June 22, 2017 – (Becket, MA) Often lauded for its “youth, vitality, good cheer and a sense of adventure” (Sarah Kaufman, The Washington Post), Paul Taylor Dance Company returns to the Pillow for a special seven-performance 85th Anniversary Season engagement, July 12-16 in the Ted Shawn Theatre. Led by the vision of renowned modern dance choreographer Paul Taylor, the company made its Pillow debut in 1964 and is widely regarded as one of the finest modern dance companies in the world. The program will feature a roster of classic works, including Airs, Syzygy, and the exuberant and romantic Esplanade, set to two Johann Sebastian Bach concertos.

“How can we have our 85th Anniversary without this iconic master of American dance?” said Jacob’s Pillow Director Pamela Tatge. “We are excited to welcome Paul Taylor Dance Company back with a program that includes three works seen in four of the five decades of Taylor at the Pillow—every decade except for the 1960s, when the company made its debut here. Personally, I saw Esplanade at the Kennedy Center when I was thirteen years old; it was the very first contemporary dance work that I ever saw. The celebration of pedestrian movement and the exhilaration and joy that the dancers experienced showed me the potential of this form to viscerally connect with an audience. I never forgot that performance and I’m pleased to be able to share it will new audiences and Paul Taylor fans alike, at the Pillow.”

For the full press release, click here.