Tea Garden
"Jacob's Pillow is a summer garden of dance. People listen to talks on balconies and porches, visit exhibits in a barn, peer at classes [and] picnic or dine in the tent restaurant."
- Deborah Jowitt, The Village Voice
When Jacob's Pillow first opened its doors to residents and visitors of the
Berkshires, the Men Dancers served tea on this deck before dancing in Bakalar Studio, hence the first Pillow performances were known as "Tea Lectures". The Tea Garden was also a common gathering place; in the photo above, Ted Shawn (seated) meets with Men Dancers John Schubert and Wilbur McCormack, composer Jess Meeker, and collaborator Eva Sikelianos.The deck is also where Joseph Pilates led some of his first classes in body conditioning, formalizing the Pilates technique that bears his name. Now community classes, including Pilates classes, are offered Mondays through Fridays in the Ruth St. Denis Studio.
Visitors to this historic landmark are invited to enjoy the garden and observe rehearsals through the open doors of the Bakalar Studio. The Garden, which boasts lovely annual and perennial plantings, has been maintained for over 25 years by horticulturist Valerie Locher. Peruse the "Garden and Wetlands" brochure for more information on the gardens and trails on campus.
