(Posted March 24, 2008)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- Juniata College is sponsoring a showing of the Oscar-nominated documentary "Dancemaker," which depicts the life and work of choreographer Paul Taylor, at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 1, at the Clifton 5 Movie Theatre in downtown Huntingdon.

The movie is free and open to the public.

The film is a preview of sorts for the appearance of the Paul Taylor Dance Company in Huntingdon, where the company will perform "De Suenos," "Cloven Kingdom," and "Antique Valentine" at Juniata College at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 3 in Rosenberger Auditorium on the Juniata campus.

"Dancemaker," which was nominated for an Academy Award in 1998, follows the life and work of Paul Taylor, a dancer-choreographer who started his long career with modern dance pioneer Martha Graham and went on to found his own company in 1954. The film has been shown frequently on the PBS series "American Masters."

The film follows Taylor's career from a lonely childhood to his career as a star dancer and then, choreographer. At the same time, the film follows the development of a new dance and shows the ups and downs of a dance company.

The film shows the Paul Taylor Dance Company rehearsing and on tour in India. The film also shows Taylor's intense personal style of choreography, as he alters and changes movements with the dancer. Finally the film reveals the incredible work and physical sacrifice required for a dance career.

The "Dancemaker" showing is sponsored by Juniata College and the Clifton 5 Theatre.

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.