Celebrating 50 Years at PTDC

While on stage, the peripatetic Paul Taylor Dance Company always seems to be on the move. In fact, their modus vivendi is to practically fly off the stage, in continuous motion. So it may not seem like big news that they are on the move for the spring season.

Well, after celebrating many a spring at New York City Center, they will head up to the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center for their performances beginning this March. And they plan to make the 2012 season special.

The “white ballet,” Aureole. Photo © Paul B. Goode

To commemorate not just their move, but also the 50th anniversary of Paul Taylor's remarkable dance piece "Aureole," PTDC is staging a special performance on 13 March at the 1962 price of $3.50. These specially priced tickets went on sale beginning on 9 Jan. at the Koch Box office, online at www.ptdc.org/tickets.

"Aureole" is light and romantic, but has a meaty athleticism. Its luminous male solo part has been performed not only by generations of Taylor dancers, and in the original production by Paul Taylor himself, but also by both Rudolf Nureyev and Mikhail Baryshnikov.

“Aureole” is remarkable for the new ground it broke in connecting modern dance to the ballet.

Paul Taylor began creating “Aureole” in 1962, while the Company was based in Paris. Although, it was his 30th dance piece, it was his first major success, and a groundbreaking new work. "Aureole," has been considered the work that ushered in the Golden Age of dance.

In it Paul Taylor combined elements of ballet and modern dance in a way that is unique and unexpected. “Aureole,” has an innocence and simplicity that is both tender and soulful. It is also a perfect example of PT's style with its sweeping and soaring movements.

Unusual for the era in which it was created, “Aureole” is set to a Baroque score, excerpts of the Concerti Grossi by George Fredric Handel. "Aureole” has been dubbed his "white ballet" because the dancers are dressed entirely in white, in stark contrast to the lushness of the score and the fluidity of the dance.

See a performance of "Aureole" here.

The rest of the PTDC run, from 14 March to 1 April is at 2012 pricing. In the repertory for this spring, are three New York premieres, including “The Uncommitted.” Also there will be two much-anticipated revivals – “Junction” from 1961 and “House of Cards” from 1981. During the expanded three-week engagement., PTDC will hold its Annual Gala at the Koch on 15 March.

Master Chef Charlie Palmer of "Aureole" restaurant is getting into the festivities with a special pre-fixe menu from March 1 to April 1 on the ballet's theme, featuring a "Dance of Death" dessert and a "House of Joy" main course. There is even a vegetarian choice in honor of Gala Master of Ceremonies Alan Cummings on the bill of fare. (Click here to see more about Aureole New York.)

Pictured PTDC “Aureole” stars Michael Trusnovec and Amy Young with PTDC Gala Master of Ceremonies Alan Cumming at Aureole the restaurant with Executive Chef Marcus Ware.

Visit www.ptdc.org to learn more about Paul Taylor Dance Company.