Modern dance just wouldn’t be the same without choreographers Merce Cunningham and Paul Taylor, who are both way past reaching the age necessary to receive AARP cards. But far from retiring, Cunningham, 89, and Taylor, 78, continue to create.  Last weekend, the Merce Cunningham Dance Company performed in the Cal Performances series at the University of California, Berkeley, leaving no doubt that Cunningham’s vision is as vital as ever. Each of the pieces - “Views on Stage,” “Crises” and “XOVER” - was stunningly arresting in its own way, with Cunningham’s mastery of pace and space coming across as the dance equivalent of abstract painting. In an era when, for too many people, ”Dancing with the Stars” passes for the latest in dance expression, Cunningham’s works were at once enigmatic and enthralling. The standing ovation that he received was well-deserved. For information about upcoming Cal Performances offerings, visit www.calperfs.berkeley.edu/presents/season/2008/.

Taylor will pay tribute to another American legend, poet Walt Whitman, when the Paul Taylor Dance Company performs “Beloved Renegade” this weekend in a Dance St. Louis presentation. Taylor was inspired by the writings of 19th century poet Whitman, who is best known for the collection, “Leaves of Grass.” Taylor is known for the exuberant athleticism of his dances. “Beloved Renegade” will have its world premiere alongside other Taylor works. Performances are at 8 p.m. Friday and 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday at the Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, University of Missouri-St. Louis, 8001 Natural Bridge Road. Tickets are $30-$50; $28-$48 for students and older adults. For more information, call 314-516-4949 or 314-534-6622, or visit www.dancestlouis.org.