Paul Taylor Dance Company / Taylor Dance East

For New Yorkers seeking to immerse themselves in the world of modern dance, or simply looking for an awe-inspiring cultural experience, the Paul Taylor Dance Company and its associated Taylor Dance East studio stand as an iconic point of interest. Paul Taylor, a legendary dancemaker, revolutionized modern dance, and his legacy continues to thrive through this dynamic company and its dedicated school. If you're a local resident, whether you're a lifelong dance enthusiast, a curious newcomer, or a parent looking for exceptional training for your child, exploring this institution offers a profound connection to world-class artistry right here in the heart of New York City.

The Paul Taylor Dance Company, founded in 1954, has been at the forefront of modern dance for decades, known for its extraordinary repertory of over 170 dances, many choreographed by Taylor himself, covering a breathtaking range of themes and moods. Under the artistic direction of Michael Novak, the company continues to innovate, presenting both Taylor's timeless classics and exciting new works by contemporary choreographers. Coupled with The Taylor School's commitment to high-quality dance education, from "tiny tots to elders," this institution is a cornerstone of New York's vibrant performing arts scene. This article will guide you through the company's location, diverse services, unique highlights, and explain why it's a must-visit for anyone in the New York region.

The Paul Taylor Dance Company, and specifically its Taylor Dance East studio, is conveniently located at 551 Grand St, New York, NY 10002, USA. This address places it in the historically rich and culturally diverse Lower East Side of Manhattan, a neighborhood known for its vibrant atmosphere and accessibility. For New Yorkers, the ease of reaching this location is a significant benefit, whether for attending a performance, dropping into a class, or enrolling in a program.

The Lower East Side offers excellent public transportation connections, making the studio readily accessible from various parts of the city. Key subway lines within comfortable walking distance include the F, J, M, and Z trains at the Delancey Street-Essex Street station. Additionally, the B and D trains at Grand Street are also a short distance away, providing robust connectivity from uptown Manhattan, Brooklyn, and other areas. This comprehensive network of subway lines ensures that New Yorkers can plan a smooth and efficient commute to the studio.

In addition to subway access, numerous bus routes serve the Lower East Side, further enhancing accessibility. While street parking can be a challenge in bustling Manhattan neighborhoods, there are often metered parking spots and commercial parking garages available in the surrounding blocks, offering options for those who prefer to drive. The location on Grand Street means the studio is integrated into a lively urban environment, with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops nearby for visitors to enjoy before or after their dance experience. The convenience of its Lower East Side home reinforces its status as an integral and easily reachable point of interest for the local community.

The Paul Taylor Dance Company and The Taylor School (including Taylor Dance East) offer a comprehensive range of services dedicated to performance, education, and artistic development.

• Professional Dance Performances: The Paul Taylor Dance Company tours annually, both domestically and internationally, performing a repertory of iconic Paul Taylor dances and new commissions from contemporary choreographers. They have a yearly residency at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in NYC.
• Youth Programs: The Taylor School at Taylor Dance East offers semester-long youth programs for toddlers to teens of all levels. These programs focus on physical skills, spatial awareness, musicality, and an understanding of Taylor technique with a broad understanding of modern dance. Additional genres like Breaking/Hip Hop, Ballet, and Tumbling/Acro are also offered.
• Adult Open Classes: Daily open classes across multiple dance styles (including Taylor Modern, Ballet, Contemporary Floorwork) and fitness genres (Yoga, Dance Cardio & Conditioning, Steele Pilates) are available for ages 15 and older. These are drop-in friendly, allowing flexibility for busy schedules.
• Professional Division Programs: Rigorous training programs for aspiring professional dancers, designed to cultivate the next generation of modern dance artists.
• International Touring and Outreach: The Company is dedicated to sharing modern dance with the broadest possible audience, touring extensively and representing the United States at arts festivals worldwide, often with accompanying educational programs.
• Archival Access and Digital Content: Through various membership tiers, supporters can gain access to exclusive video archives of Taylor's performances and digital content, providing an in-depth look at his work.
• Community Engagement: The company offers a variety of educational programs and engagement opportunities to reach diverse audiences and foster appreciation for modern dance.
• Venue Rental (Limited): While not explicitly stated as a primary service for external events, dance studios may occasionally be available for rentals, though inquiries would be direct.

The Paul Taylor Dance Company and Taylor Dance East possess a multitude of features and highlights that establish them as a premier destination for dance in New York City.

• Legacy of a Modern Dance Giant: The company preserves and perpetuates the vast and influential repertory of Paul Taylor, one of American history's most celebrated and innovative dancemakers, offering audiences a chance to experience his genius firsthand.
• Exceptional Dancers: The company is composed of "sensational dancers – endearing athletes, expressive artists, and extraordinary entertainers" who bring Taylor's demanding and varied choreography to life with passion and technical brilliance. One reviewer called their performance "Magnificent Job done by All."
• Diverse Repertory: Beyond Taylor's 147 iconic works, the company actively commissions new dances from established and emerging choreographers, ensuring a dynamic and evolving artistic landscape that blends classics with contemporary innovation.
• Live Musical Accompaniment: Performances, such as those at the David H. Koch Theater, often feature live music by gifted orchestras like St. Luke's Orchestra, enhancing the immersive and "brilliantly orchestrated" experience for audiences.
• Commitment to Education: The Taylor School provides high-quality dance education to students of all ages and levels, from children exploring movement for the first time to adults refining their technique, nurturing future dancers, choreographers, and audiences.
• Welcoming Atmosphere: Despite its world-class status, the staff at the studio is described as "very friendly," contributing to a positive and supportive environment for all who visit or train there.
• Excellent Facilities: The dance facilities are noted as "excellent," providing a conducive environment for both rigorous training and inspiring performances.
• "The Real Deal" in Modern Dance: Reviewers emphasize the authenticity and profound impact of the company's performances, encouraging both newcomers and fans to experience "live art" that truly transports the audience.

For New Yorkers interested in learning more about performances, classes, or other offerings from the Paul Taylor Dance Company and Taylor Dance East, please use the following contact details:

Address: 551 Grand St, New York, NY 10002, USA

Phone: (212) 431-5562

Mobile Phone: +1 212-431-5562

For New Yorkers, the Paul Taylor Dance Company and its Taylor Dance East studio represent an exceptional and highly suitable point of interest, offering a wealth of opportunities for engagement with the art of modern dance right in their urban backyard. Its suitability for locals stems from a powerful combination of its accessible location, diverse programming, and the unparalleled artistic quality it upholds.

Firstly, its strategic placement on Grand Street in the Lower East Side means it's incredibly convenient for residents across the city. With multiple subway lines serving the area, commuting to a class or performance is a straightforward affair, making it easy for busy New Yorkers to integrate this enriching experience into their lives. The positive feedback about friendly staff and excellent facilities further enhances the welcoming atmosphere for all visitors, whether they are dropping in for an adult class or attending a momentous performance.

Secondly, for those seeking to actively participate, The Taylor School provides a wide array of dance classes that cater to all ages and skill levels, from "tiny tots" learning the joy of movement to adults exploring new forms. This inclusivity means that local families have a trusted institution where their children can develop discipline, creativity, and a love for dance, while adults can pursue their own artistic interests or simply enjoy a unique fitness experience. The emphasis on high-quality dance education, rooted in Paul Taylor's innovative technique, ensures a truly rewarding learning journey.

Lastly, for any New Yorker who appreciates world-class live performance, attending a Paul Taylor Dance Company show is an unmissable event. As highlighted by reviews, the company's performances are "brilliantly orchestrated," "magnificent," and truly "the real deal." Experiencing the athleticism, passion, and artistic depth of these dancers, often accompanied by live orchestras, offers a profound "transportation by live art" that enriches the cultural life of the city. Being able to regularly witness such caliber of dance, preserving a legendary legacy while also embracing new choreographic voices, makes the Paul Taylor Dance Company a cherished and indispensable cultural asset for locals. It’s a place where the vibrant pulse of modern dance beats strong, offering inspiration and engagement for every New Yorker.

Paul Taylor Dance Company / Taylor Dance East

551 Grand St, New York, NY 10002, USA