September 18, 2008

• To view video of Paul Taylor Dance Company, click http://alysstephens.uab.edu/lineup/series08/42349/

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Alys Stephens Center presents Paul Taylor Dance Company at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31, and Saturday, Nov.1, at the Alys Stephens Center, 1200 10th Ave. S., Birmingham. Tickets are $75, $55, $45 and $35; students $20. Call 205-975-2787 or visit www.AlysStephens.org for more information.

The Paul Taylor Dance Company, established in 1954, has long been among the world's most highly respected dance troupes. The company has been chronicled in nine different PBS programs, including the Emmy-winning "Speaking in Tongues" and "Dancemaker."

Few artists have had the profound impact on their art form that Taylor has had on dance over six decades. People in cities and towns throughout the world have seen and enjoyed live modern dance performances due largely to the far-reaching tours he pioneered as a virtuoso dancer in the 1950s. Fifty-three years after he made his first avant garde works, he has a collection of 128 dances performed by his own celebrated company, now numbering 16 dancers, as well as renowned ballet and modern dance companies here and abroad. He has set movement to music so memorably that for legions it is impossible to hear certain orchestral works and popular songs and not think of his dances.  As the subject of the widely seen documentary, "Dancemaker," and author of a critically acclaimed autobiography, "Private Domain," he has generously shed light on the mystery of the creative process. He remains among the most sought-after choreographers working today, commissioned by leading companies, theaters and presenting organizations the world over. 

Some works on the program are "De Sueños," "De Sueños Que Se Repiten" and "Esplanade." The show is part of the Jemison Investment Co. Movement & Magic Series. Sponsors are Jemison Investment Co., The Birmingham News, UAB and Viva Health.