News

Somewhere in the Middle: Donald Martiny sets the stage for a new dance by Amy Hall Garner and the Paul Taylor Dance Company

The Paul Taylor Dance Company’s new commissioned dance, Amy Hall Garner’s Somewhere in the Middle, with set design by Donald Martiny, will have its World Premiere at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on November 3, 2022 at 7pm. A second performance will take place November 11 at 8pm.

"Jazz and Modern Dance are considered American art forms,” noted Ms. Garner. “When people think of classical western music and dance, most associate these art forms with nationalist European cultural traditions. By contrast, the United States – a nation made up largely of immigrants from throughout the world – has evolved these two forms through its inherent multiculturalism. With my new dance I wanted to marry the Taylor movement DNA to the inherent qualities of the jazz idiom, resulting in an organic, authentic partnership between music and movement."

Martiny’s work aligns with Garner’s ambition. He’s been called “a gestural abstractionist,’ which suggests comfort in the arena where dance and jazz collide. His ambitious set design for Somewhere in the Middle takes the form of his signature ‘frozen brushstrokes,’ three-dimensional explorations of paint’s ability to convey both movement and stillness. His bold, colorful set elements combine magically with costumes by Mark Eric, and are stunningly illuminated by lighting designed by Jennifer Tipton.

PTDC Artistic Director Michael Novak said, “Garner's dances thrill audiences through their architecture, athleticism, musicality, and visual momentum, and her new dance demonstrates our ongoing commitment to facilitating work that enables the performing and visual arts to shine together. An alchemist, Amy has assembled an extraordinary team. Don is a remarkable collaborator, and we’re delighted he’s joined the Taylor Family.”

Martiny joins a rich tradition of artists designing for the Paul Taylor Dance Company, extending the legacy forged by Robert Rauschenberg, Jasper Johns, Ellsworth Kelly, and Alex Katz.