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Uppercut Dance Theater
June 25 — 26, 2026

Uppercut Dance Theater

Performance Outdoor
June 25 — 26, 2026
Henry J. Leir Stage
Uppercut Dance Theater in "BENCHED;" Raphael Solholm photo

BENCHED is a dynamic, brutally honest bodily tale about life’s big—and very small—questions: about settling down, daring to sit in opposition, being put off or benched, and learning when to take, create, or give space before the bench ends beneath you. In this high-energy work, five dancers navigate Johan Kølkjær’s striking set of oversized mobile benches, which are constantly shifting and transforming. Created by award-winning choreographer Thomasen, the performance combines sharp musicality, athletic physicality, and vivid interaction to examine human relationships with humor, risk, and urgency. Contemporary dance merges seamlessly with street dance, capoeira, acrobatics, and physical theater, showcasing Uppercut’s signature hybrid style.

About Uppercut Dance Theater

Founded in 1982, Uppercut Dance Theater is one of Denmark’s longest-running dance companies and a pioneer in bringing contemporary dance into nontraditional spaces. Now led by artistic directors Stephanie Thomasen and Mark Philip, the company brings 40 years of innovation and cross-genre exploration to the stage.

Show Information

Tickets from $10.00 plus fees Fee of $3.50 per ticket

Expected run time

~50 minutes

Additional information

U.S. debut, Pillow debut, U.S. premiere

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OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE TICKET OPTIONS

To give audiences flexibility, outdoor performances are offered with two ticket options. Rain or Shine tickets include guaranteed indoor access if weather impacts the performance, while Shine Only tickets are valid for outdoor performances only. Rain or Shine tickets are limited in number and may sell out.

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Post-Show Talk

Immediately following the performance

Participate in a free question & answer session with the artists just after they step off stage. Ticket-holders are invited to stay immediately after the show in order to enjoy the Post-Show Talk.


PLAN YOUR VISIT

Jacob's Pillow is located in the Berkshire Hills of Western Massachusetts in the town of Becket. The 225-acre National Historic Landmark is within easy driving distance of Boston, New York, Albany, Burlington, and Hartford.

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