Her Majesty the Queen of Thailand Presides over the Opening Performance of the Paul Taylor Dance Company from New York

As part of its year-long series of events to commemorate of 175 years of U.S.-Thai friends, the U.S. Embassy Bangkok welcomed the Paul Taylor Dance Company from New York for two performances at the Bangkok's 10th Annual International Festival of Dance and Music on October 3-4 at the Thailand Cultural Center. Under Royal Patronage, this festival is considered one of the major international cultural event of the year in Thailand. The world-class contemporary performance of Paul Taylor Dance Company offered six brilliantly productions choreographed by famous American choreographer Paul Taylor, including "Promethean Fire" inspired by music of J.S. Bach, the lyrical "Mercuric Tidings" from composer Franz Schubert and, the intriguing "Byzantium" from composer Edgard Varese. The opening performance on October 3 was marked by the very special appearance of Her Majesty the Queen of Thailand, who presided over the evening’s performance.

On the afternoon of Thursday, October 2, four of the company's lead dancers -- Richard Chen See, Michael Trusnovec, Sean Patrick Mahoney and Eran Bugge -- conducted a 90-minute master class for 30 inspiring dance students and Thai professional dancers from Srinakharinwirot University and a private ballet school in Bangkok. The company's visit was supported in part by Department of State’s Performing Arts Initiative program. Please click here to view photo gallery.