Jacob's Pillow Season Opens with a Surprising Mix of Old and New

Julia Wagner · 2026-07-03

### A Season of Contrasts at Jacob's Pillow Jacob's Pillow, the iconic dance festival nestled in the Berkshires of Massachusetts, has kicked off its new season with a compelling double bill: the legendary Paul Taylor Dance Company and the innovative Uppercut Dance Theater. This pairing of old and new isn't just a programming choice—it's a statement about the enduring power of dance to evolve while honoring its roots. For dance studio owners and choreographers, this season offers a masterclass in balancing tradition with innovation. The Paul Taylor Dance Company, a pillar of modern dance since the 1950s, brings a repertoire that feels both timeless and timely. Meanwhile, Uppercut Dance Theater, a younger ensemble known for its athletic, boundary-pushing style, injects a jolt of contemporary energy. ### Why This Matters for Dance Educators As a dance educator, you're constantly navigating the tension between preserving classical techniques and preparing students for a changing artistic landscape. The Pillow's season mirrors that challenge. By presenting these two companies side by side, it reminds us that the dance world thrives when different generations and styles converse. Consider how you might apply this in your own studio. Could you pair a classical piece with a student-choreographed work in your next recital? Or invite a local contemporary company to lead a workshop alongside your regular ballet classes? The possibilities are endless when you embrace both heritage and experimentation. ### The Companies in Focus - **Paul Taylor Dance Company**: Founded in 1954, this company has been a driving force in American modern dance. Taylor's choreography is known for its emotional depth, musicality, and often quirky humor. The company's appearance at Jacob's Pillow is a homecoming of sorts—Taylor himself performed there early in his career. - **Uppercut Dance Theater**: Based in New York City, this collective of dancers and choreographers pushes the boundaries of physicality and storytelling. Their work often incorporates elements of circus, martial arts, and improvisation, making them a perfect counterpoint to Taylor's structured elegance. ### What This Means for Your Studio If you run a dance studio, you know that keeping students engaged means offering variety. The Pillow's season is a reminder that audiences crave both the familiar and the novel. Here are a few takeaways you can apply: - **Mix eras in your curriculum**: Teach a Martha Graham technique class alongside a hip-hop workshop. Students benefit from understanding the lineage of movement. - **Collaborate with local artists**: Partner with a musician, visual artist, or theater group for a joint performance. Cross-pollination sparks creativity. - **Attend performances as a group**: Organize a field trip to a nearby dance festival or company show. Experiencing live dance together builds community and inspires. ### The Bigger Picture Jacob's Pillow has long been a sanctuary for dance artists. Its annual season isn't just entertainment—it's a living archive of where dance has been and where it's going. For choreographers, it's a chance to see how masters and newcomers alike tackle the same fundamental questions: How do we move? Why do we move? And for whom? As you plan your own season, whether it's a series of classes or a full-scale production, consider how you can create a dialogue between the old and the new. Your students—and your audience—will thank you for it. ### Final Thoughts The opening of Jacob's Pillow's season with Paul Taylor Dance Company and Uppercut Dance Theater is more than a lineup; it's an invitation to reflect on your own artistic journey. Whether you're a studio owner, a choreographer, or a teacher, there's inspiration to be found in this deliberate collision of eras. So take a page from the Pillow's playbook: honor the past, embrace the future, and let the dance speak for itself.