The nationally-renowned modern dance troupe, the Paul Taylor Dance Company, performs "Arden Court," "Beloved Renegade" and "Esplanade," 7 p.m. Oct. 5, Miller Symphony Hall, 23 N. Sixth St., Allentown.

Also, the Paul Taylor Dance Company performs "Aureole," "Company B" and "Sunset," 8 p.m. Oct. 7, Williams Center for the Arts, Lafayette College, Easton.

Jamie Rae Walker, who grew up in Levittown, Bucks County, and a principal dancer with the Paul Taylor Dance Company, danced with Princeton Ballet (now American Repertory Ballet), studied at the School of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, and joined the Miami City Ballet in 1994.

"Paul Taylor came to see me perform with the Miami City Ballet and told me that while he didn't have an opening then, he was keeping his eye on me," says Walker in a phone interview.

In 2001, Walker received a scholarship to attend The Taylor School.

Walker joined the Paul Taylor 2 Dance Company in fall 2003.

She became a member of the Paul Taylor Dance Company in summer 2008.

"He [Taylor] kept his word. When a spot opened, I came to Paul Taylor and I've been with him for 12 years."

Walker is featured in the Taylor piece, "Arden Court."

"It is absolutely one of the best programs of the season," she says. "It comes from a very special, creative period for Paul Taylor.

"Every single nuance of the dance is very specific. It is a perfect marriage of music and movement that can even bring me to tears at times.

"It's overwhelming. It just feels so right. There is no comparison to a genius choreographer making a perfect dance."

For Walker, sharing her spirit through dance on stage is a magnificent experience.

"It is satisfying in every part of my body," she says. "It feels authentic. To express the music with my body is so rewarding."

Walker lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., with her husband. She remembers her years in eastern Pennsylvania. Performing in Allentown and Easton with the Paul Taylor Dance Company is a full circle culmination of her childhood dream to become a dancer.

"Pennsylvania is my home," she said. "It feels wonderful and right to be back here performing."

Tickets: millersymphonyhall.org, 610.432.6715