A career-advancing summer awaits you
The School at Jacob’s Pillow is where dance artists evolve their distinct artistic voices
while forming career connections that advance their work in the field.
At the Pillow & Around the Country
2025 Programs | At the Pillow
Contemporary Ballet | June 15 – 29
Program Director Annabelle Lopez Ochoa
Contemporary | June 30 – July 20
Program Director Milton Myers
Associate Program Director Francisco Martinez
Creating in Jazz | July 21 – 27
Program Director LaTasha Barnes
Tap Dance | July 28 – August 17
Program Directors Derick K. Grant & Dormeshia
The Ann & Weston Hicks
Choreography Fellowship | August 18 – 28
Program Directors Robert Moses & Risa Steinberg
2024 Workshops & Intensives | Around the Country
Jacob’s Pillow 360
Led by Pillow Program Directors, Artists, and School Alumni
Scholarships Available!
The School at Jacob’s Pillow is committed to assisting any dancer needing assistance with program tuition fees. Applications are reviewed need-blind. Scholarship applications are reviewed only following acceptance determinations. A Scholarship Application is located within the Program Application and should be completed at time of submission.
ABOUT THE SCHOOL
The School at Jacob’s Pillow is a pivotal experience for dance artists to define and develop their distinct artistic voices and form the career-building connections that can best distinguish and advance their work in the field.
Situated in the heart of Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, the longest-running dance festival in the United States, The School has been instrumental in shaping the careers of dance artists throughout its history. The School is a dance home to artists of all backgrounds, cultures, and orientations, and strives to create a supportive environment that values diversity and respects the inherent worth of each member of its community. Read more about Jacob’s Pillow’s commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) here.
The School’s Alumni are an influential international network shaping, defining, and leading the field today. Year after year, they return to the Pillow as artistic directors, choreographers, performers, artist faculty, and community dance project leaders; 61 did so during Festival 2024.
The School addresses the most current needs of today’s dancers by connecting them to an extensive roster of renowned choreographers, artistic directors, educators, performers, dance leaders, and change agents. At the Pillow, you are coached, mentored, and charged to work and live as a dance artist, individually and collectively.
Dancers are immersed in unparalleled experiences within a vibrant professional working environment. Beyond technique classes and new work development rehearsals, studio days are packed with coaching sessions, career-building discussions, wellness and media seminars, meet-and-greets with audiences and School Sponsors, and more.
When the studio day ends, dancers fully enter into the historically rich landmark of Festival dance events; from attending performances and scholar-led talks to networking with performers and artistic directors.
Learn more about The School Experience, Jacob’s Pillow 360, and 2025 Application Details & Deadlines.
An Extraordinary Place To Learn
“My time at the Pillow has been one of the best experiences I’ve had in my entire life. This experience has stretched me physically and artistically, giving me so much knowledge and memories to last a lifetime. The training is impeccable and the artist faculty are very passionate about helping young professionals like myself.”
Contemporary Ballet Program
“My approach as an artist has shifted to become more “purposeful”. Meaning, I am now more interested in using my art as a medium to shape the culture I live in. I feel more responsible to say things with my craft and to use it as community engagement, etc. I was exposed to different ways dance can be implemented into communities who do not engage with dance, as well as the power of dance on telling important narratives that are often untold.”
Contemporary Program Dancer
“This program has gifted me the opportunity to grow in every single aspect of my life. Dormeshia, Michelle Dorrance, and Derick K. Grant are three of the best tap dancers in the world. Every single moment with them, as well as my beautifully gifted colleagues was inspiring.”
Tap Dance Program Dancer
