To Manhattan, Taylor brings a couple of new works and a compelling list of revivals that includes the 1976 Cloven Kingdom . The entire divinely memorable dance is deeply rooted in the contradictions that make up human nature. Another revival, the 1985 Roses , represents the choreographer at his most romantic and his most classical. Taylor being Taylor, he manages both modes at the same time, creating an Elysian playground where lovers meet in a series of ravishing duets. There is no dance more beautiful than this one anywhere, with the exception of Balanchine's shimmering Liebeslieder Waltzer .
Roses shimmers too, yet is infinitely more playful.
Also on the revival slate is Taylor's Nightshade , a Gothic nightmare of transcendent loopiness. With literature the book resides on the shelf, waiting to be read. With paintings it is much the same. But with dance the only way we get to see old works is in seasons like the Taylor Company's, when the choreographer indulges us with another look at the beloved. Don't miss it.