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PAUL TAYLOR DANCE FOUNDATION INC

NEW YORK, NY · EIN 132665475 · Form 990 · FY2024 · NTEE A620 · Arts, Culture & Humanities · Large ($10M-$50M) · paultaylordance.org
revenue
$11.5M
expenses
$11.2M
net assets
$11.9M
employees
127
volunteers
95
program ratio
75%
mission · from form 990

ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS AND DYNAMIC MODERN DANCE ENSEMBLES OF OUR TIME, THE PAUL TAYLOR DANCE COMPANY HAS BEEN INNOVATING AND TRANSFORMING THE ART FORM OF MODERN DANCE SINCE 1954. WITH A HISTORY OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATIONS, PASSIONATE EXPRESSION, AND THRILLING ATHLETICISM, THE COMPANY CONTINUES BOLDLY INTO THE FUTURE UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF ARTISTIC DIRECTOR MICHAEL NOVAK.THE PAUL TAYLOR DANCE FOUNDATION STRIVES TO ACHIEVE AND MAINTAIN THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE WHILE CELEBRATING THE MODERN DANCE IDIOM. THROUGH OUR ARTISTIC AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING, THE FOUNDATION WORKS TO CELEBRATE THE RICH HISTORY OF THE MODERN DANCE FIELD, WHILE NURTURING AND ELEVATING AN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY OF DANCERS, CHOREOGRAPHERS, COLLABORATORS, EDUCATORS, AND AUDIENCE MEMBERS.VOLUNTEER INFORMATION:18 BOARD MEMBERS13 BOARD OF ADVISORS10 OFFICE INTERNS/VOLUNTEERS54 VOLUNTEERS FOR THE LINCOLN CENTER SEASON95 TOTAL

profile · synthesized from sources

Modern dance organization founded in 1954 that maintains the Paul Taylor Dance Company and Taylor 2, touring nationally and internationally. The foundation preserves and licenses the Paul Taylor repertory, commissions new choreography, and presents performances that emphasize athleticism, emotional expression, and human connection. Based in New York, it continues under artistic director Michael Novak.

irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2024

What they reported doing

  1. #1 primary $1.98M
    THE PAUL TAYLOR DANCE COMPANY NATIONAL TOURINGNATIONAL TOURING CONTINUED WITH PERFORMANCES IN NEW YORK (CHAUTAUQUA, FIRE ISLAND, CHATHAM, TARRYTOWN, STONY BROOK, AND PURCHASE), THE AMERICAN DANCE FESTIVAL (NC), THE KENNEDY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, AND ADDITIONAL VENUES IN VIRGINIA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, NEW MEXICO, KANSAS, FLORIDA, OKLAHOMA, WISCONSIN, AND TENNESSEE. THE COMPANY ALSO PERFORMED IN THAILAND AND A TWO-WEEK TOUR IN CHINA.
  2. #2 $1.28M
    NEW CHOREOGRAPHY AND PRESERVATION OF TAYLOR DANCESAS PART OF INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF THE DANCE AND AMPLIFYING EMERGING CHOREOGRAPHERS, THE COMPANY PREMIERED WORKS BY RESIDENT CHOREOGRAPHERS LAUREN LOVETTE AND ROBERT BATTLE, AND RECEIVED A COMMISSION FOR A NEW WORK BY HOPE BOYKIN. THE COMPANY STEWARDS THE TAYLOR REPERTORY BY REVIVING AND WORKS AND LICENSING LANDMARK WORKS TO OTHER DANCE COMPANIES TO PERFORM. CHURCHYARD AND TABLET, BOTH WORKS FROM THE 1960S WERE RECONSTRUCTED AND PERFORMED TO CRITICAL ACCLAIM. LICENSE AGREEMENTS WERE ENTERED INTO WITH SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY, UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD, BUTLER UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY, THE BLACK GRACE TRUST, TEXAS BALLET THEATER, (CONTINUED ON SCHEDULE O) NEVADA BALLET COMPANY, AND THE PITTSBURGH BALLET THEATER TO PERFORM SEVEN ICONIC TAYLOR WORKS.
named programs · 3 · from sources

What they call their work

New Choreography and Preservation of Taylor Dances
Commissions new works from emerging choreographers and reconstructs, revives, and licenses historic Paul Taylor dances to other companies and universities worldwide
Paul Taylor Dance Company National Touring
Professional dance ensemble touring nationally and internationally, performing works by Paul Taylor and guest choreographers in cities across the U.S. and abroad, including recent tours in China, Thailand, Italy, and Austria
Taylor 2
Second company that develops early-career dancers and performs Taylor repertory, serving as a training ground for the main company
activities · 4 groups

What they do

  • Original Dance Performance Production 3 activities
    • Annual New York City season at Lincoln Center
      Holds an annual performance engagement at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City, established as the first modern dance company in residence there since 2012.
    • Paul Taylor American Modern Dance (PTAMD) initiative
      Curates and presents historic and contemporary modern dance works through PTAMD, commissioning new choreography and reconstructing significant pieces, including Baroque music-focused programs in partnership with Orchestra of St. Luke’s.
    • Performance of Paul Taylor repertory and new choreographic works
      Presents a diverse repertoire including historic Paul Taylor works and newly commissioned pieces by contemporary choreographers such as Lauren Lovette, Robert Battle, and Larry Keigwin, with premieres and reconstructions performed annually.
  • Ballet and Dance Education Programs 3 activities
    • Dance education and training programs
      Offers comprehensive dance instruction through the Taylor Center for Dance Education, including daily drop-in classes, ballet and modern dance courses, youth programs, and pre-professional training in Paul Taylor’s repertory and techniques at facilities in Manhattan.
    • Taylor Summer Intensive and national dance intensives
      Hosts annual summer and regional intensives across the U.S., led by current company dancers and alumni, offering rigorous training in Taylor technique, repertory, and professional career preparation for dancers ages 13+.
    • Youth and teen dance ensembles
      Operates the Taylor Teen Ensemble, a pre-professional performing company for dancers aged 13–18, providing advanced technical training, creative composition, and public performances, including showcases and participation in festivals like NYC Dance Parade.
  • Dance Performance and Community Engagement 2 activities
    • National and international performance tours
      Conducts annual national and international touring performances, presenting the Paul Taylor Dance Company in theaters across the U.S. and abroad, including recent tours to Italy, Thailand, and China, with a history of performances in over 600 cities across 66 countries.
    • Outreach and community engagement performances
      Conducts outreach performances through Taylor 2 and the main company in schools, festivals, and community venues across the tri-state area and statewide tours, including appearances at K–12 schools, Symphony Space, SUNY Purchase, and the MWC Youth Dance Platform.
  • Uncategorized 4 activities
    • Expansion of dance education infrastructure and leadership
      Strengthened institutional capacity by appointing key artistic leaders, including Carolyn Adams to lead the Taylor School and Lauren Lovette as the Company’s first Resident Choreographer, to expand training and artistic innovation.
    • Licensing and dissemination of Taylor choreography
      Licenses Paul Taylor’s choreographic works to universities, conservatories, and professional dance companies nationally and internationally, including recent licenses to Orlando Ballet, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Black Grace Trust, and Volksoper Wien.
    • Mobility and injury prevention programming
      Uses Kinotek movement science software to conduct mobility and movement assessments and create personalized strength programs for dancers to prevent injuries.
    • Professional development workshops for corporate clients
      Delivers movement-based professional development workshops for corporate leaders and teams, using physical exploration grounded in behavioral science and adult learning theory, with customizable formats including modules on leadership, collaboration, and change management.
financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$11.52M
Contributions & grants$8.50M74%
Program service revenue$2.07M18%
Investment income$671K6%
Other revenue$277K
expenses
Total expenses$11.18M
Program expenses75%
Admin / overhead18%
Fundraising7%
Salaries & benefits$5.77M
Grants paid out$66K
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$22.58M
Cash$2.85M
Investments$1.91M
Liabilities$10.73M
Net assets$11.86M
Liquid reserves5.1 mo
6 years on record · 2019–2024 · YoY revenue +5.1%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024

Who runs it

paid leadership · 8
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
JOHN TOMLINSON EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 60 $252K
MICHAEL NOVAK ARTISTIC DIRECTOR 60 $217K
LAUREN LOVETTE RESIDENT COREOGRAPHER 40 $189K
CATHRYN HARDING EXTERNAL AFFAIRS EXECUTIVE 40 $168K
NOAH ABERLIN GENERAL MANAGER 40 $163K
JULIA LU DIRECTOR OF FINANCE 40 $153K
CATHY MCCANN BUCK REHEARSAL DIRECTOR 40 $124K
BRIDGET WELTY COMPANY MANAGER 40 $124K
board members · 17
  • BIANCA RUSSO — TRUSTEE
  • CF STONE III — TRUSTEE
  • DEBORAH ADELMAN — TRUSTEE
  • DEIRDRE DUNN — TRUSTEE
  • DOUGLAS PETERSON — VICE CHAIR
  • ELISE JAFFE — SECRETARY
  • JOHN PHILIP FALK — TRUSTEE
  • JONNA MACKIN — TRUSTEE
  • JOSEPH SMITH — TREASURER
  • JOSHUA JEFFERY — TRUSTEE
  • MAX SHULMAN — TRUSTEE
  • NANCY COLES — CHAIR
  • RICHARD FELDMAN — VICE CHAIR
  • ROBERT ABERLIN — TRUSTEE
  • ROSALIND REED — TRUSTEE
  • STEPHEN KROLL REIDY — VICE CHAIR
  • WILLIAM SHUTZER — TRUSTEE
relationships · 59

Who they work with

  • Alex Katz Partner — Collaborated with Paul Taylor on artistic productions
  • Alex Katz Partner — Designed set and costumes for "Last Look"
  • Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Partner — Collaborated through inclusion of Taylor's "Arden Court" in their New York season.
  • Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Partner — Performs Paul Taylor's choreographic works
  • American Ballet Theatre Partner — Collaborated through inclusion of Taylor's "Black Tuesday" in their New York season.
  • American Ballet Theatre Partner — Performs Paul Taylor's choreographic works
  • Ballet Arizona Partner — Licensed to perform Paul Taylor choreography
  • Black Grace Trust Partner — Licensed to perform iconic Paul Taylor works
  • Butler University Partner — Licensed to perform iconic Paul Taylor works
  • David Gropman Partner — Designed set for "…Byzantium"
  • Dayton Contemporary Dance Company Partner — Licensed to perform Paul Taylor choreography
  • Dayton Contemporary Dance Company Partner — Partnered to perform Donald McKayle's "Rainbow ’Round My Shoulder" at Lincoln Center under Paul Taylor American Modern Dance.
  • Dwight School Partner — Participates in the Dwight School Spring Dance Showcase.
  • Ellsworth Kelly Partner — Collaborated with Paul Taylor on artistic productions
  • Gene Moore Partner — Collaborated with Paul Taylor on artistic productions
  • Gene Moore Partner — Designed costumes for "Airs"
  • George Tacet Partner — Provided lighting design for "3 Epitaphs"
  • Jasper Johns Partner — Collaborated with Paul Taylor on artistic productions
  • Jennifer Tipton Partner — Collaborated with Paul Taylor on artistic productions
  • Jennifer Tipton Partner — Provided lighting design for multiple performances including "Airs," "Arabesque," "Brandenburgs," "…Byzantium," "Cloven Kingdom," "Esplanade," "Last Look," "Piazzolla Caldera," and "Spindrift"
  • John Rawlings Partner — Collaborated with Paul Taylor on artistic productions
  • John Rawlings Partner — Designed costumes for "Esplanade" and contributed headpieces for "Cloven Kingdom"
  • Limón Dance Company Partner — Partnered to perform Doris Humphrey's "Passacaglia" as part of Paul Taylor American Modern Dance programming.
  • Miami City Ballet Partner — Performs Paul Taylor's choreographic works
  • Movement Workshop Collective (MWC) Partner — Participates in the MWC Youth Dance Platform.
  • NYC Dance Parade Partner — Performs in the NYC Dance Parade and DanceFest in Tompkins Square Park.
  • NYC Department of Education Partner — Collaborates to expand access to dance education for public school students in New York City.
  • Nevada Ballet Company Partner — Licensed to perform iconic Paul Taylor works
  • New York Times Partner — Featured in articles and reviews covering performances, reconstructions, and company developments.
  • Orchestra of St Luke's Partner — Provides live musical accompaniment for performances as intended by the choreographer.
+ 29 more
strategies · 4

How they approach the work

Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.

  • Curatorial Model of Preservation and Innovation
    methodology: curatorial preservation and innovation
    By presenting canonical works alongside new commissions and original choreography, the foundation advances modern dance, because balancing historical stewardship with support for emerging voices creates a living, evolving art form that honors legacy while driving innovation.
  • Kinesthetic Learning for Leadership Development
    methodology: kinesthetic communication
    By using movement-based, experiential workshops grounded in behavioral science and adult learning theory, the foundation improves leadership and team dynamics, because physical engagement fosters self-awareness, non-verbal communication, and group synchronization more effectively than traditional didactic methods.
  • Open-Access Dance Education Model
    methodology: open-access drop-in model
    By offering open, drop-in classes, the foundation lowers barriers to participation in dance education, because flexible access supports broader engagement, encourages exploration, and accommodates diverse skill levels and life circumstances.
  • Repertory-Based Training with Creative Development
    methodology: repertory-based training with creative development
    By training dancers in Paul Taylor’s choreographic style while fostering advanced technique and creative composition, the foundation develops both performance excellence and individual artistic expression, because mastery of legacy works combined with creative exploration produces well-rounded, innovative artists.