Performances Archives

This performance took place July 26-30, 2023.

A rapidly rising star in contemporary dance, Oona Doherty made her Jacob’s Pillow debut this summer as the first headlining artist from Northern Ireland to perform at the festival. Based in Belfast and now touring internationally, Doherty—a choreographer, dancer, collaborator, and visual artist—was the recipient of the Silver Lion Award at the Venice Biennale in 2021. Her work has been performed at Tate Britain, in a music video for indie artist Jamie xx, and in a piece co-choreographed for the Ballet de Marseille.

Doherty is not afraid to ask pointed questions of art and society. She is known for her “gritty realism, visceral movement style and fearless attitude to confronting controversial topics” (Frieze)—a combination that has left an indelible impression on audiences. This summer, Doherty will bring Pillow audiences the U.S. premiere of Navy Blue, her largest work yet, driven by a thrilling in-your-face mash-up of ensemble dance, spoken word poetry, political candor, and eclectic music. This work begins with a unison dance set to music by Sergei Rachmaninoff and deconstructs as the music shifts to the pulsing sounds of Jamie xx. Navy Blue premiered at Kampnagel in Hamburg, Germany last summer, and was also performed at Sadler’s Wells in London. The company will also perform Hope Hunt and the Ascension into Lazarus.

“Oona Doherty’s Navy Blue is one of the most important works of my generation and I implore you all to see it. I saw it in London last Fall at Sadler’s Wells and it moved me to the core of who I am. It is gut-wrenching, soul-stirring, perspective-shifting, devastating, beautiful, limitless. If you believe art making is a necessary and radical act you must see this work.” –Michelle Dorrance

Please be advised that the program contains the sound of gun shots.

All performances by Oona Doherty were preceded by a free 15-minute Pre-Show Talk led by Pillow Scholars-in-Residence, held in Blake’s Barn 30 minutes before showtime. A free Post-Show Talk with the artists followed the Friday matinee performance.

Get a sneak peak of Oona Doherty:

This presentation of Oona Doherty was supported in part by Culture Ireland.

This program was supported in part by the Neil Chrisman Fund for International Dance.

This performance took place June 28-July 2, 2023

A longtime Pillow favorite, Mark Morris Dance Group opened Festival 2023 with the evening-length work The Look of Love, an homage to the music of Burt Bacharach that had its world premiere in 2022, A towering figure of popular music, Bacharach is known for his soaring melodies and unique orchestrations influenced by jazz, rock, and Brazilian music. The work features original choreography by Morris and new musical arrangements by Ethan Iverson, performed live by an ensemble of piano, trumpet, bass, and drums, with singer, actress, and Broadway star Marcy Harriell on lead vocals.

Called “the Mozart of Modern Dance” for his musicality, devotion to music, and movement versatility, Mark Morris has distinguished himself as a prolific ballet, modern dance, and opera choreographer and director. He made his Pillow debut in 1982 while his company first appeared here in 1986 and has returned for more than twenty seasons since, amassing one of the most extensive Pillow performance records of any artist.

Watch Mark Morris Dance Group on Jacob’s Pillow Dance Interactive:

This performance took place July 12-16, 2023.

Based in Germany, Gauthier Dance//Dance Company Theaterhaus Stuttgart is a young, dynamic company of versatile artists known for their thrilling performances of contemporary choreography from around the world. Founded by dancer, choreographer, and musician Eric Gauthier, who originally hails from Canada, the company returned to the Pillow to celebrate its 15th Anniversary.

The program included works by Gauthier, Sharon Eyal (co-founder, co-artistic director and choreographer of L-E-V Dance Company), and international choreographers Nacho Duato and Hofesh Shechter. The performance culminated in Minus 16 by Ohad Naharin (former Artistic Director, now House Choreographer of Batsheva), a wildly popular work not seen at the Pillow for 20 years.

All performances by Gauthier Dance were preceded by a free 15-minute Pre-Show Talk led by Pillow Scholars-in-Residence, held in Blake’s Barn 30 minutes before showtime. A free Post-Show Talk with the artists followed the Friday matinee performance.

Lead underwriting support from Diane Troderman and Harold Grinspoon.
Underwriting support from Anonymous.

This program was supported in part by the Neil Chrisman Fund for International Dance.

Watch Gauthier Dance//Dance Company Theaterhaus Stuttgart on Jacob’s Pillow Dance Interactive

Compañia De Danza Versa-Style

Sábado, 18 de Febrero de 2023

Parte del 10×10 Upstreet Arts Festival de Cultural Pittsfield

Read in English

Taller
12-1 pm

Únete a la grupo de danza Versa-Style, con sede en Los Ángeles, y aprende los fundamentos de las formas de danza callejera, incluyendo Hip Hop, Popping, House, Waacking y Krump. Este taller explorará los fundamentos de cada estilo respectivo, incluyendo el ritmo y el tiempo de los movimientos, grooves, vocabulario y contextos culturales e históricos. Los participantes aplicarán estos fundamentos en coreografía y estilo libre. Abierto a todas las edades y habilidades. El cupo es limitado; se recomienda inscribirse con anticipación.

inscríbete en la lista de espera

Presentación

5-6:30 pm

Versa-Style’s ORIGINS of Hip Hop consiste en un movimiento de baile callejero de alta energía y sin adulterar que explorará y ampliará los límites de los ORÍGENES y RAÍCES de los bailes vernáculos callejeros como Locking, Popping, Hip Hop, Krump y más. El público se irá con una visión diferente de la cultura de baile Hip Hop y se sumergirá vívidamente en la profundidad y la belleza que nos UNE a todos. Este evento es apropiado para todas las edades. El cupo es limitado; se recomienda inscribirse con anticipación.

inscríbete en la lista de espera

Nos comprometemos a crear un entorno seguro y salubre para las actividades de Jacob’s Pillow para los miembros de la comunidad, los colaboradores y el público en general. La salud y la seguridad de todos es muy importante para nosotros. Antes de asistir a estos eventos, revise nuestras políticas de salud y seguridad.

Qué Esperar:

Itinerario: Las puertas se abren media hora antes de cada función. Los asistentes se registrarán en la puerta; se admitirán entradas sin cita previa, siempre que el cupo lo permita.
COVID-19: Se recomienda estar vacunado y se aconseja el uso de mascarillas aprobadas por la CDC para este evento en interiores. Por favor, quédese en casa si tiene síntomas de COVID-19, gripe o resfriado. La política completa de salud y seguridad sobre COVID-19 de Jacob’s Pillow puede consultarse aquí.
Capacidad: El cupo es limitado. Se recomienda llegar con tiempo para garantizar su asiento. También hay localidades de pie y en el suelo. Los asientos accesibles pueden reservarse en [email protected].
Estacionamiento: Se puede estacionar en los garajes públicos de Melville Street y First Street. También se puede estacionar en la calle con parquímetro.
Accesibilidad: Jacob’s Pillow se compromete a crear espacios y experiencias que sean accesibles. Póngase en contacto con c[email protected] si tiene preguntas sobre accesibilidad o si desea alguna acomodación. El Boys & Girls Club es accesible en silla de ruedas.
Responsabilidad y exención de responsabilidad a los medios de comunicación: Al participar, usted acepta la exención de responsabilidad y de medios de comunicación de Jacob’s Pillow. Por favor, revise esta información antes de los eventos.

Acerca de Versa-Style Dance Company

Fundada en 2005 por Jackie “Miss Funk” López y Leigh “Breeze-Lee” Foaad, nativas de Los Ángeles y codirectoras artísticas, Versa-Style Dance Company fue creada para promover, potenciar y celebrar el arte del Hip Hop y la cultura del baile callejero. Nombrado “Mejor grupo de danza de Los Ángeles para el empoderamiento del hip hop” por LA Weekly, Versa-Style es reconocido por sus apasionantes actuaciones y sus estimulantes actividades para escuelas y comunidades locales. Versa-Style Dance Company, compuesta por artistas comprometidos y altamente capacitados en danza callejera y educadores representativos de la diversidad y la hermosa complejidad de Los Ángeles, utilizan la vibrante energía de la danza callejera en el escenario para ofrecer una experiencia de danza inolvidable.

Versa-Style Dance Company

Saturday, February 18, 2023

Part of the 10×10 Upstreet Arts Festival & Love Pittsfield

Lee en Español

Join Los Angeles-based Versa-Style Dance Company for an exciting workshop exploring the fundamentals of street dance forms and a high-energy performance of ORIGINS of Hip Hop. After audiences loved their electrifying On The Road performance in 2022, this event is not to miss! Families and participants of all ages are invited to come dance, watch, and learn.

Workshop with Versa-Style Dance Company

12–1pm

Join LA-based dance company Versa-Style and learn the fundamentals of street dance forms including Hip Hop, Popping, House, Waacking, and Krump. This workshop will explore the foundations of each respective style, including the rhythm and timing of movements, grooves, vocabulary, and cultural and historical contexts. Participants will engage these fundamentals in choreography and freestyle. Open to all ages and abilities. Capacity is limited; pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

This event has ended.

Performance by Versa-Style Dance Company

5–6:30pm

Versa-Style’s ORIGINS of Hip Hop consists of high–energy, unadulterated street dance movement that will explore and push the boundaries of the origins and roots of street vernacular dances such as Locking, Popping, Hip Hop, Krump, and more. Audiences will walk away with a different view on Hip Hop dance culture and will be vividly immersed into the depth and beauty that unites us all. This event is appropriate for all ages. Capacity is limited; pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

This event has ended.

We are committed to creating a safe and healthy environment for Jacob’s Pillow activities for community members, collaborators, and audiences. Everyone’s health and safety are deeply important to us. Before attending these events, please review our health and safety policies.

What to expect:

Arrival: Doors open a half hour prior to each event. Guests will be checked-in at the door; walk-ups are welcome, pending capacity. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.
COVID-19: Vaccination is recommended and CDC-approved masks are encouraged at this indoor event. Please stay home if you are experiencing COVID-19, flu, or cold symptoms. Jacob’s Pillow’s full COVID-19 Health & Safety policies can be found here.
Seating: Please note that seating is limited and general admission. Please arrive early to secure your seats. Standing room and floor seating is also available. Accessible seating can be reserved at [email protected].
Parking: Parking is available in the public parking lots on Melville Street and First Street. Metered street parking is also available.
Accessibility: Jacob’s Pillow is committed to creating accessible spaces and experiences. Please contact [email protected] with accessibility questions or accommodation requests. The Boys & Girls Club is wheelchair accessible.
Liability and Media Release: By participating, you agree to Jacob’s Pillow’s liability and media release. Please review this information before the events.

About Versa-Style Dance Company

Founded in 2005 by Los Angeles natives and co-artistic directors Jackie “Miss Funk” Lopez and Leigh “Breeze-Lee” Foaad, Versa-Style Dance Company was created to promote, empower and celebrate the artistry of Hip Hop and street dance culture. Named “Los Angeles’ Best Dance Troupe for Hip Hop Empowerment” by LA Weekly, Versa-Style is recognized for its electrifying performances and inspiring engagement activities for schools and local communities. Consisting of committed, highly skilled street dance artists and educators representative of the diversity and beautiful complexity of Los Angeles, Versa-Style Dance Company harnesses the exhilarating energy of street dance onto the concert stage for an unforgettable evening of dance.

16 Melville Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201

Free | Open to all

COVID-19 Health & Safety Protocols

We are committed to creating a safe and healthy environment for Jacob’s Pillow activities for community members, collaborators, and audiences. Everyone’s health and safety are deeply important to us. Before attending these events, please review our health and safety policies.

Please stay at home if you are sick or have symptoms associated with COVID-19.

Thank you to our community partners:

Jacob’s Pillow has partnered with Cultural Pittsfield’s 10×10 Festival for over 7 years, supporting their mission to provide accessible, family-friendly cultural programming to Pittsfield in February.

The presentation of Versa-Style Dance is made possible in part through generous funding from the City of Pittsfield’s American Rescue Plan Act Community Award.

This performance took place August 23–27, 2023.

Acclaimed French hip hop artist Mourad Merzouki founded the Lyon-based Compagnie Käfig at the startling crossroads of modern and contemporary dance, circus, martial arts, video, live music, and hip hop. Named for the Arabic and German term for “cage,” this high-flying company is anything but tied down, pushing the boundaries of hip hop while never losing sight of its roots.

At Jacob’s Pillow, the company performed their signature work Pixel, a wondrous merging of virtuosic dance and technology created by Merzouki in collaboration with Adrien Mondot and Claire Bardainne. Seen by audiences in more than 30 countries around the world, the show explodes into a 3D world of captivating digital light and video projections, which accompany dancers’ movements. The piece aims to strike a subtle balance between the real and the virtual world, and between energy and poetry, resulting in a performance infused with a multitude of art forms.

Watch this short trailer from our friends at The Kennedy Center:

All performances by Compagnie Käfig were preceded by a free 15-minute Pre-Show Talk led by Pillow Scholars-in-Residence, held in Blake’s Barn 30 minutes before showtime. A free Post-Show Talk with the artists followed the Friday matinee performance.

Watch Compagnie Käfig on Jacob’s Pillow Dance Interactive:

The performances of “Pixel” by Compagnie Käfig-Mourad Merzouki were part of the Albertine Dance Season and received support from Villa Albertine.

This program was supported in part by the Neil Chrisman Fund for International Dance.

This performance took place August 16–20, 2023.

The Martha Graham Dance Company is a world leader in the ever-evolving art form of modern dance. Today, the company is embracing a fresh vision that showcases Graham masterworks alongside newly commissioned works by contemporary artists. During its almost 100 years of history, the company has received acclaim from audiences and critics in over 50 countries. “These men and women easily embody the choreographer’s sense of dancers as angelic athletes,” said Robert Greskovic of The Wall Street Journal, while Marina Kennedy of Broadway World noted, “this is contemporary dance at its very best.”

This summer, the company performed Errand into the Maze (1947) and Cave of the Heart (1946), both Greek-themed works by Martha Graham with sets by Noguchi. Additionally, the company performed the hit of its 2022 New York season: Hofesh Shechter’s dazzling CAVE, inspired by communal nightlife dancing and the Rave scene.

All performances by Martha Graham Dance Company were preceded by a free 15-minute Pre-Show Talk led by Pillow Scholars-in-Residence, held in Blake’s Barn 30 minutes before showtime. A free Post-Show Talk with the artists followed the Friday matinee performance.

Major underwriting support from Sylvia Pope.

Watch Martha Graham on Jacob’s Pillow Dance Interactive:

Listen to An Homage to Martha Graham on PillowVoices: Dance Through Time:

Pillow Scholar Jennifer Edwards considers the imprint left by Martha Graham at Jacob’s Pillow, with reflections from those she impacted, the work of Richard Move, and the words of Graham herself.

This performance took place August 9–13, 2023.

“Lots of fun…hypnotizing” – The Boston Globe

For nearly three decades, New York-based Complexions Contemporary Ballet has been thrilling audiences around the globe with its full-throttle, high-intensity performances on five continents and in over 20 countries, committed to its mission of “bringing unity to the world one dance at a time.”

The diverse and inclusive company reinvents ballet with a mix of methods, styles, and cultures that engages and delights. Founded by Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, the company made its Pillow debut this summer with a program that included works set to music by Bach, Beethoven, and Vivaldi as well as STAR DUST, a one-act tribute to the genre-bending innovation of rock star David Bowie that features many of Bowie’s iconic hit songs. The Los Angeles Times said the piece “highlights how well-matched Complexions is to the genre-hopping, categorization-defying Bowie.”

All performances by Complexions Contemporary Ballet were preceded by a free 15-minute Pre-Show Talk led by Pillow Scholars-in-Residence, held in Blake’s Barn 30 minutes before showtime. A free Post-Show Talk with the artists followed the Friday matinee performance.

Underwriting support from Lizbeth and George Krupp.

Urban Bush Women: Haint Blu | April 19-22

Co-Presented with MASS MoCA & Williams College

After a multi-year developmental process working in collaboration with communities, artists, and presenters in Miami, Martha’s Vineyard, New Orleans, New York, and our own North Adams, Urban Bush Women returns to MASS MoCA with its newest artistic endeavor for a site-responsive performance in the galleries and throughout the museum campus.

Taking its title from the color that Southern families paint their front porches to ward off bad spirits, Haint Blu uses performance as a center and source of healing, taking us through movement into stillness and rest: remembering, reclaiming, releasing, and restoring. Haint Blu is an embodied look into familial lines and the movements, histories, and stories of our elders and ancestors. It reflects on what has been lost across generations and what can be recovered.

Eight Elements in Eight Hours | March 9-11, 2023

Co-Presented with MASS MoCA

In conjunction with William Kentridge Studios, Thulani Chauke, a principal dancer in Kentridge’s The Head and the Load—which was developed and previewed at MASS MoCA in 2018— will be in residence developing a new site-specific durational dance work set in a gallery space. Created in collaboration with Chauke’s fellow South African dancer, Albert Fana Tshabalala, and featuring improvised live music, museum visitors are welcome to come and go throughout the day.