Paul Taylor Dance Co. to bring 50th anniversary celebration to Centennial Hall

TUCSON -- Commemorating 50 extraordinary years in the art of dance, Paul Taylor brings a special collection of his best and most popular shows to Centennial Hall for one night only.

Come witness history in the making as Paul Taylor begins his next 50 years of distinguished mastery.

The Paul Taylor Dance Co. celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2004 with a selection of new and classic works by its founder, who is without a doubt one of the most influential voices in modern dance.

While dancing with Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham, Paul Taylor nurtured his own dance company, establishing "one of the most intelligent, stylish, and physically magnificent dance troupes we have," according to New York Magazine.

Inventive, witty

With more than 120 dances to his credit, Taylor is as prolific as ever. His choreography dazzles with uncommon musicality, unrivaled inventiveness and a crackling wit.

In celebration of the Paul Taylor Dance Co.'s 50th anniversary, the company will undertake an unprecedented 50-state tour, performing in all 50 states between March 2004 and the Spring of 2006.

Little did Paul Taylor realize that his first performance marked the beginning of a career, a company, a choreographic style and a half-century of unequaled creativity.

No one could have imagined that 50 years, later audiences the world over would flock to see his dances performed not only by the company that bears his name but by many of the world's most celebrated ballet and modern dance companies as well.

He is the subject of an Academy Award-nominated documentary, author of an acclaimed autobiography, winner of an Emmy and a MacArthur "genius" award, Kennedy Center honoree, National Medal of Arts recipient, Member of France's L/gion d'Honneur, and holder of a half-dozen honorary doctorates.

The Tucson performance at Centennial Hall is Tuesday, April 19, at 7:30 p.m.

Full price tickets are $36, $30, $22 and $18. Tickets for UA faculty, staff and seniors are $29, $24.50, $18 and $15. Prices for students and children are $29, $16 and $10.

For tickets by phone, call 520/621-3341; TTY: 520/626-3980. By Fax, call 520/621-8991.

The UApresents Box Office at Centennial Hall is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.

Tickets also are available at the UA Student Union BookStore, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. and Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.

Also at the University Services Building, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On the Web, visit www.uapresents.org

Centennial Hall is at 1020 E University Blvd. in Tucson.

kwalenga@gvnews.com | 547-9739