The Paul Taylor Dance Company will return to New York City’s Lincoln Center this fall with a three-week season featuring world premieres, company debuts and beloved works from one of modern dance’s most influential choreographers.
Running Nov. 3-22 at the David H. Koch Theater, the 2026 engagement will showcase the company’s signature blend of classic and contemporary works. The season includes world premieres by resident choreographers Lauren Lovette and Robert Battle, the New York premiere of Pam Tanowitz’s Messengers, Maidens and the End of Something Else, and company premieres of Battle’s No Longer Silent and Alwin Nikolais’ groundbreaking Tensile Involvement.
The performances continue the company’s distinction as the only modern dance troupe to present a season at Lincoln Center every year since 2012.
Artistic Director Michael Novak said this year’s repertoire explores themes of resilience, humanity and emotional connection while celebrating both Paul Taylor’s enduring legacy and the work of today’s leading choreographers.
“Paul Taylor’s dances continue to illuminate what it means to be human in all its complexity,” Novak said. “I hope audiences leave feeling moved, energized and reminded of the power of dance to connect us to one another.”
Taylor’s masterworks remain at the heart of the season, including audience favorites Esplanade and Brandenburgs, along with the return of Arabesque, …Byzantium, Spindrift and 3 Epitaphs, which have not been performed at Lincoln Center in more than a decade. Other featured works include Airs, Cloven Kingdom, Last Look and Piazzolla Caldera.
Music will once again be performed live by the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, led by Music Director David LaMarche and Principal Guest Conductor Tara Simoncic, continuing the orchestra’s longtime collaboration with the company.
A highlight of the engagement will be the annual gala on Nov. 4, honoring legendary lighting designer Jennifer Tipton, acclaimed scenic and costume designer Santo Loquasto, and James Roe, president and executive director of Orchestra of St. Luke’s. The gala performance will feature a world premiere, Tensile Involvement, and Taylor’s Brandenburgs.
The company is also expanding access to modern dance through several audience initiatives. Programs include free performances for New York City public school students through the John and Jody Arnhold Dance Education Initiative, $20 tickets for theatergoers ages 40 and younger, $10 student rush tickets, family-friendly matinees, and educational programming through the Polaris Project.
Tickets for the 2026 Lincoln Center season went on sale June 10, with prices starting at $19, offering audiences an opportunity to experience both the timeless choreography of Paul Taylor and the next generation of modern dance innovators.