The Columbia Theatre will welcome its first professional dance performers this season on April 9. The Paul Taylor Dance Company will showcase its talent at the Columbia for the first time since its reopening in 2001.
The company made its debut in May of 1954 and has since become one of the most respected companies across the globe. It has grown from an original five-performer group to a company of 16 dancers and an additional six-member company “Taylor 2.” The company has performed in more than 520 cities in 62 countries, including Southeastern’s Vonnie Borden Theatre in D Vickers.
“They performed at Vonnie Borden Theater before the Columbia opened in 2001, and they were a big hit, so I decided it would be a good idea to bring them back,” said Roy Blackwood, the interim director of the Columbia Theatre. “It’s the only professional dance troupe that we’ve had this season and for several other seasons.”
A change in the typical performances seen on the Columbia stage, this will be the first dance performance of several seasons including the 2012-13 season. Students and citizens of all ages will be able to enjoy the show.
“This has been the only dance performance of the year,” added Blackwood. “There are so many dance studios here, and professional dance is very popular, so we feel like there are a lot of people who would like to see this.”
Nine members of the company will be performing modern choreography at several venues across the nation.
“It’s a very progressive company,” said Blackwood. “Along with the Martha Graham, they have been the two best in the US. It’s a company of nine people that are coming in. They do very exciting and entertaining dance. It’s not typical ballet, but it is very interesting movement, and I think a lot of people will enjoy it. It’s something that everybody can enjoy.”
Tickets for the Paul Taylor Dance Company performance can be purchased on www.columbiatheatre.org or at the box office Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. through 4 p.m. Prices range from $36 to $44.