
Festival 2025 Performances
Our 93rd summer festival will feature U.S.-based and international artists across three stages on Jacob’s Pillow’s campus in the Berkshires. Scroll to learn about the artists to perform in the Ted Shawn Theatre, newly rebuilt Doris Duke Theatre, and outdoor Henry J. Leir Stage.
Member Pre-Sale begins Monday, March 3 at 10am EST. Tickets will go on sale to the general public April 10. To explore Festival 2025 events beyond our onstage performances, click the button below.
Festival 2025 Performances
Explore by Venue
The Center Will Not Hold: A Dorrance Dance Production
Week 1 | June 25–29 | Ted Shawn Theatre
Michelle Dorrance and Ephrat Asherie open Festival 2025 with The Center Will Not Hold, a rhythmic exploration of tap, hip hop, breaking, house, and more—brought to life by an ensemble of 11 dancers and live music by Donovan Dorrance and John Angeles.
Prehistoric Body Theater
Week 1 | June 25–26 | Henry J. Leir Stage
Ancestry, art, and science collide in Ghosts of Hell Creek: Stone Garuda, the Pillow debut of this experimental dance collective from Central Java in Indonesia.
Djapo: Marie Basse-Wiles and Omari Wiles
Week 1 | June 27 | Henry J. Leir Stage
Experience the rhythmic power of West African dance and contemporary club culture in Djapo, a dynamic new work from the visionary mother-son duo Marie Basse-Wiles and Omari Wiles.
The School at Jacob's Pillow Contemporary Ballet Performance Ensemble
Week 1 | June 28 | Henry J. Leir Stage
The 2025 Contemporary Ballet School dancers take the stage in a world premiere performance featuring original works by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and Durante Verzola.
BODYTRAFFIC
Week 2 | July 2–6 | Ted Shawn Theatre
Los Angeles-based BODYTRAFFIC returns with a dynamic program featuring Blue Until June, alongside works by Juel D. Lane and Matthew Neenan. Marking the company’s Ted Shawn Theatre debut, this program explores the power of memory and the lasting impressions that shape our journeys.
Almanac Dance Circus Theatre
Week 2 | July 2 | Henry J. Leir Stage
Acrobatics meet storytelling in this exhilarating performance from Almanac Dance Circus Theatre, a company redefining the boundaries of movement.
New York Swings
Week 2 | July 3 | Henry J. Leir Stage
Lindy Hop dynamo Gaby Cook leads an all-star cast in a celebration of swing dance, jazz music, and the high-flying energy of America’s original social dance.
KanKouran West African Dance Company
Week 2 | July 4–5 | Henry J. Leir Stage
Let the rhythms move you as KanKouran’s energetic dancers and live drummers bring the spirit of West Africa to the outdoor stage, following a thrilling Festival 2024 performance.
Trinity Irish Dance Company
Week 3 | July 10–13 | Ted Shawn Theatre
Trinity Irish Dance Company makes its Jacob’s Pillow debut with a dynamic program celebrating its 35th anniversary. Blending tradition and innovation, the company showcases its signature percussive power, grace, and boundary-pushing approach to Irish dance.
Indigenous Enterprise
Week 3 | July 10 | Henry J. Leir Stage
A vibrant tribute to Native heritage, Indigenous Enterprise brings the energy of championship powwow dancing to Jacob’s Pillow in a visually stunning performance.
Calpulli Mexican Dance Company
Week 3 | July 11 | Henry J. Leir Stage
Back by demand, Calpulli Mexican Dance Company returns with an exhilarating performance showcasing the traditions, colors, and music of Mexico.
Sydnie L. Mosley Dances
Week 3 | July 12 | Henry J. Leir Stage
In their Pillow debut, Sydnie L. Mosley Dances (SLMDances) explores the real-life experiences of women and the Black community through verbal performance and the dance and movement traditions of the African diaspora.
The Sarasota Ballet
Week 4 | July 16–20 | Ted Shawn Theatre
The Sarasota Ballet returns to Jacob’s Pillow for the first time in a decade with a program showcasing its refined classical focus. Featuring a work by Sir Frederick Ashton and a world premiere by artist in residence Jessica Lang, the company brings its signature grace and artistry back to the Ted Shawn Theatre.
Andrew Schneider
Week 4 | July 16–20 | Doris Duke Theatre
Andrew Schneider opens the new Doris Duke Theatre with the world premiere of HERE, a mind-bending exploration of time and connection, featuring Berlin-based collaborators and cutting-edge spatialized audio.
Brother(hood) Dance!
Week 4 | July 16 | Henry J. Leir Stage
Brother(hood) Dance! returns to the Pillow with Black on Earth, a performance that illuminates the resilience of Black farmers and their cultural legacy. Fusing movement and social activism, the company invites audiences to reflect on food justice and sustainability.
VTDance
Week 4 | July 17 | Henry J. Leir Stage
Vincent E. Thomas and VTDance make their Pillow debut with an electrifying fusion of movement, text, and improvisation. Known for blending athleticism with emotional depth, Thomas crafts performances that engage audiences in storytelling, gesture, and musicality.
Red Clay Dance Company
Week 4 | July 18 | Henry J. Leir Stage
Red Clay Dance Company, Chicago’s leading Afro-Contemporary ensemble, makes its Pillow debut with a program that fuses activism and movement. This award-winning, Black female-led company is known for performances that spark conversations about social justice and global change.
The School at Jacob's Pillow Contemporary Performance Ensemble
Week 4 | July 19 | Henry J. Leir Stage
Witness the next generation of dance artists in this world premiere performance from The School’s Contemporary Performance Ensemble. Featuring new works by leading choreographers, this electrifying program showcases the talent of early-career dancers from around the world.
Stephen Petronio Company
Week 5 | July 23–27 | Ted Shawn Theatre
Marking its 40th anniversary, Stephen Petronio Company returns to Jacob’s Pillow for the first time in over two decades. This program features defining works from Petronio’s career, alongside a new iteration of Another Kind of Steve, showcasing the company’s bold, emotionally charged movement.
Elle Sofe Company
Week 5 | July 23–27 | Doris Duke Theatre
Hailing from Norway, Elle Sofe Company makes its U.S. debut with Vástádus eana – the answer is land, blending dance and yoik, the traditional singing of the Sámi people. This powerful performance reflects on community, kinship, and our connection to the earth.
Angkor Dance Troupe
Week 5 | July 23 | Henry J. Leir Stage
Angkor Dance Troupe brings the elegance and power of Cambodian classical dance to the Pillow stage. With intricate gestures and ornate costumes, this celebrated ensemble preserves an ancient tradition while sharing the resilience of a culture that survived the Khmer Rouge.
Orlando Hernández
Week 5 | July 24 | Henry J. Leir Stage
Tap dancer and theater-maker Orlando Hernández makes his Pillow debut with a rhythmic, story-driven performance blending tap, live music, and spoken word. Known for his experimental approach, Hernández’s work reflects the cultural histories of Latino and Afro-diasporic communities.
H.T. Chen & Dancers
Week 5 | July 25 | Henry J. Leir Stage
This pioneering Asian American dance company fuses contemporary movement with cultural storytelling. With over 40 years of groundbreaking work, the company bridges history and innovation through evocative and dynamic choreography.
BOCA TUYA
Week 5 | July 26 | Henry J. Leir Stage
BOCA TUYA, founded by Omar Román de Jesús, blends Puerto Rican rhythms, surrealist narratives, and vibrant movement in performances that honor tradition while pushing contemporary dance forward.
Sekou McMiller & Friends
Week 6 | July 30–August 3 | Ted Shawn Theatre
Sekou McMiller makes his Ted Shawn Theatre debut with the world premiere of Urban Love Suite, a rhythm-packed celebration of Afro-Latin Jazz and Soul. Blending African American, Afro Latino/a/e, and West African dance traditions, this electrifying performance brings cityscapes to life with live music and unstoppable energy.
Eun-Me Ahn
Week 6 | July 30–August 3 | Doris Duke Theatre
Visionary Korean choreographer Eun-Me Ahn returns with the U.S. premiere of Dragons, a striking fusion of live performance and 3D holographic choreography. Featuring a dynamic cast and bold visuals, this electrifying work juggles speed, scale, and illusion.
Bulareyaung Dance Company
Week 6 | July 30–31 | Henry J. Leir Stage
Taiwan’s Bulareyaung Dance Company brings Indigenous stories to life with movement inspired by nature and cultural heritage, creating powerful and deeply rooted performances.
Kara Jenelle & KaJe Movement Collective
Week 6 | August 1 | Henry J. Leir Stage
Kara Jenelle fuses West African, hip hop, dancehall, Afrobeats, and Afro-Caribbean movement in electrifying performances that celebrates Black culture and global dance traditions.
Pua Ali’i ‘Ilima o Nūioka
Week 6 | August 2 | Henry J. Leir Stage
Led by kumu hula Vicky Holt Takamine, this school for Hawaiian dance preserves and shares culture through hula, language, and traditional arts.
Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company
Week 7 | August 6–10 | Ted Shawn Theatre
Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company returns for the first time since 2012 with a powerful program featuring Continuous Replay, D-Man in the Waters, and a site-based version of Story/Time with new stories and live music. Marking over 40 years of groundbreaking work, the company brings its signature depth and innovation back to the Pillow.
Shamel Pitts | TRIBE
Week 7 | August 6–10 | Doris Duke Theatre
Shamel Pitts | TRIBE makes its Pillow debut with Touch of RED, a high-energy duet inspired by boxing, Lindy Hop, and nightlife culture. Set in a stylized ring, this work examines how Black men are perceived and perceive themselves in today’s world.
American College Dance Association
Week 7 | August 6 | Henry J. Leir Stage
Join us for a showcase of standout performances from college and university dance programs across the country, selected from ACDA’s national gala.
Ice Theatre of New York
Week 7 | August 7 | Henry J. Leir Stage
Ice Theatre of New York transforms the stage with a rare summer performance merging ice skating and dance in a mesmerizing display of movement.
Michela Marino Lerman
Week 7 | August 8–9 | Henry J. Leir Stage
Tap virtuoso Michela Marino Lerman blends rhythm, storytelling, and jazz in a dynamic performance that pushes the boundaries of tap dance.
Ballet BC
Week 8 | August 13–17 | Ted Shawn Theatre
Ballet BC makes its long-awaited return with a daring program that blends innovation and physicality. Featuring the U.S. premieres of BOLERO X and Obsidian, alongside SWAY by Artistic Director Medhi Walerski, this performance promises stunning contemporary movement and emotional depth.
Faye Driscoll
Week 8 | August 13–17 | Doris Duke Theatre
Faye Driscoll returns with Weathering, a luminous, multi-sensory performance that unfolds on a moving, raft-like stage. Developed in a Pillow Lab residency, this ever-shifting tableau immerses audiences in a symphony of bodies, sounds, and textures.
Benjamin Akio Kimitch
Week 8 | August 13 | Henry J. Leir Stage
Benjamin Akio Kimitch presents Tiger Hands, a deeply personal work blending Peking opera influences with his Japanese heritage to explore grief, transformation, and ancestral connection.
New York Theatre Ballet
Week 8 | August 14 | Henry J. Leir Stage
New York Theatre Ballet returns for the first time since 2016 with a dynamic program of classic and contemporary works, showcasing the company’s artistry with live music.
New York Theatre Ballet
Week 8 | August 14 | Henry J. Leir Stage
New York Theatre Ballet returns for the first time since 2016 with a dynamic program of classic and contemporary works, showcasing the company’s artistry with live music.
The School at Jacob's Pillow Tap Dance Performance Ensemble
Week 8 | August 16 | Henry J. Leir Stage
Featuring original choreography by tap luminaries Derick K. Grant and Dormeshia, this performance showcases the next generation of tap artists from The School at Jacob’s Pillow.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Week 9 | August 20–24 | Ted Shawn Theatre
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns with a powerful program celebrating its rich legacy and visionary future. Featuring beloved classics and dynamic new works, including Revelations, the company’s electrifying performances continue to inspire and uplift audiences worldwide.
Huang Yi
Week 9 | August 20–24 | Doris Duke Theatre
Taiwanese choreographer and inventor Huang Yi makes his Pillow debut with Ink, a stunning collaboration with audio-visual pioneer Ryoichi Kurokawa. Merging dance, robotics, and holographic projections, this work reimagines calligraphy in motion.
Yusha-Marie Sorzano
Week 9 | August 20 | Henry J. Leir Stage
In her Pillow debut, former Ailey principal Yusha-Marie Sorzano presents This World Anew, a powerful exploration of heritage, ritual, and transformation, commissioned for the Whitney Museum's recent exhibition Edges of Ailey.
Matthew Rushing’s Sacred Songs
Week 9 | August 21–22 | Henry J. Leir Stage
Matthew Rushing and Ailey Extension dancers present Sacred Songs, revisiting omitted music from Revelations to reflect on faith, lament, and joy.
HopeBoykinDance
Week 9 | August 23 | Henry J. Leir Stage
Choreographer and former Ailey company member Hope Boykin makes her Pillow debut with HopeBoykinDance, blending modern and contemporary dance with spoken word and storytelling.
Don't Miss Our Season Opening Gala
Start your summer dancing! Celebrate the magic of the Berkshires and Jacob’s Pillow at our annual Season Opening Gala on June 21. Known as the ultimate summer kickoff, the Gala is sure to be a spectacular evening of conversation, connection, and inspiration, capped off with lots of dancing. Join us at the Gala and help ensure that Jacob’s Pillow can continue to provide a place for local and global communities to gather in celebration of dance and invigorate the cultural landscape of the Berkshires and beyond.

Be a Part of the Pillow Family
Jacob’s Pillow Members enjoy the best there is to offer in dance—from renowned and new companies on our stages and on your screens to intimate conversations and Q&As with dancers and leaders in the field of dance, and much more. Members support the Pillow’s performance spaces, Archives, The School at Jacob’s Pillow, Community Engagement programs, and our landmark 220 acres.