Paul Taylor Dance Company: A Review of Athletic Dance Excellence

Sarah Jenkins · 2026-01-28

You know that feeling when you watch dancers move with such power and grace that it takes your breath away? That's exactly what the Paul Taylor Dance Company delivers. They're not just performers; they're athletes of the highest caliber, moving with a divine physicality that makes you believe in human potential all over again. I recently had the chance to reflect on their work, and let me tell you, it's something every dance professional should experience. Whether you run a studio, choreograph pieces, or teach classes, there's so much to learn from this company's approach. ### What Makes This Company So Special It's not just about the steps. Really, it's about the raw physicality they bring to every movement. These dancers possess an athleticism that's almost superhuman, yet they make it look effortless. They jump higher, stretch further, and move with more precision than seems possible. But here's the thing - it's not just athleticism for its own sake. Every movement serves the artistic vision. There's intention behind every leap and every pause. That's what separates great dance from merely impressive gymnastics.  ### Lessons for Dance Professionals As someone who works in dance education, I kept thinking about what studio owners and teachers could take from this company's work. Here are a few key takeaways: - **Physical conditioning matters** - These dancers are artists, but they're also incredible athletes. Their training clearly includes serious strength and endurance work. - **Artistry requires both technique and expression** - You can have perfect technique without soul, or lots of emotion without control. This company masters both. - **Collaboration creates magic** - When every dancer understands the vision and works together, the result is greater than any individual performance. - **Tradition and innovation can coexist** - They honor dance history while pushing boundaries forward. One critic perfectly captured their essence when they wrote: 'They move like the athletes of the gods - mortal bodies achieving something divine.' That's exactly right. They show us what's possible when human dedication meets artistic vision. ### Why This Matters for Your Studio If you're teaching dance classes or running a studio, you might wonder why a professional company's review matters to your work. Well, it's about inspiration. Watching excellence reminds us why we fell in love with dance in the first place. It also shows us what's possible. When your students see this level of artistry, they understand what they're working toward. It gives them something to aspire to beyond just learning steps. And honestly? It reinvigorates our own passion. Teaching can become routine if we're not careful. Seeing extraordinary dance reminds us of the magic we're helping to create. ### Bringing This Energy to Your Work So how do we translate this inspiration into practical action? Start by thinking about the physical training in your classes. Are you developing athletes as well as artists? Consider incorporating more conditioning that supports artistic expression. Think about the stories you're telling through movement. Every piece, even classroom exercises, can have intention behind it. That's what transforms steps into dance. Most importantly, remember why you do this work. It's not just about teaching people to move - it's about helping them discover what their bodies can express. That's the real magic of dance education. The Paul Taylor Dance Company shows us what's possible when dedication meets talent meets vision. They remind us that dance isn't just entertainment - it's a celebration of human potential. And isn't that exactly what we're all trying to cultivate in our studios and classrooms?