The Yard kicks up its heels
Published: July 17, 2008
Diversity in Dance '08 will be one of the highlights of this year's Yard Arts! Festival. A tribute to The Yard's late founder Patricia Nanon, Sunday's performance at the Performing Arts Center at the regional high school features Paul Taylor's Esplanade performed by Taylor 2, dance legends Gus Solomons Jr. and Carmen de Lavallade, works by Ms. Nanon performed by Vineyard dancers Jil Matrisciano, Daryl Owens, guest artists, and a piece created specially by and for Island children.
Choreographed in 1975, Esplanade is considered one of Mr. Taylor's seminal masterworks. Yard Artistic director Wendy Taucher says she chose the piece for this concert because "it is one of the best 22 minutes a person can spend."
She continues, Esplanade "consists of deceptively simple movement that can only be performed by the most highly skilled dancers. Structurally, it is as wildly sophisticated and seemingly simple as the Bach it's danced to. It's an enduring classic - which is what we hope Patricia's legacy will be on this island."
Taylor 2's widespread domestic touring has taken the Company to 46 states. The Company, with its award-winning dancers, has also participated in a record ten New York State Long Term Residencies with support from the New York State Council on the Arts.
The concert will feature excerpts from some of the best pieces created by Patricia Nanon over her years at The Yard, including the 2007 Water Sketches, which many people consider her finest work.
Ms. Taucher says, "It's exciting to restage Patricia's work. I feel privileged to be able to work with such stellar dancers and to be able to choose from so many years of beautiful material. She's looking over my shoulder the whole time, and I know she's cheering us all on."
Founded in 1973 by Patricia N. Nanon, The Yard is recognized for excellence in dance locally, nationally, and internationally.
Diversity in Dance '08, Sunday, July 20, 6:30 pm. Martha's Vineyard Performing Arts Center, with a dessert and champagne reception with the cast following. Tickets $100 premium seating and party; $50 premium seating; $20 general admission; $10 general admission for seniors/under 30.
