Paul Taylor's Dream Season was an evening that truly played out like a dream, with initial drowsiness, vivid images and then a relaxing transition back to a conscious state. The dancing at times was forgettable, but the overall presentation of the evening created an enjoyable feast for the eyes at City Center on opening night.

The first piece ...Byzantium was nicely structured, yet not very enjoyable. The dancing was not a showcase of talent, more just a presentation of numbers and arrangements. Four dancers act as royals, with gold and brightly colored costumes, the ensemble in gold act as soldiers moving in formations while the royals perform a ritual that lacks a human quality. It could be Taylor's intention, as at the end of the piece they acquire another brightly colored royal, but by then it was difficult to care.

After that initial sedation, De Suenos (of dreams) allowed our imaginations to run wild. What at first seems to be another portrayal of the American West (Ailey's Saddle Up, Agnes de Mille's Rodeo) turns into a twisted parallel universe, equipped with a drag queen, a stag, a vision of light, and a creepy looking man wearing a mask and holding a skull. This piece was the first chance for the dancers of Taylor's company to truly show off their talent. The stand out performance of this piece was a solo by the vision in gold. An enigmatic and graceful presence on stage, her movement was a slow mix of extensions and ballet like structures. At the end she is met on stage by the creepy man, she continues her movement until they eventually embrace. This moment sums up the experience of the piece, beauty tucked away living harmoniously in a land of the strange.

The final piece, Arden Court, was very traditional, peaceful and understated, with small surprises. Part of the piece included a series of duets with unconventional pairings. In traditional ballet the men only support the women while they dance, making the women seem dependent. Taylor in this work instead creates other relationships, a woman who uses the man as her prop while he continues to do his own individual movement making their dependence equal. For another couple the woman is in awe of the man who pays her no attention, while later a man vies for the attention of that same woman. He gets in the way of her legs and sits underneath her so she has to step on him for her to notice. She never does until he taps her on the shoulder. The last couple feature two men who acknowledge and use each other equally in their dancing. Arden Court on the surface appears very traditional when in actuality, one only had to look closer to see more diverse and unusual bonds explored here in this dance.

This collection of work was balanced and not overwhelming, the lull, excitement, and tranquil pattern allowed the audience to fully engage in Taylor's dream, which is not easily forgotten or recreated.