Paul Taylor Dance celebrates his 80th at Tilles

WHAT In what may be the top dance event of the Long Island season, the Paul Taylor Dance Company presents the Northeast premiere of "Phantasmagoria," celebrating the 80th birthday of the troupe's namesake and longtime choreographer. Taylor is the sole survivor among the pioneering greats - from George Balanchine to Martha Graham - who invented and nurtured the American art form known as modern dance. The prolific Taylor continues to create challenging pieces that wordlessly illuminate issues ranging from war to sexuality. Also on the program is the classic "Arden Court" and the ever-popular "Piazzolla Caldera." Among the Paul Taylor dancers is Michael Trusnovec from Yaphank, who attended the Long Island High School for the Arts. The concert is preceded by a "Performance Plus" talk with Taylor Dance's rehearsal director and company manager who will discuss the founder's legacy.

WHEN | WHERE Tonight at 8, "Performance Plus" at 6:45 p.m., at Tilles Center, C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University, Brookville

INFO $42 to $67 ("Performance Plus," for concert ticket holders only, $5); tillescenter.org,

516-299-3100