The Paul Taylor Dance Company will perform at the Classic Center Theatre in Athens on September 19, presented by the University of Georgia Performing Arts Center as part of its UGA Presents series. The company, founded in 1954 by choreographer Paul Taylor, is recognized internationally for its influence on contemporary dance.
Currently led by artistic director Michael Novak, a former dancer with the company, the ensemble continues to present Taylor’s works alongside new choreography that reflects a range of voices within modern dance.
The program in Athens includes three pieces from the company’s repertoire. “Company B,” set to music made famous by the Andrews Sisters, contrasts 1940s American optimism with the challenges of World War II. “Concertiana,” Taylor’s final work before his death in 2018 and set to music by Eric Ewazen, will also be performed. The third piece, “Esplanade,” uses everyday movements such as running and skipping to explore movement and emotion.
The Paul Taylor Dance Company has appeared in over 600 cities across 66 countries and maintains an annual residency at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City. According to The New York Times, it delivers “America’s most communicative and wildly theatrical modern dance” to audiences worldwide.
In addition to their main performance, the company will offer a Piedmont Athens Regional Performance for Young People and conduct a master class with University of Georgia dance students.
Paul Taylor began his career as a choreographer in 1954 after performing with Martha Graham’s company. He was known for bridging early modern dance pioneers with later generations of choreographers. His initiative at Lincoln Center starting in 2015—Paul Taylor American Modern Dance—brought together historic works and new creations while supporting emerging choreographers through commissions.
Support for this event comes from the Christine and Thomas Pavlak Endowment.
UGA Presents is the flagship series of the University of Georgia Performing Arts Center. It brings performances from around the world to Athens and engages both university members and local residents through concerts, theater productions, and other events. This season marks the center’s 30th anniversary, highlighted by more than 40 events including a gala performance featuring cellist Yo-Yo Ma on February 1, 2026. More information about upcoming performances can be found at https://pac.uga.edu/.
Tickets are available online at https://pac.uga.edu/, by phone at 706-542-4400 during box office hours (Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.), or in person at the UGA Performing Arts Center box office where short-term parking is available for ticket purchases or pickups. Audience members can create their own series of three or more performances for a discount; single tickets start at $30 using promo code PAC30, while student tickets are $15.
