters,” commissioned by the University. The performances mark the culmination of a three-week campus and community residency by the acclaimed Taylor 2 dance ensemble, which in turn launches a yearlong celebration of Taylor’s 80th birthday.

The engagement by the Taylor companies is a New York State Long-Term Dance Residency, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts. The residency and performances are also funded through a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

At an age when most artists’ best work is behind them, Taylor H’86 continues to earn acclaim for the vibrancy, relevance and power of his dances. His works offer cogent observations on life’s complexities while tackling some of society’s thorniest issues. A native of Washington, D.C., Taylor studied art and was a swimmer at SU in the late 1940s. He discovered dance and studied at the Juilliard School, and by 1954 had assembled a small company of dancers and presented his choreography.

“We’re thrilled that Paul Taylor, a legend of dance, is returning to Syracuse this fall to celebrate his 80^th birthday with both a residency for his companies and the debut of a new piece,” says SU Chancellor and President Nancy Cantor. “This extraordinary moment is galvanizing our community of experts in the performing arts, highlighting our vibrant and longstanding creative partnership with the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, which is esteemed in its own right and features many musicians who teach and perform as part of SU’s faculty. Paul is one of SU’s own, so this will be as much a homecoming as a birthday celebration for one of the world’s great artists.”

“We are very pleased to be working with Syracuse University and the Paul Taylor Dance Company to bring a new dance work to life right here in Syracuse. We are grateful to the University for suggesting this exciting partnership, and we look forward to collaborating with Paul Taylor Dance Company to present a terrific performance,” says Karen Gahl-Mills, president and executive director of the SSO.

One of the world’s most exquisite dance ensembles, the Paul Taylor Dance Company has performed Taylor’s works in more than 60 countries and 520 cities. It has represented the United States at arts festivals in more than 40 countries and has toured extensively under the aegis of the U.S. Department of State.

In 1993, Taylor established Taylor 2, a six-dancer ensemble, to accommodate performance requests, teach and provide community outreach. Under the direction of Andy LeBeau, an alumnus of the Paul Taylor Dance Company, Taylor 2’s repertoire includes dances spanning the broad spectrum of Taylor’s work that have been reworked for a smaller ensemble.

“There is a need in this community for young dancers to work in a consistent way with dancers of this caliber. The community residency by Taylor 2 is a wonderful and important aspect of this project,” says Carole Brzozowski, University Arts Presenter.

ByJaime Winne Alvarez (315) 443-3784

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