The University of Georgia Performing Arts Center presents the Paul Taylor Dance Company, one of the world’s most renowned contemporary dance ensembles, Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the Classic Center Theatre.
Founded in 1954 by legendary choreographer Paul Taylor, the company has spent more than 70 years reshaping the landscape of American dance. Today, under the artistic direction of Taylor alum Michael Novak, the company remains at the forefront of the art form, bringing Taylor’s masterworks together with new voices that reflect the diversity and dynamism of contemporary dance.
The Athens program will feature three iconic works from the Taylor repertory:
- Company B (1991) — Set to songs made famous by the Andrews Sisters, this beloved dance juxtaposes the buoyant spirit of 1940s America with the sobering realities of World War II.
- Concertiana (2017) — The final work choreographed by Paul Taylor before his passing, set to music by Eric Ewazen, brims with vitality and joy.
- Esplanade (1975) — One of the most celebrated works in modern dance, Taylor’s exuberant masterpiece transforms everyday gestures like running, skipping and falling into a breathtaking study of movement and emotion.
The Paul Taylor Dance Company has performed in more than 600 cities across 66 countries, representing the United States at international festivals and sustaining an annual residency at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. Known for its athleticism, artistry and theatricality, the company continues to bring what The New York Times has called “America’s most communicative and wildly theatrical modern dance” to audiences around the globe.
In Athens, the company will also perform a Piedmont Athens Regional Performance for Young People and spend time working with UGA dance students in a master class.
Taylor, one of the most accomplished artists this nation has produced, helped shape and define America’s homegrown art of modern dance from the earliest days of his career as a choreographer in 1954 until his death in 2018. Having performed with Martha Graham’s company for several years, Taylor uniquely bridged the legendary founders of modern dance and the dance makers of the 21st century with whom he later worked.
Through his initiative at Lincoln Center begun in 2015 — Paul Taylor American Modern Dance — he presented great modern works of the past and outstanding works by today’s leading choreographers alongside his own vast repertoire. He also commissioned the next generation of dance makers to work with his renowned company, thereby helping to ensure the future of the art form.
This performance is supported by Christine and Thomas Pavlak Endowment.
About UGA Presents
UGA Presents is the University of Georgia Performing Arts Center’s flagship series, bringing world-class dance, music, theater and conversation to Athens. Through its performances and engagement programs, UGA Presents connects the university and the community with global performing arts. Over the course of more than 40 events this season, audiences will celebrate the PAC’s 30th anniversary, culminating with a Feb. 1, 2026, gala performance by superstar cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
Three ways to get tickets
- Purchase tickets online at pac.uga.edu.
- Call the Performing Arts Center box office at 706-542-4400, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Visit the UGA Performing Arts Center box office, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Five-minute parking is available in the drop off circle at the Performing Arts Center for purchasing or picking up tickets.)
Audience members can create their own series of three or more performances for 10% off. UGA Presents single tickets start at just $30 with promo code PAC30, and UGA student tickets are $15. To learn more about all UGA Performing Arts Center events, visit pac.uga.edu.
