Jacob’s Pillow

Transforming Dancers into

Artists

The School at Cover photo: Alexis Convento, Contemporary; photo Eduardo Patino

JACOB’SP ILLOWD A N C E

jacobspillow.org413.243.9919

“Jacob’s Pillow changed my life.”- ALUMNUS ROBERT SWINSTON,

MERCE CUNNINGHAM DANCE COMPANY

There comes a time in every dancer’s life

when they have to push

themselves further than they

think possible. Jacob’s Pillow

is the ideal place to experience

the joy, pain, troubles, and pure

passion that pursuing a career

in dance takes.” — I-FEN LIN, CONTEMPORARY PROGRAM

“

Karama Butler, Contemporary: photo Stefanie Motta

There comes a time in every dancer’s life

when they have to push

themselves further than they

think possible. Jacob’s Pillow

is the ideal place to experience

the joy, pain, troubles, and pure

passion that pursuing a career

in dance takes.” — I-FEN LIN, CONTEMPORARY PROGRAM

“

Karama Butler, Contemporary: photo Stefanie Motta

Dancers memorize steps and perform them brilliantly, but artists immerse

themselves in the vision and purpose of the art form. A dancer takes class

daily to improve technique, but an artist lives, breathes, and dreams

dance. A dancer trains for today and tomorrow, while an artist strives to

powerfully communicate through the art form.

Becoming a great artist requires not only years of practice, but experiences that nurture artistry. From its inception, Jacob’s Pillow’s dedication to art and education has fostered transformational experiences for young dancers.

The School’s programs in Ballet, Choreography, Contemporary, Cultural Traditions, and Jazz/Musical Theatre Dance provide an incomparable

curriculum tailored to prepare students to work as professional dancers. Stamina, perseverance, risk-taking, and creative collaboration are challenged daily in technique and repertory classes. Invaluable education in injury prevention, auditioning, and career options further prepares students for the rigors of a demanding professional life.

“ What we do at The School is bring in exceptional dancers and send them out

as young artists. Our job is not to tell them that they are good, but to help them

become great.” — MilTon Myers, ConTeMPorary PrograM DireCTor

Transforming Dancers into

Professional artists

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Personal and artistic growth is a hallmark of The School at Jacob’s Pillow. Generous individual coaching and mentoring is possible, as the student body in each program is limited to twenty-five dancers.

In dance training, the experience of performing for the public is essential to honing artistry. At the Pillow, students perform on the Inside/Out stage, at the Season Opening Gala, and at A Jazz

Happening alongside world-class stars. Unique to The School is the fact that programs occur in the midst of the renowned Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival where students are immersed in a rich world of performances by the most significant international artists of our day; rare treasures from the Pillow Archives, talks by dance scholars, and daily interaction with inspiring Festival artists.

Dancers memorize steps and perform them brilliantly, but artists immerse

themselves in the vision and purpose of the art form. A dancer takes class

daily to improve technique, but an artist lives, breathes, and dreams

dance. A dancer trains for today and tomorrow, while an artist strives to

powerfully communicate through the art form.

Becoming a great artist requires not only years of practice, but experiences that nurture artistry. From its inception, Jacob’s Pillow’s dedication to art and education has fostered transformational experiences for young dancers.

The School’s programs in Ballet, Choreography, Contemporary, Cultural Traditions, and Jazz/Musical Theatre Dance provide an incomparable

curriculum tailored to prepare students to work as professional dancers. Stamina, perseverance, risk-taking, and creative collaboration are challenged daily in technique and repertory classes. Invaluable education in injury prevention, auditioning, and career options further prepares students for the rigors of a demanding professional life.

“ What we do at The School is bring in exceptional dancers and send them out

as young artists. Our job is not to tell them that they are good, but to help them

become great.” — MilTon Myers, ConTeMPorary PrograM DireCTor

Transforming Dancers into

Professional artists

Sara

h de

Vrie

s an

d A

lban

Len

dorf

, Bal

let;

pho

to B

en R

udic

k

Personal and artistic growth is a hallmark of The School at Jacob’s Pillow. Generous individual coaching and mentoring is possible, as the student body in each program is limited to twenty-five dancers.

In dance training, the experience of performing for the public is essential to honing artistry. At the Pillow, students perform on the Inside/Out stage, at the Season Opening Gala, and at A Jazz

Happening alongside world-class stars. Unique to The School is the fact that programs occur in the midst of the renowned Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival where students are immersed in a rich world of performances by the most significant international artists of our day; rare treasures from the Pillow Archives, talks by dance scholars, and daily interaction with inspiring Festival artists.

Auditioning and arriving with dreams and hopes of their next artistic

opportunity, no more than twenty-five dancers at a time are selected

to attend The School at Jacob’s Pillow. Thousands of candidates audition

annually in cities around the world and by DVD. Those chosen are already

highly trained dancers; some are apprentices in world-class companies who

come seeking additional professional advancement or have already earned

significant awards and honors nationally and internationally, and some

are just discovering the possibilities that exist for a career in dance.

Dancers on the Cusp

“I have become a better artist and a better person because of the level of work we have been challenged to achieve.” —STEPHANIE CARD, JAzz/MUSICAL THEATRE DANCE PROGRAM

When eyes and minds are opened to different ways of life, experience and perspective deepen. In and outside of the studios, cultural exchange is part of the learning experience at Jacob’s Pillow.Here, an 18-year-old from Colorado makes life-long connections with dancers from Argentina, Japan, and Russia. Almost half the students hail from other countries.

Students have gone on to perform with major dance companies worldwide, form their own companies, appear in Broadway productions, and choreograph for television and film. Among our distinguished alumni are Meredith Monk, Nikolaj Hübbe, Mia Michaels, Robert Swinston, and “So You Think You Can Dance” winner Joshua Allen.

Hannah Sides, Jazz/Musical Theatre Dance; photo Christopher Duggan

Auditioning and arriving with dreams and hopes of their next artistic

opportunity, no more than twenty-five dancers at a time are selected

to attend The School at Jacob’s Pillow. Thousands of candidates audition

annually in cities around the world and by DVD. Those chosen are already

highly trained dancers; some are apprentices in world-class companies who

come seeking additional professional advancement or have already earned

significant awards and honors nationally and internationally, and some

are just discovering the possibilities that exist for a career in dance.

Dancers on the Cusp

“I have become a better artist and a better person because of the level of work we have been challenged to achieve.” —STEPHANIE CARD, JAzz/MUSICAL THEATRE DANCE PROGRAM

When eyes and minds are opened to different ways of life, experience and perspective deepen. In and outside of the studios, cultural exchange is part of the learning experience at Jacob’s Pillow.Here, an 18-year-old from Colorado makes life-long connections with dancers from Argentina, Japan, and Russia. Almost half the students hail from other countries.

Students have gone on to perform with major dance companies worldwide, form their own companies, appear in Broadway productions, and choreograph for television and film. Among our distinguished alumni are Meredith Monk, Nikolaj Hübbe, Mia Michaels, Robert Swinston, and “So You Think You Can Dance” winner Joshua Allen.

Hannah Sides, Jazz/Musical Theatre Dance; photo Christopher Duggan

There is no other place like the Pillow. To have an

entire campus devoted to dance—

classes, performances, books,

videos, paintings, photographs,

and more—revitalizes the dancer’s

soul and connects it to the roots

and future of dance.” — sabrina Jaafar, ConTeMPorary PrograM

“

Guest Artist Richard Gonzalez and students, Cultural Traditions; photo Stefanie Motta

There is no other place like the Pillow. To have an

entire campus devoted to dance—

classes, performances, books,

videos, paintings, photographs,

and more—revitalizes the dancer’s

soul and connects it to the roots

and future of dance.” — sabrina Jaafar, ConTeMPorary PrograM

“

Guest Artist Richard Gonzalez and students, Cultural Traditions; photo Stefanie Motta

In The School at Jacob’s Pillow, morning class might be taught by a world

renowned artist students have only glimpsed in The New York Times. During

afternoon rehearsal, they work with an acclaimed artistic director from

Australia for whom they dream of auditioning. That evening, they see a

world premiere from Denmark, and the next morning, they take a master

class from the choreographer who created it. A Jazz/Musical Theatre Dance

student might take a class from experts in Cambodian dance to feel, in their

muscles and bones, the relationship between their craft and an ancient dance

tradition from another part of the world. Every day, all day, students at The

School are surrounded by and working directly with icons of the dance world.

legendary faculty

“I would never have guessed that a few weeks could make such an impact on me as an artist. I am leaving here with so much valuable information that I will keep with me throughout my career.”

— BALLET PROGRAM STUDENT

The opportunity for young dancers to work closely with artists of this caliber is of inestimable value, as these artists typically only work with professional dancers and are not available to dancers in training centers. Guest faculty comprise a veritable Who’s Who of dance, including Mark Morris, Mercedes Ellington, Tim Rushton, Rennie Harris, Nina Ananiashvili, Tero Saarinen, and Jock Soto, among many others.

dist inguished program directors include:

anna-marie holmes (Ballet), an internationally acclaimed and award winning dance luminary whose stagings of the Russian classics are in the repertoires of leading ballet companies worldwide.

milton myers (Contemporary), a revered master teacher who serves as Choreographer in Residence for Philadanco and is on the faculties of The Ailey School and The Julliard School.

chet walker (Jazz/Musical Theatre Dance), a performer on Broadway since the age of 16 and creator of the Tony Award-winning musical Fosse, who works internationally as a director, choreographer, and artistic director of WALKERDANCE.

Tim Rushton, Artistic Director of Danish Dance Theatre, and Scott Bartell, Contemporary; photo Ben Rudick

In The School at Jacob’s Pillow, morning class might be taught by a world

renowned artist students have only glimpsed in The New York Times. During

afternoon rehearsal, they work with an acclaimed artistic director from

Australia for whom they dream of auditioning. That evening, they see a

world premiere from Denmark, and the next morning, they take a master

class from the choreographer who created it. A Jazz/Musical Theatre Dance

student might take a class from experts in Cambodian dance to feel, in their

muscles and bones, the relationship between their craft and an ancient dance

tradition from another part of the world. Every day, all day, students at The

School are surrounded by and working directly with icons of the dance world.

legendary faculty

“I would never have guessed that a few weeks could make such an impact on me as an artist. I am leaving here with so much valuable information that I will keep with me throughout my career.”

— BALLET PROGRAM STUDENT

The opportunity for young dancers to work closely with artists of this caliber is of inestimable value, as these artists typically only work with professional dancers and are not available to dancers in training centers. Guest faculty comprise a veritable Who’s Who of dance, including Mark Morris, Mercedes Ellington, Tim Rushton, Rennie Harris, Nina Ananiashvili, Tero Saarinen, and Jock Soto, among many others.

dist inguished program directors include:

anna-marie holmes (Ballet), an internationally acclaimed and award winning dance luminary whose stagings of the Russian classics are in the repertoires of leading ballet companies worldwide.

milton myers (Contemporary), a revered master teacher who serves as Choreographer in Residence for Philadanco and is on the faculties of The Ailey School and The Julliard School.

chet walker (Jazz/Musical Theatre Dance), a performer on Broadway since the age of 16 and creator of the Tony Award-winning musical Fosse, who works internationally as a director, choreographer, and artistic director of WALKERDANCE.

Tim Rushton, Artistic Director of Danish Dance Theatre, and Scott Bartell, Contemporary; photo Ben Rudick

“My husband and I have derived tremendous satisfaction from providing sponsorship support to students at The School at Jacob’s Pillow. To witness the transformation of talented young dancers into real artists in a matter of weeks is magical and awe-inspiring.”

— ELAINE WOLBROM, PILLOW STUDENT SPONSOR

Make a Difference

Most of the extraordinary dancers of The School at Jacob’s Pillow could

not attend without financial assistance. Acceptance is based on talent and

aptitude, and we believe no dancer should be turned away because they

lack the means to pay tuition, room, and board. You can make a difference and help change the life of a promising young dancer by becoming a Pillow Student Sponsor. Full sponsorships of $5,000 cover the cost of tuition, room, board, and admittance to all Festival events for one student; partial sponsorships of $1,000 or more are also needed.

You will be invited to observe dancers’ defining moments in School auditions, meet your student at an intimate luncheon, observe them in class, and see them perform on stage. Sponsors are rejuvenated by the the energy and aspirations of these young dancers, and the satisfaction of following a

dance career after they leave the Pillow. You’ll know that you made a difference at a crucial moment in their development as a dance artist.

The Pillow’s ability to offer financial aid to the most talented and deserving students is central to the continued strength and vitality of The School.

The School at Jacob’s Pillow is one of the most prestigious and sought-after professional advancement centers in the world. Please help create the next generation of dance artists by sponsoring a talented student.

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I-Fen Lin, Contemporary; photo Christopher Duggan

“My husband and I have derived tremendous satisfaction from providing sponsorship support to students at The School at Jacob’s Pillow. To witness the transformation of talented young dancers into real artists in a matter of weeks is magical and awe-inspiring.”

— ELAINE WOLBROM, PILLOW STUDENT SPONSOR

Make a Difference

Most of the extraordinary dancers of The School at Jacob’s Pillow could

not attend without financial assistance. Acceptance is based on talent and

aptitude, and we believe no dancer should be turned away because they

lack the means to pay tuition, room, and board. You can make a difference and help change the life of a promising young dancer by becoming a Pillow Student Sponsor. Full sponsorships of $5,000 cover the cost of tuition, room, board, and admittance to all Festival events for one student; partial sponsorships of $1,000 or more are also needed.

You will be invited to observe dancers’ defining moments in School auditions, meet your student at an intimate luncheon, observe them in class, and see them perform on stage. Sponsors are rejuvenated by the the energy and aspirations of these young dancers, and the satisfaction of following a

dance career after they leave the Pillow. You’ll know that you made a difference at a crucial moment in their development as a dance artist.

The Pillow’s ability to offer financial aid to the most talented and deserving students is central to the continued strength and vitality of The School.

The School at Jacob’s Pillow is one of the most prestigious and sought-after professional advancement centers in the world. Please help create the next generation of dance artists by sponsoring a talented student.

Ale

xis

Con

vent

o, E

lain

e W

olbr

om, a

nd M

alee

k W

ashi

ngto

n, C

onte

mpo

rary

; ph

oto

Ben

Rudi

ck

I-Fen Lin, Contemporary; photo Christopher Duggan

For a closer look at The School at Jacob’s Pillow please click here to view a 10 minute video.

For inquiries on how to become a Pillow Student Sponsor today, call or email: Dona Lee Kelly, Director of Development 413.243.9919 x120 dlkelly@jacobspillow.org

Everything at Jacob’s Pillow has been beyond my expectations. The faculty has become a family for all the participants; our teachers, a real source of

knowledge; and the guest companies, an inspiration to further our careers.” — Konstantinos PaPamatthaiaKis, ContemPorary Program

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For a closer look at The School at Jacob’s Pillow please click here to view a 10 minute video.

For inquiries on how to become a Pillow Student Sponsor today, call or email: Dona Lee Kelly, Director of Development 413.243.9919 x120 dlkelly@jacobspillow.org

Everything at Jacob’s Pillow has been beyond my expectations. The faculty has become a family for all the participants; our teachers, a real source of

knowledge; and the guest companies, an inspiration to further our careers.” — Konstantinos PaPamatthaiaKis, ContemPorary Program

“

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Jacob’s Pillow

Transforming Dancers into

Artists

The School at Cover photo: Alexis Convento, Contemporary; photo Eduardo Patino

jacobspillow.org • 413.243.9919

“Jacob’s Pillow changed my life.”- ALUMNUS ROBERT SWINSTON,

MERCE CUNNINGHAM DANCE COMPANY

JACOB’SPILLOW D A N C E

please click here to return to

For a closer look at The School at Jacob’s Pillow please click here to view a 10 minute video

For inquiries on how to become a

Pillow Student Sponsorcall or email:

Dona Lee Kelly, Director of Development413.243.9919 x120 dlkelly@jacobspillow.org