2016 Ballet Program Students; photo Hayim Heron

Under the direction of Anna-Marie Holmes, and accompanied by a distinguished international faculty, The School at Jacob’s Pillow’s Ballet Program prepares dancers for the artistic range and technical rigor required by today’s world-class ballet companies. Not only do dancers present renowned works for audiences on the famous Inside/Out stage, they also perform at the annual Jacob’s Pillow season opening Gala.

Photography Intern Hayim Heron spent time with some of the 2016 Ballet program participants, taking their portraits and learning about their experience at The School.

Natalie Lu 2016 Ballet Program; Photo Hayim Heron“Not only were we taught by top-notch faculty, but we also got to dance alongside extremely talented peers. I have to say that I was most inspired by my fellow classmates. Everyone brought something unique to the table, and I have learned and grown so much just by dancing with them for two weeks.”
–Natalie Lu

Yoka Hirayama Ballet Program 2016; Photo Hayim Heron

 

“At the Pillow I can focus on ballet. And the beautiful nature! We would often see rabbits running around outside during class.”
– Yoka Hirayama

 

Nikolas Gaifullin 2016 Ballet Program; Photo Hayim Heron

 

 

“My favorite part of the program was the experience of meeting new artists and teachers. Also the privilege to have worked with Program Director Anna-Marie Holmes.”
– Nikolas Gaifullin

Luis Gonzalez of 2016 Ballet Program; photp Hayim Heron

 

 

“I feel like I met people that were as inspirational as they are instrumental in the ballet world. The coaching and one-on-one attention that we all got from the faculty is unfortunately something you rarely see in the industry anymore as a professional, which allowed me to appreciate it that much more.”
–Luis Gonzalez

Aidan Carrasquel 2016 Ballet Program; Photo Hayim Heron

Julian Watson 2016 Ballet Program; Photo Hayim Heron

 

“My time at the Pillow was absolutely incredible. My experience will follow me for the rest of my life. I grew in ways that I didn’t even realize were possible. The way I approach work, both new and old, was drastically changed.”
– Aidan Carrasquel

 

“I came here an adult, but an infant in movement, in ballet. Through the duration of removing doubts and fears, and only moving forward, I have left this program, an adult in movement.”
– Julian Watson

Jace Pauly and Gabrielle Collins 2016 Ballet Program; Photo Hayim Heron

 

“Jace and I already have danced together at the Atlanta Ballet, so it has been a great experience to come together in a new environment among our talented fellow dancers at the Pillow. The Pillow has given us both a new perspective on how to approach our dancing.”
– Gabrielle Collins and Jace Pauly

Marisa Whiteman Ballet Program 2016; Photo Hayim Heron

 

“Jacob’s Pillow has inspired me as a dancer and as a person. Being around such supportive and inspiring people every day, in this picturesque landscape, has given me an incredible place to explore and create!”
– Marisa Whiteman