TAKE A BOW // A FILM REVIEW OF THE DOCUMENTARY "PAUL TAYLOR CREATIVE DOMAIN"

BY CHRISENA RICCI

Paul Taylor is one of the most recognized and beloved modern dance choreographers in the dance world. His movements are filled with interesting angles, and packed with storytelling power. His ideas are simple and somehow simultaneously abstract. In the opening lines of PAUL TAYLOR CREATIVE DOMAIN, a film directed by Kate Geis, Taylor’s soft and steady voice recounts the similarities between dance and poetry. He comments on how in both poems and movement, there is space between each line left open for interpretation. The same is true for the artistic process from the audience’s point of view. Somehow, a master choreographer has taken professional dancers and created the end product, but the how is always somewhat of a mystery, or a gap.  This film explores just that and tells a complete and fascinating tale of what the process is for a Paul Taylor original, from start to finish.

The film takes off with the start of a day in the life of a Paul Taylor dancer, stretches being stretched, leotards snapped in place and rippling muscles being methodically warmed up. These images are interspersed between bits of Taylor speaking about how he feels about dance and how he begins his process. The dancers each give similar interviews, talking about the unpredictability of each project. How sometimes Taylor changes the entire concept halfway through the rehearsal process, but also that each dancer can't wait to be selected to join a new work. Amy Young, who dances Lady in Red, talks about the frustration she felt when she wasn't being used early on in her years in the company, but expresses how her current successes are due to her attitude change. Now she thinks of each opportunity to work with Taylor as a gift.

According to this film, that sentiment certainly seems true.

At one point, Taylor who is in his eighties struggles to get off the floor from a kneeling position when showing the opening position to his principle chorus dancer. But then he ascends and gestures and carefully slides his arms from pose to pose in what can only be described as a stunning example of an old pro. It's amazing that even a dancer of his age can move his hand in such a graceful way that the gesture commands attention. Clearly Paul Taylor still has it.

Taylor's process is heavily highlighted in the film and is one of the most fascinating aspects about the man as well. Taylor says that while he doesn't consider himself a collaborator with his dancers, he does his job and then tries to let the dancers do theirs. If a movement doesn't work or a dancer's improv seems to fit well, Taylor will not only use it, but according to the smiling man himself "steal it". The rehearsal process is very organized, with Taylor blocking almost one minute of movement each rehearsal. While the rehearsal process is an interesting aspect to watch, what I really was waiting for was to see the final product.

I was almost itching to see the final product by the time the film reveals the masterpiece and found myself sharing the same opening night jitters as the dance company members. The vivid fast paced camera sweeps, and bright percussive music brings the viewer backstage on the most exciting moments just before the curtain rises on Three Dubious Memories. In this particular piece Taylor explores the idea that people remember the same events very differently. Taylor places emphasis on the chorus, making them a 2-dimensional Egyptian-art like presence that helps tell the story. Each act is the same story re-told from each of the three characters' points of view.

And it is stunning, even on film.

This film is a must-see for anyone who has ever been curious about an artist’s process, anyone who has seen a dance, danced a dance, or even just thought about dancing. It really is an intriguing peek behind the rehearsal curtain, and I would highly recommend it.

CHRISENA'S GRADE: A

Directed by Kate Geis Starring: Paul Taylor. Now playing in limited theatrical release.

PAUL TAYLOR CREATIVE DOMAIN OFFICIAL TRAILER

CHRISENA RICCI once went to a costume party dressed in an all black dress and black wig. No one there could guess who she was. So she shouted out, "I'm Christina Ricci, without the T or I and add an E!" Everyone stood there confused, she was annoyed, so she stormed off. She never returned to that apartment ever again. Which is fine, because she later realized she was at the wrong party. She now lives in New York City.