Jacob's Pillow Curriculum in Motion™
A dance methodology for fostering creative dialogue and building community
What is the Curriculum in Motion™ Method?
Created at Jacob’s Pillow, the Curriculum in Motion™ method is a transformative dance integration method that pairs choreographers with community partners to explore how dance can respond to real-world questions and needs. In this approach, "curriculum" is defined by the issues and themes identified by the partner organization — from K-12 classrooms and medical providers to civic organizations, businesses, and beyond.
Through co-creative, choreographic practice, artists and community partners engage through movement, collaborate deeply, and reflect critically, discovering not only the subject at hand but also new insights about themselves, their communities, and their role as responsive, engaged artists.
How it Began
Founded in 1993 by Celeste Miller and “J.R.” Glover, Curriculum in Motion™ began with a guiding question:
How can dance and choreography be a tool for other areas of learning and community building?
From its earliest days, Curriculum in Motion™ has been an artist-driven methodology, applying creative practices to build a more just and humane world. The method was first implemented at Monument Mountain Regional High School in Great Barrington, MA during the 1994-95 school year, which has served as the flagship site for over 30 years. There, the methodology has been continuously developed and refined, grounding Curriculum in Motion™ in classrooms while expanding its impact across diverse learners. Since then, the methodology has expanded to additional schools and community partners throughout Berkshire County. This work also extends into the healthcare sector through Medicine in Motion, a partnership with Volunteers in Medicine and Berkshire Health Systems that applies the Curriculum in Motion™ approach to support wellbeing and community health
Over time, Curriculum in Motion™ has evolved beyond classroom walls. With a commitment to inclusivity and reaching new artists and communities, Celeste Miller and Thasia Giles, Jacob’s Pillow Director of Community Engagement, began envisioning a formal professional development pathway for artists. Following this vision, Celeste invited long-time Curriculum in Motion™ artists Kimberli Boyd and Michael Richter to join as Co-Directors, and the Curriculum in Motion™ Institute launched in 2020. Today, the Institute trains artists from around the world to apply the method in schools, community spaces, businesses, and more, extending the practice from classrooms into broader communities while remaining rooted in the founding values of collaboration, inquiry, and social engagement.
Certified Curriculum in Motion™ Trainers and Facilitators
Certified Facilitators are artists who have completed the fellowship and are equipped to independently design and facilitate a Curriculum in Motion™ residency in partnership with schools and community organizations. Email [email protected] to get in touch with one of these artists.
Celeste Miller
Atlanta, GA
Kimberli Boyd
Detroit, MI
Michael Richter
La Paz, BCS, Mexico and Brewster, NY
Lynn Peterson
New Haven, CT
Justin Sears
Indianapolis, IN
Curriculum in Motion™ in Berkshire County Schools
See how Jacob’s Pillow applies the methodology in K–12 public school classrooms across Berkshire County.
How the Method Works
Participants immerse in the study of the six strands:
- The curriculum, content, theme, or issue is provided by the community partner through deep listening and dialogue.
- The artist devises movement explorations around the agreed upon curriculum, grounding it in their individual choreographic practice.
- Partner in the Circle: A member from the partner organization works with the artist as a co-creative partner.
- Strong choreographic practice + strong curriculum content: Neither one is in service to the other, rather it is an iterative exchange between knowledge, expression, and rigor.
- Peer-to-peer co-mentoring networks. Artists engage with peers for mentorship, reflection, and growth beyond a single project.
- Meta research questions: We practice regular self-reflection: Why do we do the work we do? What do we want to know more about? What do we want to do with our art-making practice? What do we believe in?
The method is grounded in five pillars:
- Dance for Every Body
- Generative and multi-directional feedback
- Liberatory pedagogy and consciousness
- Dance-making by participants
- The value of building long-term relationships
Videos
In early 2018, Curriculum in Motion™ celebrated its 25th anniversary, convening Artist Educators from across the program’s history for the first time to reflect on its legacy, future, and their place in the story of JPCiM.
Watch Co-Founder Celeste Miller reflects on how dance can be a meaningful part of every child’s education in a 2022 PillowTalk.
Contributing Artist Bios
Curriculum in Motion™ Contributing Artists are artists who trained in Curriculum in Motion™ with Celeste Miller at Monument Mountain Regional High School between the years of 1994-2010.
Celeste Miller
"J.R." Glover
Kimberli Boyd
Margot Greenlee
Elizabeth Johnson
Deborah Karp
Dawn Lane
Nicole Livieratos
Krissie Marty
Michael Richter
Liv Schaffer
Ready to Train in the Method?
Are you a choreographer or arts educator seeking to deepen your practice through a structured, community-engaged framework? The Curriculum in Motion™ Institute is a 10-month professional training program designed for choreographers and educators who want to apply the methodology in real-world contexts.
