Cloven Kingdom
Choreography
Paul TaylorMusic
Arcangelo Corelli, Henry Cowell, and Malloy Miller“Man is a social animal.” - Spinoza
Beneath our polished exteriors lies something more primal—an untamed nature that refuses to be ignored. Set at a grand cotillion ball, this work begins with high society in full display: men in elegant tailcoats, women in flowing gowns and mirrored headpieces. A baroque score intertwines with urgent, percussive 20th-century music, echoing the tension between refinement and instinct.
As the dance unfolds, civility unravels. The women plant seeds and give life, while the men’s tails become something more than fabric. They prowl on all fours, their movements evoking the primal ancestors from whom we’ve evolved. Totemic friezes suggest a time when instinct ruled over etiquette. Though the piece closes in triumph, social order seemingly restored, one truth lingers—we are not separate from animals. We are animals.
Photo of dancers of the Paul Taylor Dance Company in Cloven Kingdom. Photo by Paul B. Goode, courtesy PTDC.
Ballet in a Box
The Choreographer
The Choreographer
Paul Taylor (1930–2018) was one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century, known for his groundbreaking work that spanned the spectrum from the lyrical to the avant-garde. A principal dancer with the Martha Graham Dance Company, Taylor forged his own path by founding Paul Taylor Dance Company in 1954, creating a vast repertoire of works that redefined modern dance. His choreography blended athleticism, musicality, and a deep exploration of human nature, often shifting between lighthearted humor and profound social commentary.
Over his six-decade career, Taylor choreographed 147 dances, including iconic works such as Esplanade, Aureole, and Company B, leaving an enduring impact on contemporary dance. His work continues to be performed worldwide, shaping the next generation of dancers and choreographers.
Ballet Credits
Ballet Credits
Choreography
Paul Taylor
Music
Arcangelo Corelli, Henry Cowell, and Malloy Miller
Combined by John Herbert McDowell
Costume Design
Scott Barrie, Headpieces by John Rawlings
Lighting Design
Jennifer Tipton
