Your career-advancing summer
The School at Jacob’s Pillow is where dancers and choreographers define and strengthen their distinct artistic voices,
while making the connections that advance their work in the field.
Be among the first to hear about our upcoming programs and events.
2023 Programs | At the Pillow
Contemporary Ballet | June 19 – July 2
Program Director Annabelle Lopez Ochoa
Contemporary | July 3 – 23
Program Director Milton Myers
The Dunham Legacy Revisited | July 24 – 30
Program Director Reginald Yates
Tap Dance | July 31 – August 20
Program Directors Dormeshia, Michelle Dorrance, Derick K. Grant
The Ann & Weston Hicks
Choreography Fellows Program | August 22 – 31
Program Directors Dianne McIntyre & Risa Steinberg
2023 Workshops & Intensives | Around the Country
Jacob’s Pillow 360
Led by Program Directors, Pillow Artist Faculty, and School Alumni
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis
Scholarships are available! The School at Jacob’s Pillow is committed to making attendance possible for dancers with financial need. Applications are reviewed need-blind; applying for a scholarship in no way impacts the acceptance determination. A Scholarship Application is located within the Program Application.
ABOUT THE SCHOOL
The School at Jacob’s Pillow is a pivotal experience for performers and choreographers to define their distinct artistic voices and form the career-building connections that can best distinguish and advance their work in the field.
Situated in the heart of Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, the longest-running dance festival in the United States, The School has been instrumental in shaping the careers of dance artists throughout its history.
Alumni are an influential international network shaping, defining, and leading the field today. They return to the Pillow as artistic directors, choreographers, performers, artist faculty, and community project leaders; 74 did so during Festival 2022.
The School addresses the most current needs of today’s dancers by connecting them to an extensive roster of renowned choreographers, artistic directors, educators, performers, dance leaders, and change agents. At the Pillow, you are coached, mentored, and charged to work and live as a dance artist, individually and collectively.
Studio days focus on the development of new work by esteemed choreographers. To support this work, artist faculty lead technique classes, creative development workshops, coaching sessions, seminars, and career-building discussions. Festival artists lead classes and lunchtime career-path talks weekly. Evenings include attendance at Festival performances, scholar-led talks, improv jams, extra rehearsals, and spending time to complete choreographic assignments or research in the Jacob’s Pillow Archives. Your weekly performances place you before company artistic directors, School supporters, Festival audiences, and a worldwide streamed audience.
Learn more about The School Experience, Jacob’s Pillow 360, and 2023 Application Details & Deadlines.
An Extraordinary Place To Learn
“My time at the Pillow has been one of the best experiences I’ve had in my entire life. This experience has stretched me physically and artistically, giving me so much knowledge and memories to last a lifetime. The training is impeccable and the artist faculty are very passionate about helping young professionals like myself.”
2021 Contemporary Ballet Program
“My approach as an artist has shifted to become more “purposeful”. Meaning, I am now more interested in using my art as a medium to shape the culture I live in. I feel more responsible to say things with my craft and to use it as community engagement, etc. I was exposed to different ways dance can be implemented into communities who do not engage with dance, as well as the power of dance on telling important narratives that are often untold.”
2022 Contemporary Program Dancer
“This program has gifted me the opportunity to grow in every single aspect of my life. Dormeshia, Michelle Dorrance, and Derick K. Grant are three of the best tap dancers in the world. Every single moment with them, as well as my beautifully gifted colleagues was inspiring.”
2021 Tap Dance Program Dancer
