Support the
Pillow
One of the most exciting benefits to donating and becoming a Member of Jacob’s Pillow is early access to Festival tickets: performances by powerhouse ballet companies, legendary modern dance ensembles, acclaimed international choreographers, and more. Free outdoor performances on the iconic Inside/Out stage, site-specific work on the historic grounds, co-presentations throughout the Berkshires, and show-stopping presentations by students of The School are just a few of the countless opportunities to support and attend performances at Jacob’s Pillow.
“Jacob’s Pillow is the place in the United States where you can experience the full breadth of dance that exists today because most of our presentations are part of a festival setting, there is an incredible synergy between the artists who are performing on our stages and the teaching artists and participants of The School, and that translates to audiences as well. Dance artists frequently work in isolation. To come to an institution that celebrates the art form in all its stages of development is reenergizing and revitalizing. It renews their commitment to a challenging field, and the relationships they form here blossom into new artistic possibilities moving forward. The Pillow becomes more than a space to show work or see dance. It is a venue to spark collaboration, seek opportunity, and build lasting relationships that stretch far beyond the Berkshires.”
Pamela Tatge
Director of Jacob’s Pillow
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Presenting Dance Since 1933
In July 1933, Ted Shawn and His Men Dancers started offering “Tea Lecture Demonstrations” in their barn studio (now known as the Bakalar Studio) to promote their work. The first audience of 45 curiosity-seekers expanded weekly so that by summer’s end, people were turned away. These Tea Lectures established roots for what was to evolve into the nation’s longest running dance festival.
Supporter Stories
“The Pillow nourishes our soul in a spectacular setting. It is essential for dance lovers.”
Charles Adelman
Supporter Stories
“Maya (6 years-old) & Lila (4 years-old) wanted to donate Hanukkah money to Jacob's Pillow, as we spent many nights at Inside/Out this summer. Both girls love to dance. It has been wonderful to watch their dance moves grow as they are inspired by the dancers on stage.”
Stephanie Bergman
Supporter Stories
“Exceptional programming. International treasure.”
Thomas Scott
Supporter Stories
Hartford residents Jim, a golf pro, and Stephanie, a kindergarten teacher, joined us at the Pillow for the fourth consecutive year. A large poster of “Never Stand Still” hangs in their den and reminds them all year long about dance on Inside/Out and Jacob’s Pillow. They always come for Inside/Out and a show in one of the indoor theaters.
Supporter Stories
Burt and Geraldine have been coming to the Pillow for 40 years. Their favorite performances include Dorrance Dance, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. They started coming to the Pillow as ballet fans, but have since branched out.
Supporter Stories
Sisters Chrissy and Niki grew up in Lee and have been coming to the Pillow “forever.” They come to Inside/Out several times every summer with their children. What is it about Inside/Out that keeps them coming? “The atmosphere, the variety, and we love dance. AND for moms with kids, it's an easy night out for us." Niki is a Pilates instructor and loves knowing Joseph Pilates taught here and worked with the dancers. “You can feel the historical connection.”
Supporter Stories
"The outdoor setting of Inside/Out performances makes the Pillow so accessible. I love dance but what brought us here was the desire to expose our son to dance. I saw Urban Bush Women perform in Tallahassee as a teenager. I was really moved by them so I was really excited that they were here. That was 20 years ago, which is pretty amazing."
Liz Collins
Supporter Stories
"I came here for the first time in 1976 to perform with the Chuck Davis Company in the Ted Shawn Theatre. I remember standing at the barre in the studio on a rainy day, giving myself class and looking at the clippings of actual newspaper reviews and programs for Pillow performances that were on the wall. I remember thinking about the fact that other dancers provided a place for future performers to come for dance. And that the dream persisted into an actual place - a reality where people can come and sit down and work and spend time together, creating, thinking, and working."
Sandra Burton