Paul Taylor Dance Company in Paris

Originally broadcast on PBS's Great Performances series, this program showcases the work of Paul Taylor, who for nearly 60 years has been at the forefront of American dance, while the company he founded in 1954 remains one of the most traveled—and respected—in the world. Superbly shot at the Théâtre National de Chaillot during the company's June 2012 stay at the eighth annual Festival Les Etés de la Danse in Paris, the performance here spans two decades in the prolific choreographer's creative career, including one work from 1988 and another from 2008. The earlier Brandenburgs, a succession of solos and ensembles set to excerpts from Bach's Brandenburg Concerti 3 and 6, is an exuberant, carefree piece that celebrates the courtship ritual in a distinctively inventive fashion. The second, Beloved Renegade, is more dramatically intense, evoking the life and writings of Walt Whitman against excerpts from Francis Poulenc's luminous Gloria, following the poet as he's led by his muse—an angel—toward death, culminating in poignant but serene farewells to friends. Both pieces beautifully illustrate Taylor's imaginative yet tasteful marriage of music and movement, and are danced with enthusiasm and finesse by his hand-picked troupe, including the exceptionally fine Michael Trusnovec and Amy Young. DVD extras include the featurette “Paul Taylor: Architect of Energy,” in which he discusses both works. Highly recommended. (F. Swietek)