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Paul Taylor Dance Company

Eisenhower Theater

The Paul Taylor Dance Company makes a triumphant return to the Kennedy Center as the company commemorates 70 years of extraordinary dance, featuring a world premiere by Hope Boykin (Artistic Advisor for Dance Education at the Kennedy Center).

Feb. 27 - Mar. 1, 2025

Production Information

  • Genre

    Dance

  • Live Music By

    Members of the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra

  • Presenting Sponsor

    Bank of America

Austin Kelly, Lee Duveneck, Alex Clayton, Devon Louis, Kenny Corrigan, and John Harnage in Paul Taylor's Arden Court. Photo by Ben McKeown © ADF

Program

The Paul Taylor Dance Company makes a triumphant return to the Kennedy Center as the company commemorates 70 years of extraordinary dance. Paul Taylor emerged as a cutting-edge choreographer in the 1950s. Over six decades, he crafted 147 company works that provoke social issues and spotlight theatrical modern dance. Taylor’s astonishing legacy continues today under the leadership of Michael Novak, a company member appointed to the role of Artistic Director by Taylor before his passing in 2018.

The company ushers in a new era with a world premiere by Hope Boykin (Artistic Advisor for Dance Education at the Kennedy Center). Commissioned by the Kennedy Center, the work was developed as part of the Social Impact Office Hours residency program and features Boykin’s boundary-pushing movement.

The Paul Taylor Dance Company will also perform two classics by Paul Taylor. In Arden Court, dancers move playfully in a romantic scene inspired by Shakespeare, performing to symphonic exceprts by baroque composer William Boyce. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, Esplanade transforms the idea of pedestrian movement into a riveting performance, set to music by Johann Sebastian Bach.

Quote: Paul Taylor Dance Company

One of the most exciting, innovative, and delightful dance companies in the entire world.”

The New York Times

Note from the Curator

“The Paul Taylor Dance Company is one of the most important major modern American dance companies. This year as it celebrates its 70th anniversary, the company includes a world premiere work by Hope Boykin, who herself is making her choreographic mark on the dance world.”

—Alicia Adams, Kennedy Center vice president dance and international programming

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Sponsors

William J. Caldwell and Michele Toth

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Support the Kennedy Center's Dance program when you designate your Membership to Ballet and Dance.

Terms and Conditions

All events and artists subject to change without prior notice.

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