The School at Jacob’s Pillow will connect you to a revered roster of artists as your faculty; acclaimed for their work in the field as well as their teaching and mentoring.
Artist Faculty
Michelle Dorrance
Program Director
Tap Dance
Michelle Dorrance is a New York City-based performer, choreographer, teacher, and the Artistic Director of Dorrance Dance. Mentored by Gene Medler (North Carolina Youth Tap Ensemble), she was lucky to study under many of the last master hoofers.
Dormeshia
Program Director
Tap Dance
Dormeshia is a two-time Bessie Award winner (as performer and choreographer), a Princess Grace Award winner, and an Astaire Award winner for Best Female Performer in Broadway’s After Midnight. Additional Broadway credits include Black and Blue and Bring In Da’Noise, Bring In Da’Funk.
LaTasha Barnes
Master Class Artist
August 5 & 12
LaTasha “Tasha” Barnes is an internationally recognized and awarded dancer, choreographer, educator, performer, cultural ambassador and Tradition-bearer of Black American Social Dance from Richmond, VA.
Derick K. Grant
Program Director
Tap Dance
Derick K. Grant is a native of Boston, MA where he began his training at the Roxbury Center for the Performing Arts. He also studied the “hoofin” style from master tap dancer, Dianne Walker. Derick was an original Broadway company member and Dance Captain of Bring in ‘Da Noise, Bring in ‘Da Funk.
Jason Samuels Smith
Artist Faculty
August 1-15
Jason Samuels Smith, (Tap Dancer, Choreographer, Performer) received an Emmy, Dance Magazine Award, American Choreography Award, and Gregory Hines Humanitarian Award.