The Paul Taylor Dance Company has made a long-awaited return to London, performing at the Linbury Theatre after more than 20 years away. The company, founded by the late American modern dance pioneer Paul Taylor, presented a programme that showcased his signature blend of athleticism and joy.
Taylor's 1988 piece Brandenburgs, set to Bach's concertos, opened the evening with dancers in green velour, exuding a buoyant, analogue charm. The choreography, full of postcard moments and sleek angles, proved both technically demanding and accessible, leaving audiences feeling uplifted.
The programme also included Robert Battle's Under the Rhythm, a tribute to the power of dance and African American jazz and modern dance traditions. Battle, former artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, infused the piece with virtuosity and showmanship, referencing Harlem dancefloors and even a nod to Carlton's dance from The Fresh Prince.
Closing the evening was Taylor's Piazzolla Caldera (1997), a tango-inspired work that evoked Buenos Aires's seedy underworld. With smouldering looks and furrowed brows, the dancers delivered a feisty, entertaining performance that, while effortful in its intensity, remained easy to watch.
The company, now led by resident choreographers preserving Taylor's archive, continues to honour his legacy of dance that prioritises audience enjoyment. This London run, the first in two decades, reaffirms Taylor's enduring appeal and the company's vibrant artistry.
