What You Need to Know About Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival
Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival is an international series of events hosted by the Jacob’s Pillow Dance School. The focus at Jacob’s Pillow Dance is on ballet, contemporary, improv, traditional, and musical theatre dance, and the festival this year will be led by some acclaimed artistic directors and choreographers and feature acts from around the world and stemming from a variety of cultures. Here is what you need to know about Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival before attending!
Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival History
The Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival has a rich history, which all began when modern dance pioneer Ted Shawn bought the Jacob’s Pillow farm in 1931. Tasked with legitimizing dance as a respectable career for men, Shawn recruited eight men for a dance company and started offering tea lecture demonstrations in the barn studio as promotion. This expanded into a popular event, and people actually had to be turned away toward the end of the summer. Shawn and his troupe then began to tour, performing over 1,250 times in 750 different cities. In 1940, the company was disbanded and members joined the Armed Forces. However, the dream continued and eventually inspired what is now the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival!
Special Events
The season opening gala will introduce a new director, Pamela Tatge, as well as an evening of cocktails, auctions, performances, and an exhibition followed by dinner under the stars. Start off your romantic getaway at Brook Farm Inn with this fantastic event! Don’t worry; if it’s too last minute, there are plenty of other Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival special events and performances that will be taking place throughout the entire summer. You also will want to be there for the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival finale on August 27 with closing performances, snacks, and a dance party.
Ticketed Performances
Among over 200 free performances, talks, exhibits, classes, and tours, there are some ticketed events that are highly anticipated at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. While you are planning your stay at Brook Farm Inn, consider these dates if you are interested in any of the following events!
June 22-26: Aspen Santa Fe Ballet
June 22-26: Juan Siddi Flamenco Santa Fe
June 29-July 3: Che Malambo
June 29-July 3: Bereishit Dance Company
July 6-10: Gauthier Dance//Dance Company Theaterhaus Stuttgart
July 6-10: And Still You Must Swing
July 13-17: Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
July 13-17: Hubbard Street 2 in Mariko’s Magical Mix- A Dance Adventure
July 20-24: BalletX
July 20-24: Zvidance
July 27-31: Some of a Thousand Words
July 27-31: Arias Company
August 3-7: Compagnie Herve Koubi
August 3-7: New York Theatre Ballet
August 10-14: Dorrance Dance
August 10-14: Monument by Adam H. Weinert
August 17-20: Flexn
August 17-21: Pam Tanowitz Quartet
August 21: The School at Jacob’s Pillow Presents A Jazz Happening
August 24-28: Pacific Northwest Ballet
August 24-28: Souleymane Badolo
Stay at Brook Farm Inn for Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival
If you’re planning on attending one of the many events that will be happening over the summer, stay with us here at Brook Farm Inn! We offer charming accommodations, massage services, and delicious breakfast each morning during your vacation. We also offer an ideal location in the beautiful Berkshires. For more information on what to do in the surrounding area, download our free vacation guide!