NYC Gazette

Paul Taylor, a prominent figure in the dance world, was associated with Juilliard's Bachelor of Science dance program during the 1952-53 academic year. In recognition of his contributions to the arts, he received an honorary degree from Juilliard in 1988.

Taylor's renowned company premiered "Esplanade" in 1975. Juilliard first staged this piece in 1981, reconstructed by Eileen Cropley and Ruby Shang, who were faculty members from 1998 to 1992. The performance featured Bach’s violin concertos in E Major and D Minor (Largo and Allegro), played by the Juilliard Chamber Ensemble under the direction of Salvatore Scecchitano. The violin soloists for this event were Nicholas Mann and John McGrosso.

In 1983, Ruby Shang once again staged "Esplanade." This time, Biagio Mechetti conducted with Robin Mayforth and Philip Pan as the violin soloists.

Linda Kent, a faculty emerita with a Bachelor of Science degree in dance from Juilliard, staged "Esplanade" at Juilliard twice—in 1994 and again in 2004. During the 1994 staging, David Briskin conducted with Cathy Cho and Emma Shook as violin soloists. In the subsequent staging in 2004, Hayley Wolfe, Susan Paik, and Jae Won Choi performed as violinists.

Additionally, excerpts of "Esplanade" have been featured in student workshop presentations over the years.

Jeni Dahmus Farah serves as director of the Juilliard Archives. Those interested can share their memories related to Paul Taylor by reaching out via email.