PAUL TAYLOR DANCE COMPANY
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Taylor’s jaunty, neatly crafted Arden Court, six men showing off for three admiring ladies, was the curtain raiser. Occasionally the women join their cavaliers, cradled affectionately but not passionately in their arms. Since its 1981 premiere, Arden Court, performed to portions of William Boyce’s symphonies, has delighted audiences with its gentle humor; though not formally balletic in style, it has nevertheless become part of the Joffrey Ballet’s repertory.
The 1983 Snow White, with an original score by Donald York, Tayor’s resident composer, has never been seen here. It may not be prime Taylor, but the choreographer did give the familiar tale a few original twists, including some wonderful acrobatics for the dwarfs. David Grenke, as the prince, was too effetely wrapped in himself to take much notice of Snow White, Francie Huber. Their not-so-classic pas de deux had some broad, amusing touches–near misses and clumsy grappling–but their fascination with the mirror promised a rocky love story.
