Sara Mearns: Beyond Ballet

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PILLOWNOTES JACOB’S PILLOW EXTENDS SPECIAL THANKS by Brian Schaefer TO OUR VISIONARY LEADERS The PillowNotes series comprises essays commissioned from our Scholars-in-Residence to provide audiences with a broader context for viewing dance. VISIONARY LEADERS form an important foundation of support and demonstrate their passion for and commitment to Jacob’s Pillow through Just over four years ago, Sara Mearns found herself in an unlikely place. Usually, as a star principal dancer with New annual gifts of $10,000 and above. York City Ballet, she calls Lincoln Center home and is often centerstage in the vast Koch Theater, in pointe shoes, performing something sleek and tricky by Balanchine. But that spring, she was downtown in the East Village, in the Their deep affliliation ensures the success and longevity of the intimate and historic St. Mark’s Church, in basic ballet slippers, improvising. Pillow’s annual offerings, including educational initiatives, free public programs, The School, the Archives, and more. The occasion was the annual Platform series, a deep-dive into a different cerebral theme, produced by the venerable contemporary dance organization, Danspace Project. Claudia LaRocco, a former dance critic for The New York Times, was the curator in 2015 and decided it was high time that ballerinas and postmodern choreographers got to PRESENTS $25,000+ know each other a bit better. She invited Mearns and Mearns’s City Ballet colleague, Ashley Bouder, to pair up with SARA MEARNS: Carole* & Dan Burack Christopher Jones* & Deb McAlister Rashaun Mitchell, an alumnus of the Merce Cunningham company, and Jodi Melnick, an acclaimed dance maker in The Barrington Foundation Wendy McCain the so-called “downtown” dance scene. For Mearns, the collaboration was a revelation. BEYOND BALLET Frank & Monique Cordasco Fred Moses* Hon. Stephan P. Driscoll*, in honor and memory Jennie A. Kassanoff & Dan H. Schulman “It was my first experience not doing ballet,” she recalls. “It opened my eyes and gave me the itch to do other of John Lindquist & Barton Mumaw Mark & Taryn Leavitt things.” For an artist of Mearns’s stature, that’s a serious itch. In 2004, she joined City Ballet’s corps; only four years Doris Duke Theatre Stephanie & Robert ‡ Gittleman Sylvia T. Pope* later, she was promoted to principal and has been an audience favorite ever since owing to her intoxicating mix of Carolyn Gray & George Peppard Robert & Eileen Rominger regal grandeur and raw attack. In that time, she has only known ballet and only balletomanes have known her. August 14-18, 2019 Joan & Jim Hunter Irene Ryan Foundation But even at the top of her game, a ballerina can feel pigeonholed. “I was never chosen to be in the avant-garde pieces,” she says of her casting at City Ballet. “I was thought of as a Balanchine ballerina.” That’s not a bad thing to be, of course. But to be labeled a certain type of dancer can inhibit growth and risk. And after her taste of CHOREOGRAPHERS Martha Graham $10,000+ experimentation with Melnick, Mearns wanted more. So, she went after it. “I took it upon myself to get out of that Liz Gerring Dr. Norman Abramson Ann* & Peter Herbst bubble,” she says. Deborah & Charles Adelman Laura* & Nick Ingoglia Christopher Williams Aliad Fund Nancy K. Kalodner She courted Melnick, aggressively, but Melnick was wary of choreographing a ballet and she demurred. Mearns Jodi Melnick Rick & Nurit Amdur Amy & Richard Kohan was persistent, however, and eventually they agreed to step into a studio without any expectations of producing Candace* & Rick Beinecke Lizbeth & George Krupp something. “This wasn’t for an external reason,” Mearns told The New York Times of the process. “It was an Company Wang Ramirez Linda & Bob Berzok Jack & Elizabeth Meyer, in honor of opportunity to see what else my body could do.” And that’s when Jacob’s Pillow stepped in to help make it happen. Sydelle & Lee Blatt Diane & Deval Patrick David Carlisle & Morene Bodner Hans* & Kate Morris In the fall of 2015, Mearns and Melnick (and two other City Ballet dancers, Jared Angle and Gretchen Smith) arrived PERFORMERS Sara Mearns Chervenak-Nunnallé Foundation Gov. Deval L. & Diane Patrick here for a residency with the simple intention of exploring movement. Though creating a dance to perform wasn’t Neil* & Kathleen Chrisman Claudia Perles the goal, the two ended up showing their work at the Guggenheim the following year. When Mearns was invited to Ashley Bouder Ranny Cooper & David Smith Caren & Barry Roseman be part of the Pillow season this summer, she knew she wanted to again work with Melnick—the one who had first Jodi Melnick Jeffrey Davis & Michael T. Miller Hunter K. Runnette* & Mark P. VandenBosch opened the doors to dance beyond ballet—and so a brand-new Pillow-commissioned work is on the program. David DeFilippo & Lisa Shapiro, in memory of Naomi Seligman & Ernie von Simson Honji Wang Robert Gittleman Mark Sena & Linda Saul-Sena And the rest of the current Pillow program is a reminder of the myriad of experiences that followed her initial Hermine Drezner Natalie & Howard Shawn explorations with Melnick. In just a few years, she has performed the work of the modern dance pioneers Isadora Lisbeth Tarlow & Stephen Kay Sheila Drill Duncan, Martha Graham, and Merce Cunningham, as well as that of young contemporary hip-hop artists. The latter Nancy & Michael Feller Roger Tilles Stephen Weiner & Donald Cornuet are Honji Wang and Sébastien Ramirez, who made their much-loved Pillow debut in 2015. The following year, they David & Nina Fialkow in honor of danced at the popular Fall for Dance Festival in New York City, where Mearns also performed. Mearns was blown Deval & Diane Patrick and Mark A. Leavitt Ellen Weissman Mark & Liz Williams away by their strength, agility, and unique style. She went up to them afterward. “I know this is crazy, but I want to Jeanne Donovan Fisher work with you,” she told them. “I’m not going to do the hip-hop, but I want to collaborate.” Joan* & Charlie Gross Elaine* & Irving Wolbrom Once again, the Pillow showed up to support the project. “Pam made it happen,” Mearns says, referring to the * Former Trustees, staff, faculty, interns, Pillow’s artistic director, Pamela Tatge. “All of a sudden we were there in the studio.” And then all of a sudden, they The School’s dancers, or artists-in-residence were at Jacob’s Pillow’s 85th Anniversary Gala, performing the results of their exploration. And now that short work, ‡ Deceased No. 1, is part of Mearns’s eclectic program, a product of the Pillow’s investment in the curiosity of artists.

Also on the program, representing Mearns’s recent endeavors into the repertory of the modern dance masters, is INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT Ekstasis, an early solo created and originally performed by Martha Graham in 1933. “I never expected to do Graham As of May 23, 2019 major support for Jacob’s Pillow has been generously provided by the ever,” she says. Learning it was a revelation. “She understood the woman’s body and how to showcase it and how to following institutions: The Arison Arts Foundation; Arnhold Foundation; The Barr Foundation; empower a woman on stage and in life.” With the Graham company performing next door at the Ted Shawn Theatre The Barrington Foundation; Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation; Blue Cross Blue Shield this week, Mearns found it a fitting tribute—“the cherry on top for me.” of Massachusetts; The Chervenak-Nunnallé Foundation; The Feigenbaum Foundation; Gladys Krieble Delmas Foundation; The Ford Foundation; Howard Gilman Foundation; Harkness Foundation for Dance; William Randolph Hearst Foundation; The John S. and James L. Rounding out the program are works by Liz Gerring and Christopher Williams that were made for her, each of which Knight Foundation; Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency; MassDevelopment; The allows Mearns to tap into another new corner of her artistry and physical capabilities. Which is not to say that she’s Andrew W. Mellon Foundation; Mertz Gilmore Foundation; New England Foundation for the straying from her first love. Come fall, she’ll once again be centerstage at Lincoln Center with City Ballet. Arts; National Endowment for the Arts; Onota Foundation; The Prospect Hill Foundation; Sara Mearns: Beyond Ballet is supported, in part, by a special The Shubert Foundation; The Robert and Tina Sohn Foundation; The Spingold Foundation; But something will be different. The artistic adventure she has embarked on over the last few years has left its mark. contribution from Natalie and Howard Shawn. Talented Students in the Arts Initiative, a collaboration of the Doris Duke Charitable “Everything I do outside of ballet informs my ballet performing,” she says. She points to something Melnick taught Foundation and Surdna Foundation; The Thompson Family Foundation; The Velmans her, about having confidence in the power of your own presence. “When you walk on stage you don’t have to be Foundation; Weissman Family Foundation; and Jacob’s Pillow Business Partners. bigger than you are,” Mearns says. “Who you are is enough.”

© 2019 Brian Schaefer and Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival Brian Schaefer is a New York-based journalist who writes about dance, culture, and politics for a number of publications, including The New York Times. PROGRAM has received fellowships from 100 Solos: A Centennial Event Other Lighting Supervisor credits MEMBERSHIP SUPPORTS the New York Foundation for in celebration of Merce include Mark Morris Dance EVERYTHING YOU LOVE ABOUT EKSTASIS the Arts, The Foundation for Cunningham’s 100th birthday. Group, Paul Taylor American CHOREOGRAPHY Martha Graham, reimagined by Virginie Mécène Contemporary Arts, the Center They have produced their Modern Dance, Company Wang JACOB’S PILLOW for Ballet and the Arts, and own costume-centric dance Ramirez, Pilobolus, Martha PERFORMANCE Sara Mearns the Bogliasco Foundation for performances at both the Clarke's Angel Reapers, and multiple residencies at the Guggenheim and the Museum Radiolab Live: In The Dark. JOIN OUR THOUSANDS OF MEMBERS & SUPPORT THE MUSIC Original music by Lehman Engel, reimagined by Ramon Humet* Liguria Study Center for Arts of Art and Design in New York MISSION OF JACOB’S PILLOW. & Humanities in Bogliasco, City. Reid and Harriet aim to MICHAEL J. SCHUMACHER "The body is a sacred garment." Italy. Williams has also held expand the notions of costume (Composer) has collaborated You can help the Pillow present outstanding dance artists - Martha Graham creative residencies at Robert in dance performance and with Liz Gerring since they were from around the world, provide training and support to Wilson’s Watermill Center, evolve traditional ideas on both students in the 1980s. the talented dancers of The School at Jacob’s Pillow, maintain The Martha Graham Dance Company is delighted to have Sara Mearns dance this Captiva Island via the Robert collaboration. His specific interests are in our landmark site, and create free community programs special solo as part of her program at Jacob's Pillow. Rauschenberg Foundation, the the areas of electronic music, that engage people of all ages and backgrounds with dance. Anderson Center, the White Oak TEI BLOW (Sound Design) improvisation, algorithmic Premiere, May 4, 1933 – Guild Theatre, New York City Plantation, Kaatsbaan, Yaddo, makes work that combines composition, and spatialized Ekstasis (reimagined) Premiere, February 14, 2017 – The Joyce Theater, and The Yard. Since graduating live performance, video, and sound. His works have been New York City from Sarah Lawrence College sound with found media. It presented in galleries, museums, and the École Internationale has been featured at Hartford and concert halls, as well as EVERY GIFT MATTERS. *"Interludi meditatiu VII" from Homenaje a Martha Graham, de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq in Stage, Dance Theater Workshop, in public and private spaces. JOIN AND CHOOSE THE LEVEL RIGHT FOR YOU! © Neu Records 2016, used by arrangement with the copyright owner. Paris, he has danced for Douglas Lincoln Center Festival, The His most recent project is the Dunn, Rebecca Lazier, Tere Kitchen, BAM, The Public Portable Multi-channel Sound Explore the full list of benefits, then join as a new Member, renew O’Connor, Yoshiko Chuma, John Theater, The Broad Stage, MCA System, a 12-channel sound Kelly, Sally Silvers, and Mina Chicago, MFA Boston, Kate system that fits in a suitcase. your current membership, or upgrade to a higher level Nishimura, among others, and as Werble Gallery, Baryshnikov Schumacher's interest in the at jacobspillow.org/support/membership. DUET a puppeteer, has worked with Arts Center, The Wadsworth relationship of musical form and CHOREOGRAPHY Liz Gerring the award-winning master Atheneum, and at theaters architecture led to the founding You can also make a donation by phone at 413.243.9919 x122. puppeteer Basil Twist and Dan around the world. He has of Diapason, a gallery devoted Hurlin. performed and designed for to the presentation of multi- MUSIC Michael J. Schumacher Sustaining members support the Pillow year-round through easy, Dmitry Krymov Laboratory, channel sound installations, automatic monthly or quarterly gifts. LIGHTING DESIGN Mike Faba (Based on the original design by Jimmy Lawlor) REID & HARRIET DESIGNS Mikhail Baryshnikov, Big Dance long-duration performances, (Costume Design) was founded Theater, and David Neumann/ and intermedia artworks. In its REHEARSAL in 2011 by Harriet Jung and Advanced Beginner Group. He 15 years of existence, Diapason DIRECTORS Claire Westby Reid Bartelme. Prior to meeting received a 2015 New York Dance has presented over 300 artists Depending on your level, membership gives you access to: Brandon Collwes at the Fashion Institute of and Performance “Bessie” at a time when sound art was Technology, Reid spent 10 Award for Outstanding Sound emerging as a distinct practice in Early Ticketing COSTUME DESIGN Carbon 38 years working as a dancer Design, a 2016 Creative Capital the United States. Schumacher Fan level & above and Harriet studied visual arts Award, a 2016 NYSCA Individual studied music composition with PERFORMANCE Ashley Bouder and completed a degree in Artist Grant, and a 2018 Cage Stanley Applebaum, Bernhard Admission to Cast Parties Sara Mearns Molecular and Cell Biology at UC Cunningham Fellowship from Heiden, John Eaton, and Vincent Contributor level & above Berkeley. Their choreographer Baryshnikov Arts Center. He is Persichetti and piano with Premiere, March 17, 2017 – Peter Norton Symphony Space, New York City clients include Justin Peck, a founding member of Royal Seymour Bernstein, John Ogdon, Pillow Lab showings where you can witness the creative process Pam Tanowitz, Jack Ferver, Trey Osiris Karaoke Ensemble, a and Shigeo Neriki. Schumacher Supporter level & above McIntyre, Matthew Neenan, musical priesthood exploring has degrees from Indiana Robert Binet, Lar Lubovitch, Kyle contemporary mythologies of University and Juilliard. He has Priority Parking Passes Partners’ Circle level & above Abraham, Gwen Welliver, and love and connection. received awards and residencies Burr Johnson, among others. from NYFA, Harvestworks, RPI, Invitations to Member-Exclusive Events They have designed productions MIKE FABA (Lighting Design) DAAD, and others. at companies domestically and is a Lighting Designer and Discounts in The Pillow Store Jacob’s Pillow is committed to providing an inclusive environment that cultivates the celebration of the art of dance internationally, including New Supervisor for theatre and and its positive impact on communities. York City Ballet, San Francisco dance. Recent design credits We are dedicated to fostering a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for everyone on our beautiful campus. You, Ballet, Ballet du Grand Théâtre include No. 1 (Company as patrons and visitors of Jacob’s Pillow, are expected to contribute to our mutually respectful and welcoming community and support the world of dance and all its citizens for generations to come. de Genève, American Ballet WangRamirez & Sara Mearns) at Theatre, Pacific Northwest New York City Center and Jacob's If you have any suggestions, comments, or incidents to report, Help make dance creation, presentation, education, and please direct them to Deputy Director A.J. Pietrantone at [email protected]. Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Pillow; Wednesday Morning, Malpaso Dance Company, 11:45 (Pilobolus) at Marksman preservation at Jacob’s Pillow possible. HOUSE RULES: While in our theaters, please refrain from behavior that could disturb other patrons and performers during the MiamiCity Ballet, Hubbard Street (Kate Weare) at The Joyce; and performance. Thank you for observing these House Rules so that everyone can have an enjoyable experience. Dance Chicago, Ballet Austin, Unstruck (Kate Weare) at BAM Thank you! Silence cell phones • Photography & recording are prohibited • Other than water, food & beverages are prohibited • Keep your ticket with you at all times • Let a staff member know if you need help and Semper Oper Dresden. They Fisher. Faba spent two summers recently designed the costumes as the Lighting Supervisor for We are so glad you are here. Enjoy the show! for all three venues of Night of Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival. DAPHNIS & CHLOÉ (excerpt) broaden their artistry. Artists of Audience Award at the dance-musical theatre made all genres were eager to study International Contemporary to Nitin Sawhney’s album CHOREOGRAPHY Christopher Williams and work with Graham—she Dance Competition in Hannover Dystopian Dream. The duo’s CHLOÉ taught actors including Bette (2012), a New York Bessie Award latest commission will see them (A SHEPHERDESS) Sara Mearns Davis, Kirk Douglas, Madonna, for Outstanding Performer appear alongside choreographer, Liza Minnelli, Gregory Peck, (2013), and a Bessie Award acrobat, and dancer Yoann MUSIC Excerpt from the ballet Daphnis et Chloé (1912) by Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) Tony Randall, Eli Wallach, Anne Nomination for Outstanding Bourgeois in a program Jackson, and Joanne Woodward Production (2017). His first named Beyond, performed COSTUME DESIGN Reid Bartelme and Harriet Jung to utilize their bodies as commissioned work was as one by the GöteborgsOperans expressive instruments. of the choreographers of RIOT Danskompani. Company Wang LIGHTING DESIGN Mike Faba (Based on the original design by Serena Wong) During her long and illustrious OffSpring, a 2013 Sadler’s Wells Ramirez has produced more career, Graham created 181 production. Ramirez contributed than nine highly-demanded dance compositions. During the to the creation phase of and critically-acclaimed works Bicentennial she was granted Madonna’s Rebel Heart tour and including Monchichi (2010), - INTERMISSION - the United States’ highest choreographed for her live show. Borderline (2013), EVERYNESS civilian honor, The Medal of He also conducted a personal (2016), No.1 (2017), and W.A.M. Freedom. In 1998, TIME training on floorwork movement (2018). The Company tours in OPULENCE INTO PART 2 (World Premiere) Magazine named her the for the creation of Akram numerous cities around Europe, “Dancer of the Century.” The Khan’s solo DESH. Ramirez was Asia, America, and beyond. CHOREOGRAPHY Jodi Melnick first dancer to perform at the appointed Associate Artist at White House and to act as a L’Archipel, National Theater CHRISTOPHER WILLIAMS PERFORMANCE Sara Mearns cultural ambassador abroad, she of Perpignan in 2014 and at (Choreographer), hailed as Jodi Melnick captured the spirit of a nation. Théâtre de la Ville in Paris in "one of the most exciting SOUND DESIGN Tei Blow “No artist is ahead of his time,” 2018. choreographic voices out there" Drums by Kid Millions she said. “He is his time. It is just (The New York Times), is a New Guitar by Zach Lehrhoff that the others are behind the COMPANY WANG RAMIREZ York Dance and Performance time.” produces dance-theater pieces "Bessie" Award-winning LIGHTING DESIGN Mike Faba that splice together genres as choreographer, dancer, and SÉBASTIEN RAMIREZ divergent as hip-hop, ballet, puppet artist who has COSTUME DESIGN Kaye Voyce with J.E.M (Choreographer) was born in the contemporary dance, and created over 30 original and south of France, has a Spanish martial arts, under the direction collaborative works in New Jacob's Pillow staff members and interns are featured: Akinyemi Blackshear, background, and specializes of internationally renowned York City and abroad since Sienna Jessurun, Lydia Murray, Annie Peterson, Madalyn Rupprecht, and in the use of aerial work as choreographers Honji Wang and 1999. In addition to touring Izzi Wayner. well as choreographic rigging Sébastien Ramirez. Company internationally in France, Commissioned by Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival 2019. development. The underground Wang Ramirez The company’s England, Italy, Spain, Holland, scene, followed by a number of unique choreographic language– Colombia, Russia, and competitions, collaborations, with means of expression built Malawi, as well as nationally and encounters consolidated on technical virtuosity, poetry, in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, his artistic vision. In 2007, and humor–has been recognized Pittsburgh, Kalamazoo, NO. 1 he founded his company with numerous awards such as Princeton, Carlisle, and No. 1 begins with a film realized by Laurent Daufès and Sébastien Ramirez with in Perpignan. Integrating two New York "Bessie" Award Interlochen, his works have been support from BNP Paribas Foundation. Set to "SHUFFLE" by LACRYMOBOY, a new vision of space and recognitions and the 1st and presented in many New York City featuring Jonathan Soucasse. choreography, the company's Special Audience Award at the venues including Lincoln Center, distinct language brought International Contemporary City Center, Danspace Project, CHOREOGRAPHY Company Wang Ramirez hip-hop dance to a wider and Dance Competition in Hannover. Dance Theater Workshop, HERE new audience. Sharing the Wang & Ramirez have earned Arts Center, the 92nd Street Y, PERFORMANCE Sara Mearns Honji Wang Company’s Artistic Direction invitations to collaborate with and Judson Church. His recent with Honji Wang, the pair big-name artists from the dance, commissioners include New LIGHTING DESIGN Mike Faba has produced more than nine plastic arts, film, and music York Live Arts, Opéra Royal du choreographic pieces that blend worlds, including Madonna, Château de Versailles/Opéra EXECUTIVE hip-hop with other styles and Nitin Sawhney, Akram Khan, National de Bordeaux, English PRODUCTION Company Wang Ramirez, Clash66 has collected several awards, Rocío Molina, New York City National Opera, Teatro Real/ including the Special Prize at the Ballet principal dancer Sara Perm Opéra & Ballet Theater, COSTUME DESIGN Honji Wang International Choreography Mearns, Constance Guisset, Danspace Project, Philadelphia Competition in Osaka (2009), Osgemeos, Andy Serkis, and Dance Projects, American Opera Premiere, 2017. the 1st and Special Audience Hussein Chalayan, among Projects, Reid & Harriet Design, Award at the No Ballet others. In 2016, Wang and Lower Manhattan Cultural Co-commissioned and developed in part in a residency at Jacob's Pillow, with additional development support from Fall for Dance (New York City Center) and Contemporary Dance Ramirez were commissioned Council, The Blanket, and HERE Competition in Ludwigshafen by Sadler's Wells to direct and Arts Center’s Dream Music Fall for Dance North (Toronto). (2012), the 1st and Special perform a hybrid piece of Puppetry Program. Williams BIOS SARA MEARNS (Performer) is Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts Youth Ballet (CPYB), Bouder has Smith, and Taylor Stanley, throughout the U.S., Europe, Dance Award in June 2015 and originally from Columbia, South from the University of South taught at the summer programs originated at Jacob’s Pillow and Australia, and Asia. Currently, a Joyce Theater Residency the Carolina, and has been dancing Carolina. Mearns made her of the School of American Ballet went on to be performed at the she is an adjunct professor same year. Between 2013-18 since the age of three. Mearns musical theatre debut as the (SAB), Saratoga Summer Dance Guggenheim Museum in NYC, of dance at Barnard College she was commissioned for entered the School of American Angel in New York City Center Intensive (SSDI), Manhattan and the Spoleto Festival in S.C. at Columbia University, three works in collaboration Ballet in the Fall of 2001 and Encores! I Married an Angel Youth Ballet (MYB), Carolina Her work has been presented at Sarah Lawrence College with composer Michael became an apprentice with in March 2019, directed and Ballet School, and the CPYB. BAM Fisher as part of the Next (undergraduate and graduate), J. Schumacher for Peak New York City Ballet in the Fall choreographed by her husband, She continues to be a frequent Wave Festival; City Center’s Fall and Trevor Day School (middle Performances at the Kasser of 2003. She joined the corps Joshua Bergasse. In April 2019, guest teacher at Ballet Academy for Dance; The Joyce Theater; and high school). Theater in Montclair, NJ. In de ballet in June 2004, was Mearns was a performer East, MYB, and SAB while guest New York Live Arts (NYLA); 2017-18 she was awarded a promoted to soloist in 2006, in the Night of 100 Solos: A teaching and holding master The Kitchen; La MaMa; Jacob’s HONJI WANG (Choreographer & City Center Choreographic and to principal dancer in 2008. Centennial Event in New York classes around the country, Pillow; American Dance Festival; Performer) is a German Korean Fellowship, and in 2019 was one Mearns is known for her roles City, celebrating what would including the Boston Ballet The Yard; Vail International choreographer and performer, of five artists to receive the Cage as the Swan Queen in Swan have been Merce Cunningham’s School and Princeton University. Dance Festival, commissioned by recognized as an artist who Cunningham Fellowship from Lake and for Balanchine ballets 100th birthday. This coming fall As an Artistic Director and Damian Woetzel and Yo Yo Ma; brings contemporary and the Baryshnikov Arts Center. including Jewels (Diamonds) and Mearns will premiere in a new choreographer using the arts Barnard College; Sarah Lawrence hip-hop together in an Gerring is currently working on Symphony in C, among countless commissioned piece by Kim collaborative she founded, The College; George Washington exceptionally organic fashion. a project for the ICA in Boston others. She has originated roles Brandstrup at the Fall for Dance Ashley Bouder Project (ABP), University; DanceBox in Kansai, Her dance language is an with composer John Luther in ballets by choreographers Festival at New York City Center. Bouder hopes to promote Japan; the opening of the Dublin abstraction of hip-hop and has Adams. She lives in New York including Justin Peck, Kyle other female choreographers, Dance Festival; Belfast, Ireland; influences of earlier martial arts City and upstate NY with her Abraham, Alexei Ratmansky, and ASHLEY BOUDER (Performer) while also setting an example St. Petersburg and Moscow, and ballet training. Wang’s first husband Kirk Radke, her three Christopher Wheeldon, to name was born in Carlisle, for women to be more forward Russia; and Tallinn, Estonia. In collaboration with Sébastien children, two dogs, and a cat. a few, and has appeared as a Pennsylvania, and began her and prominent in the creation 2012, Melnick had the esteemed Ramirez, a duet titled AP15, guest artist with the Paul Taylor ballet training at the age of six and directorial sides of the arts privilege of collaborating with was in 2010. Soon after, she MARTHA GRAHAM Dance Company with Dances at the Central Pennsylvania world. Her previous work has Trisha Brown and performing became Co-Artistic Director of (Choreographer) has had a deep of Isadora (Isadora Duncan Youth Ballet with Marcia Dale been presented at the School of the solo One of Sixty-five Company Wang Ramirez and and lasting impact on American Dance Foundation), The Martha Weary. After attending the 1999 American Ballet Choreographic Thousand Gestures. Melnick’s ever since the duo has been art and culture. She single- Graham Company (2019 Gala Summer Program at the School Workshop, the New York City rich history of working with a creating larger scale works that handedly defined contemporary in Ekstasis), The Ashley Bouder of American Ballet (SAB), the Ballet in the Dancer's Choice vast array of significant artists have established them in the dance as a uniquely American Project (Duet by Liz Gerring), official school of New York City Program, the Ashley Bouder includes dancing in Twyla Tharp contemporary dance scene. art form, which the nation has and Company Wang Ramirez Ballet, she was invited by SAB Project at New York's Peter Dance (1990-94, 2009); with Wang was selected in in turn shared with the world. (No. 1). Mearns appeared in to continue her training during Norton Symphony Space, Bryant Mikhail Baryshnikov (2005- Madonna’s final auditions and Crossing artistic boundaries, New Bodies, a collaboration the Winter Session. Bouder was Park Presents, and The Joyce 08); and continued creative earned an invitation to tour and she collaborated with and with Jodi Melnick, at the Spoleto named an apprentice with New Theater. In her second residency experiences with Sara Rudner, perform in the Rebel Heart Tour. commissioned work from Festival in South Carolina and York City Ballet in June 2000 and at the Vineyard Arts Project this David Neumann, Yoshiko Chuma, Wang has also collaborated with the leading visual artists, at the Guggenheim Museum became a member of the corps summer, she held the first ABP John Jasperse, Vicky Shick, flamenco dancer Rocío Molina, musicians, and designers of her in New York. At New York City de ballet that October. She was choreographic workshop to help Beth Gill, Elena Demyanenko, with British choreographer day, including sculptor Isamu Center, she has appeared in the promoted to the rank of soloist young choreographers hone Rashaun Mitchell, Jon Kinzel, Akram Khan, as well as with New Noguchi and composers Aaron Fall for Dance Festival (2013, in February 2004, and in January their skills. Paul Kaiser, Liz Roche, Charles York City Ballet principal dancer Copland, Samuel Barber, 2014, 2017, 2018), where she 2005 Bouder was promoted to Atlas, David Michalek, Yvonne Sara Mearns in a series of duets. and Gian Carlo Menotti. most recently performed the principal dancer. Bouder has JODI MELNICK (Choreographer Rainer, and Sibyl Kempson. In 2014, Wang was appointed Graham’s groundbreaking style piece Dances of Isadora Duncan danced in ballet galas around & Performer) is a NYC-based Melnick is honored with a Doris Associate Artist at L’Archipel, grew from her experimentation – A Solo Tribute, and the 2018 the world and guest starred in choreographer, dancer, and Duke Impact Award (2014), a National Theater of Perpignan with the elemental movements Balanchine Festival. Mearns companies including the Paris teacher. Melnick designs Guggenheim Fellow (2012), a and in 2018 at Théâtre de la of contraction and release. By was a guest artist alternating Opera Ballet, Rome Opera Ballet, intricate movement to Jerome Robbins New Essential Ville in Paris. focusing on the basic activities the role of Victoria Page in Bayerisches Staatsballett, and explore the exquisite nature Works Grant (2010-11), a of the human form, she the U.S. premiere of Matthew the Mariinsky Ballet. She has and dynamic relationships Foundation for Contemporary LIZ GERRING (Choreographer) enlivened the body with raw, Bourne's The Red Shoes. She been awarded the Mae L. Wien between human beings. She Arts Grant (2011), two "Bessie" was born in San Francisco in electric emotion. The sharp, recently collaborated with Award for Outstanding Promise uses the profound expression Awards for sustained 1965 and grew up in Los Angeles angular, and direct movements Pam Tanowitz Dance in Time is at the School of American Ballet of the dancing body and lucid achievement in dance (2001 and where she began studying dance of her technique were a forever dividing itself toward as a student. As a professional performing instincts to drive 2008), a Gibney DIP Residency at age 13. Gerring studied at the dramatic departure from the innumerable futures, a world her awards include the Janice the creative process. The work Grantee, and a two-year Cornish Institute in Seattle and predominant style of the time. premiere performed outside at Levin Honoree from the New is transformed through the extended Life grant awarded in 1987, received a B.F.A. from Graham influenced generations the 2019 River to River Festival York City Ballet, the Miss Dance phenomenon of dancing. Her from the Lower Manhattan The Juilliard School. Gerring of choreographers that included in New York. She is a Benois de Expressivity for 2011, the Miss work has been presented both Cultural Center (LMCC). formed the Liz Gerring Dance Merce Cunningham, Paul Taylor, la Danse and Princess Grace Virtuosity for 2013 from the nationally and internationally. Melnick is a 2019 Center for Company in 1998 and has been and Twyla Tharp, altering the Award nominee and winner of Open Gala, and the 2019 Benois Melnick’s critically acclaimed Ballet Arts residency fellow. presenting her work in New York scope of dance. Classical ballet the 2018 "Bessie" Award for de la Danse. Beginning her New Bodies 2016/18, made on Melnick teaches master classes, City and abroad continuously dancers Margot Fonteyn, Outstanding Performer. This past teaching training in her teens NYC Ballet principal dancers Sara technique, improvisation, and since that time. Gerring was Rudolf Nureyev, and Mikhail May, Mearns received an at the Central Pennsylvania Mearns, Jared Angle, Gretchen composition workshops awarded the Jacob’s Pillow Baryshnikov sought her out to BIOS SARA MEARNS (Performer) is Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts Youth Ballet (CPYB), Bouder has Smith, and Taylor Stanley, throughout the U.S., Europe, Dance Award in June 2015 and originally from Columbia, South from the University of South taught at the summer programs originated at Jacob’s Pillow and Australia, and Asia. Currently, a Joyce Theater Residency the Carolina, and has been dancing Carolina. Mearns made her of the School of American Ballet went on to be performed at the she is an adjunct professor same year. Between 2013-18 since the age of three. Mearns musical theatre debut as the (SAB), Saratoga Summer Dance Guggenheim Museum in NYC, of dance at Barnard College she was commissioned for entered the School of American Angel in New York City Center Intensive (SSDI), Manhattan and the Spoleto Festival in S.C. at Columbia University, three works in collaboration Ballet in the Fall of 2001 and Encores! I Married an Angel Youth Ballet (MYB), Carolina Her work has been presented at Sarah Lawrence College with composer Michael became an apprentice with in March 2019, directed and Ballet School, and the CPYB. BAM Fisher as part of the Next (undergraduate and graduate), J. Schumacher for Peak New York City Ballet in the Fall choreographed by her husband, She continues to be a frequent Wave Festival; City Center’s Fall and Trevor Day School (middle Performances at the Kasser of 2003. She joined the corps Joshua Bergasse. In April 2019, guest teacher at Ballet Academy for Dance; The Joyce Theater; and high school). Theater in Montclair, NJ. In de ballet in June 2004, was Mearns was a performer East, MYB, and SAB while guest New York Live Arts (NYLA); 2017-18 she was awarded a promoted to soloist in 2006, in the Night of 100 Solos: A teaching and holding master The Kitchen; La MaMa; Jacob’s HONJI WANG (Choreographer & City Center Choreographic and to principal dancer in 2008. Centennial Event in New York classes around the country, Pillow; American Dance Festival; Performer) is a German Korean Fellowship, and in 2019 was one Mearns is known for her roles City, celebrating what would including the Boston Ballet The Yard; Vail International choreographer and performer, of five artists to receive the Cage as the Swan Queen in Swan have been Merce Cunningham’s School and Princeton University. Dance Festival, commissioned by recognized as an artist who Cunningham Fellowship from Lake and for Balanchine ballets 100th birthday. This coming fall As an Artistic Director and Damian Woetzel and Yo Yo Ma; brings contemporary and the Baryshnikov Arts Center. including Jewels (Diamonds) and Mearns will premiere in a new choreographer using the arts Barnard College; Sarah Lawrence hip-hop together in an Gerring is currently working on Symphony in C, among countless commissioned piece by Kim collaborative she founded, The College; George Washington exceptionally organic fashion. a project for the ICA in Boston others. She has originated roles Brandstrup at the Fall for Dance Ashley Bouder Project (ABP), University; DanceBox in Kansai, Her dance language is an with composer John Luther in ballets by choreographers Festival at New York City Center. Bouder hopes to promote Japan; the opening of the Dublin abstraction of hip-hop and has Adams. She lives in New York including Justin Peck, Kyle other female choreographers, Dance Festival; Belfast, Ireland; influences of earlier martial arts City and upstate NY with her Abraham, Alexei Ratmansky, and ASHLEY BOUDER (Performer) while also setting an example St. Petersburg and Moscow, and ballet training. Wang’s first husband Kirk Radke, her three Christopher Wheeldon, to name was born in Carlisle, for women to be more forward Russia; and Tallinn, Estonia. In collaboration with Sébastien children, two dogs, and a cat. a few, and has appeared as a Pennsylvania, and began her and prominent in the creation 2012, Melnick had the esteemed Ramirez, a duet titled AP15, guest artist with the Paul Taylor ballet training at the age of six and directorial sides of the arts privilege of collaborating with was in 2010. Soon after, she MARTHA GRAHAM Dance Company with Dances at the Central Pennsylvania world. Her previous work has Trisha Brown and performing became Co-Artistic Director of (Choreographer) has had a deep of Isadora (Isadora Duncan Youth Ballet with Marcia Dale been presented at the School of the solo One of Sixty-five Company Wang Ramirez and and lasting impact on American Dance Foundation), The Martha Weary. After attending the 1999 American Ballet Choreographic Thousand Gestures. Melnick’s ever since the duo has been art and culture. She single- Graham Company (2019 Gala Summer Program at the School Workshop, the New York City rich history of working with a creating larger scale works that handedly defined contemporary in Ekstasis), The Ashley Bouder of American Ballet (SAB), the Ballet in the Dancer's Choice vast array of significant artists have established them in the dance as a uniquely American Project (Duet by Liz Gerring), official school of New York City Program, the Ashley Bouder includes dancing in Twyla Tharp contemporary dance scene. art form, which the nation has and Company Wang Ramirez Ballet, she was invited by SAB Project at New York's Peter Dance (1990-94, 2009); with Wang was selected in in turn shared with the world. (No. 1). Mearns appeared in to continue her training during Norton Symphony Space, Bryant Mikhail Baryshnikov (2005- Madonna’s final auditions and Crossing artistic boundaries, New Bodies, a collaboration the Winter Session. Bouder was Park Presents, and The Joyce 08); and continued creative earned an invitation to tour and she collaborated with and with Jodi Melnick, at the Spoleto named an apprentice with New Theater. In her second residency experiences with Sara Rudner, perform in the Rebel Heart Tour. commissioned work from Festival in South Carolina and York City Ballet in June 2000 and at the Vineyard Arts Project this David Neumann, Yoshiko Chuma, Wang has also collaborated with the leading visual artists, at the Guggenheim Museum became a member of the corps summer, she held the first ABP John Jasperse, Vicky Shick, flamenco dancer Rocío Molina, musicians, and designers of her in New York. At New York City de ballet that October. She was choreographic workshop to help Beth Gill, Elena Demyanenko, with British choreographer day, including sculptor Isamu Center, she has appeared in the promoted to the rank of soloist young choreographers hone Rashaun Mitchell, Jon Kinzel, Akram Khan, as well as with New Noguchi and composers Aaron Fall for Dance Festival (2013, in February 2004, and in January their skills. Paul Kaiser, Liz Roche, Charles York City Ballet principal dancer Copland, Samuel Barber, 2014, 2017, 2018), where she 2005 Bouder was promoted to Atlas, David Michalek, Yvonne Sara Mearns in a series of duets. and Gian Carlo Menotti. most recently performed the principal dancer. Bouder has JODI MELNICK (Choreographer Rainer, and Sibyl Kempson. In 2014, Wang was appointed Graham’s groundbreaking style piece Dances of Isadora Duncan danced in ballet galas around & Performer) is a NYC-based Melnick is honored with a Doris Associate Artist at L’Archipel, grew from her experimentation – A Solo Tribute, and the 2018 the world and guest starred in choreographer, dancer, and Duke Impact Award (2014), a National Theater of Perpignan with the elemental movements Balanchine Festival. Mearns companies including the Paris teacher. Melnick designs Guggenheim Fellow (2012), a and in 2018 at Théâtre de la of contraction and release. By was a guest artist alternating Opera Ballet, Rome Opera Ballet, intricate movement to Jerome Robbins New Essential Ville in Paris. focusing on the basic activities the role of Victoria Page in Bayerisches Staatsballett, and explore the exquisite nature Works Grant (2010-11), a of the human form, she the U.S. premiere of Matthew the Mariinsky Ballet. She has and dynamic relationships Foundation for Contemporary LIZ GERRING (Choreographer) enlivened the body with raw, Bourne's The Red Shoes. She been awarded the Mae L. Wien between human beings. She Arts Grant (2011), two "Bessie" was born in San Francisco in electric emotion. The sharp, recently collaborated with Award for Outstanding Promise uses the profound expression Awards for sustained 1965 and grew up in Los Angeles angular, and direct movements Pam Tanowitz Dance in Time is at the School of American Ballet of the dancing body and lucid achievement in dance (2001 and where she began studying dance of her technique were a forever dividing itself toward as a student. As a professional performing instincts to drive 2008), a Gibney DIP Residency at age 13. Gerring studied at the dramatic departure from the innumerable futures, a world her awards include the Janice the creative process. The work Grantee, and a two-year Cornish Institute in Seattle and predominant style of the time. premiere performed outside at Levin Honoree from the New is transformed through the extended Life grant awarded in 1987, received a B.F.A. from Graham influenced generations the 2019 River to River Festival York City Ballet, the Miss Dance phenomenon of dancing. Her from the Lower Manhattan The Juilliard School. Gerring of choreographers that included in New York. She is a Benois de Expressivity for 2011, the Miss work has been presented both Cultural Center (LMCC). formed the Liz Gerring Dance Merce Cunningham, Paul Taylor, la Danse and Princess Grace Virtuosity for 2013 from the nationally and internationally. Melnick is a 2019 Center for Company in 1998 and has been and Twyla Tharp, altering the Award nominee and winner of Open Gala, and the 2019 Benois Melnick’s critically acclaimed Ballet Arts residency fellow. presenting her work in New York scope of dance. Classical ballet the 2018 "Bessie" Award for de la Danse. Beginning her New Bodies 2016/18, made on Melnick teaches master classes, City and abroad continuously dancers Margot Fonteyn, Outstanding Performer. This past teaching training in her teens NYC Ballet principal dancers Sara technique, improvisation, and since that time. Gerring was Rudolf Nureyev, and Mikhail May, Mearns received an at the Central Pennsylvania Mearns, Jared Angle, Gretchen composition workshops awarded the Jacob’s Pillow Baryshnikov sought her out to DAPHNIS & CHLOÉ (excerpt) broaden their artistry. Artists of Audience Award at the dance-musical theatre made all genres were eager to study International Contemporary to Nitin Sawhney’s album CHOREOGRAPHY Christopher Williams and work with Graham—she Dance Competition in Hannover Dystopian Dream. The duo’s CHLOÉ taught actors including Bette (2012), a New York Bessie Award latest commission will see them (A SHEPHERDESS) Sara Mearns Davis, Kirk Douglas, Madonna, for Outstanding Performer appear alongside choreographer, Liza Minnelli, Gregory Peck, (2013), and a Bessie Award acrobat, and dancer Yoann MUSIC Excerpt from the ballet Daphnis et Chloé (1912) by Maurice Ravel (1875-1937) Tony Randall, Eli Wallach, Anne Nomination for Outstanding Bourgeois in a program Jackson, and Joanne Woodward Production (2017). His first named Beyond, performed COSTUME DESIGN Reid Bartelme and Harriet Jung to utilize their bodies as commissioned work was as one by the GöteborgsOperans expressive instruments. of the choreographers of RIOT Danskompani. Company Wang LIGHTING DESIGN Mike Faba (Based on the original design by Serena Wong) During her long and illustrious OffSpring, a 2013 Sadler’s Wells Ramirez has produced more career, Graham created 181 production. Ramirez contributed than nine highly-demanded dance compositions. During the to the creation phase of and critically-acclaimed works Bicentennial she was granted Madonna’s Rebel Heart tour and including Monchichi (2010), - INTERMISSION - the United States’ highest choreographed for her live show. Borderline (2013), EVERYNESS civilian honor, The Medal of He also conducted a personal (2016), No.1 (2017), and W.A.M. Freedom. In 1998, TIME training on floorwork movement (2018). The Company tours in OPULENCE INTO PART 2 (World Premiere) Magazine named her the for the creation of Akram numerous cities around Europe, “Dancer of the Century.” The Khan’s solo DESH. Ramirez was Asia, America, and beyond. CHOREOGRAPHY Jodi Melnick first dancer to perform at the appointed Associate Artist at White House and to act as a L’Archipel, National Theater CHRISTOPHER WILLIAMS PERFORMANCE Sara Mearns cultural ambassador abroad, she of Perpignan in 2014 and at (Choreographer), hailed as Jodi Melnick captured the spirit of a nation. Théâtre de la Ville in Paris in "one of the most exciting SOUND DESIGN Tei Blow “No artist is ahead of his time,” 2018. choreographic voices out there" Drums by Kid Millions she said. “He is his time. It is just (The New York Times), is a New Guitar by Zach Lehrhoff that the others are behind the COMPANY WANG RAMIREZ York Dance and Performance time.” produces dance-theater pieces "Bessie" Award-winning LIGHTING DESIGN Mike Faba that splice together genres as choreographer, dancer, and SÉBASTIEN RAMIREZ divergent as hip-hop, ballet, puppet artist who has COSTUME DESIGN Kaye Voyce with J.E.M (Choreographer) was born in the contemporary dance, and created over 30 original and south of France, has a Spanish martial arts, under the direction collaborative works in New Jacob's Pillow staff members and interns are featured: Akinyemi Blackshear, background, and specializes of internationally renowned York City and abroad since Sienna Jessurun, Lydia Murray, Annie Peterson, Madalyn Rupprecht, and in the use of aerial work as choreographers Honji Wang and 1999. In addition to touring Izzi Wayner. well as choreographic rigging Sébastien Ramirez. Company internationally in France, Commissioned by Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival 2019. development. The underground Wang Ramirez The company’s England, Italy, Spain, Holland, scene, followed by a number of unique choreographic language– Colombia, Russia, and competitions, collaborations, with means of expression built Malawi, as well as nationally and encounters consolidated on technical virtuosity, poetry, in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, his artistic vision. In 2007, and humor–has been recognized Pittsburgh, Kalamazoo, NO. 1 he founded his company with numerous awards such as Princeton, Carlisle, and No. 1 begins with a film realized by Laurent Daufès and Sébastien Ramirez with in Perpignan. Integrating two New York "Bessie" Award Interlochen, his works have been support from BNP Paribas Foundation. Set to "SHUFFLE" by LACRYMOBOY, a new vision of space and recognitions and the 1st and presented in many New York City featuring Jonathan Soucasse. choreography, the company's Special Audience Award at the venues including Lincoln Center, distinct language brought International Contemporary City Center, Danspace Project, CHOREOGRAPHY Company Wang Ramirez hip-hop dance to a wider and Dance Competition in Hannover. Dance Theater Workshop, HERE new audience. Sharing the Wang & Ramirez have earned Arts Center, the 92nd Street Y, PERFORMANCE Sara Mearns Honji Wang Company’s Artistic Direction invitations to collaborate with and Judson Church. His recent with Honji Wang, the pair big-name artists from the dance, commissioners include New LIGHTING DESIGN Mike Faba has produced more than nine plastic arts, film, and music York Live Arts, Opéra Royal du choreographic pieces that blend worlds, including Madonna, Château de Versailles/Opéra EXECUTIVE hip-hop with other styles and Nitin Sawhney, Akram Khan, National de Bordeaux, English PRODUCTION Company Wang Ramirez, Clash66 has collected several awards, Rocío Molina, New York City National Opera, Teatro Real/ including the Special Prize at the Ballet principal dancer Sara Perm Opéra & Ballet Theater, COSTUME DESIGN Honji Wang International Choreography Mearns, Constance Guisset, Danspace Project, Philadelphia Competition in Osaka (2009), Osgemeos, Andy Serkis, and Dance Projects, American Opera Premiere, 2017. the 1st and Special Audience Hussein Chalayan, among Projects, Reid & Harriet Design, Award at the No Ballet others. In 2016, Wang and Lower Manhattan Cultural Co-commissioned and developed in part in a residency at Jacob's Pillow, with additional development support from Fall for Dance (New York City Center) and Contemporary Dance Ramirez were commissioned Council, The Blanket, and HERE Competition in Ludwigshafen by Sadler's Wells to direct and Arts Center’s Dream Music Fall for Dance North (Toronto). (2012), the 1st and Special perform a hybrid piece of Puppetry Program. Williams PROGRAM has received fellowships from 100 Solos: A Centennial Event Other Lighting Supervisor credits MEMBERSHIP SUPPORTS the New York Foundation for in celebration of Merce include Mark Morris Dance EVERYTHING YOU LOVE ABOUT EKSTASIS the Arts, The Foundation for Cunningham’s 100th birthday. Group, Paul Taylor American CHOREOGRAPHY Martha Graham, reimagined by Virginie Mécène Contemporary Arts, the Center They have produced their Modern Dance, Company Wang JACOB’S PILLOW for Ballet and the Arts, and own costume-centric dance Ramirez, Pilobolus, Martha PERFORMANCE Sara Mearns the Bogliasco Foundation for performances at both the Clarke's Angel Reapers, and multiple residencies at the Guggenheim and the Museum Radiolab Live: In The Dark. JOIN OUR THOUSANDS OF MEMBERS & SUPPORT THE MUSIC Original music by Lehman Engel, reimagined by Ramon Humet* Liguria Study Center for Arts of Art and Design in New York MISSION OF JACOB’S PILLOW. & Humanities in Bogliasco, City. Reid and Harriet aim to MICHAEL J. SCHUMACHER "The body is a sacred garment." Italy. Williams has also held expand the notions of costume (Composer) has collaborated You can help the Pillow present outstanding dance artists - Martha Graham creative residencies at Robert in dance performance and with Liz Gerring since they were from around the world, provide training and support to Wilson’s Watermill Center, evolve traditional ideas on both students in the 1980s. the talented dancers of The School at Jacob’s Pillow, maintain The Martha Graham Dance Company is delighted to have Sara Mearns dance this Captiva Island via the Robert collaboration. His specific interests are in our landmark site, and create free community programs special solo as part of her program at Jacob's Pillow. Rauschenberg Foundation, the the areas of electronic music, that engage people of all ages and backgrounds with dance. Anderson Center, the White Oak TEI BLOW (Sound Design) improvisation, algorithmic Premiere, May 4, 1933 – Guild Theatre, New York City Plantation, Kaatsbaan, Yaddo, makes work that combines composition, and spatialized Ekstasis (reimagined) Premiere, February 14, 2017 – The Joyce Theater, and The Yard. Since graduating live performance, video, and sound. His works have been New York City from Sarah Lawrence College sound with found media. It presented in galleries, museums, and the École Internationale has been featured at Hartford and concert halls, as well as EVERY GIFT MATTERS. *"Interludi meditatiu VII" from Homenaje a Martha Graham, de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq in Stage, Dance Theater Workshop, in public and private spaces. JOIN AND CHOOSE THE LEVEL RIGHT FOR YOU! © Neu Records 2016, used by arrangement with the copyright owner. Paris, he has danced for Douglas Lincoln Center Festival, The His most recent project is the Dunn, Rebecca Lazier, Tere Kitchen, BAM, The Public Portable Multi-channel Sound Explore the full list of benefits, then join as a new Member, renew O’Connor, Yoshiko Chuma, John Theater, The Broad Stage, MCA System, a 12-channel sound Kelly, Sally Silvers, and Mina Chicago, MFA Boston, Kate system that fits in a suitcase. your current membership, or upgrade to a higher level Nishimura, among others, and as Werble Gallery, Baryshnikov Schumacher's interest in the at jacobspillow.org/support/membership. DUET a puppeteer, has worked with Arts Center, The Wadsworth relationship of musical form and CHOREOGRAPHY Liz Gerring the award-winning master Atheneum, and at theaters architecture led to the founding You can also make a donation by phone at 413.243.9919 x122. puppeteer Basil Twist and Dan around the world. He has of Diapason, a gallery devoted Hurlin. performed and designed for to the presentation of multi- MUSIC Michael J. Schumacher Sustaining members support the Pillow year-round through easy, Dmitry Krymov Laboratory, channel sound installations, automatic monthly or quarterly gifts. LIGHTING DESIGN Mike Faba (Based on the original design by Jimmy Lawlor) REID & HARRIET DESIGNS Mikhail Baryshnikov, Big Dance long-duration performances, (Costume Design) was founded Theater, and David Neumann/ and intermedia artworks. In its REHEARSAL in 2011 by Harriet Jung and Advanced Beginner Group. He 15 years of existence, Diapason DIRECTORS Claire Westby Reid Bartelme. Prior to meeting received a 2015 New York Dance has presented over 300 artists Depending on your level, membership gives you access to: Brandon Collwes at the Fashion Institute of and Performance “Bessie” at a time when sound art was Technology, Reid spent 10 Award for Outstanding Sound emerging as a distinct practice in Early Ticketing COSTUME DESIGN Carbon 38 years working as a dancer Design, a 2016 Creative Capital the United States. Schumacher Fan level & above and Harriet studied visual arts Award, a 2016 NYSCA Individual studied music composition with PERFORMANCE Ashley Bouder and completed a degree in Artist Grant, and a 2018 Cage Stanley Applebaum, Bernhard Admission to Cast Parties Sara Mearns Molecular and Cell Biology at UC Cunningham Fellowship from Heiden, John Eaton, and Vincent Contributor level & above Berkeley. Their choreographer Baryshnikov Arts Center. He is Persichetti and piano with Premiere, March 17, 2017 – Peter Norton Symphony Space, New York City clients include Justin Peck, a founding member of Royal Seymour Bernstein, John Ogdon, Pillow Lab showings where you can witness the creative process Pam Tanowitz, Jack Ferver, Trey Osiris Karaoke Ensemble, a and Shigeo Neriki. Schumacher Supporter level & above McIntyre, Matthew Neenan, musical priesthood exploring has degrees from Indiana Robert Binet, Lar Lubovitch, Kyle contemporary mythologies of University and Juilliard. He has Priority Parking Passes Partners’ Circle level & above Abraham, Gwen Welliver, and love and connection. received awards and residencies Burr Johnson, among others. from NYFA, Harvestworks, RPI, Invitations to Member-Exclusive Events They have designed productions MIKE FABA (Lighting Design) DAAD, and others. at companies domestically and is a Lighting Designer and Discounts in The Pillow Store Jacob’s Pillow is committed to providing an inclusive environment that cultivates the celebration of the art of dance internationally, including New Supervisor for theatre and and its positive impact on communities. York City Ballet, San Francisco dance. Recent design credits We are dedicated to fostering a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for everyone on our beautiful campus. You, Ballet, Ballet du Grand Théâtre include No. 1 (Company as patrons and visitors of Jacob’s Pillow, are expected to contribute to our mutually respectful and welcoming community and support the world of dance and all its citizens for generations to come. de Genève, American Ballet WangRamirez & Sara Mearns) at Theatre, Pacific Northwest New York City Center and Jacob's If you have any suggestions, comments, or incidents to report, Help make dance creation, presentation, education, and please direct them to Deputy Director A.J. Pietrantone at [email protected]. Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Pillow; Wednesday Morning, Malpaso Dance Company, 11:45 (Pilobolus) at Marksman preservation at Jacob’s Pillow possible. HOUSE RULES: While in our theaters, please refrain from behavior that could disturb other patrons and performers during the MiamiCity Ballet, Hubbard Street (Kate Weare) at The Joyce; and performance. Thank you for observing these House Rules so that everyone can have an enjoyable experience. Dance Chicago, Ballet Austin, Unstruck (Kate Weare) at BAM Thank you! Silence cell phones • Photography & recording are prohibited • Other than water, food & beverages are prohibited • Keep your ticket with you at all times • Let a staff member know if you need help and Semper Oper Dresden. They Fisher. Faba spent two summers recently designed the costumes as the Lighting Supervisor for We are so glad you are here. Enjoy the show! for all three venues of Night of Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival. PILLOWNOTES JACOB’S PILLOW EXTENDS SPECIAL THANKS by Brian Schaefer TO OUR VISIONARY LEADERS The PillowNotes series comprises essays commissioned from our Scholars-in-Residence to provide audiences with a broader context for viewing dance. VISIONARY LEADERS form an important foundation of support and demonstrate their passion for and commitment to Jacob’s Pillow through Just over four years ago, Sara Mearns found herself in an unlikely place. Usually, as a star principal dancer with New annual gifts of $10,000 and above. York City Ballet, she calls Lincoln Center home and is often centerstage in the vast Koch Theater, in pointe shoes, performing something sleek and tricky by Balanchine. But that spring, she was downtown in the East Village, in the Their deep affliliation ensures the success and longevity of the intimate and historic St. Mark’s Church, in basic ballet slippers, improvising. Pillow’s annual offerings, including educational initiatives, free public programs, The School, the Archives, and more. The occasion was the annual Platform series, a deep-dive into a different cerebral theme, produced by the venerable contemporary dance organization, Danspace Project. Claudia LaRocco, a former dance critic for The New York Times, was the curator in 2015 and decided it was high time that ballerinas and postmodern choreographers got to PRESENTS $25,000+ know each other a bit better. She invited Mearns and Mearns’s City Ballet colleague, Ashley Bouder, to pair up with SARA MEARNS: Carole* & Dan Burack Christopher Jones* & Deb McAlister Rashaun Mitchell, an alumnus of the Merce Cunningham company, and Jodi Melnick, an acclaimed dance maker in The Barrington Foundation Wendy McCain the so-called “downtown” dance scene. For Mearns, the collaboration was a revelation. BEYOND BALLET Frank & Monique Cordasco Fred Moses* Hon. Stephan P. Driscoll*, in honor and memory Jennie A. Kassanoff & Dan H. Schulman “It was my first experience not doing ballet,” she recalls. “It opened my eyes and gave me the itch to do other of John Lindquist & Barton Mumaw Mark & Taryn Leavitt things.” For an artist of Mearns’s stature, that’s a serious itch. In 2004, she joined City Ballet’s corps; only four years Doris Duke Theatre Stephanie & Robert ‡ Gittleman Sylvia T. Pope* later, she was promoted to principal and has been an audience favorite ever since owing to her intoxicating mix of Carolyn Gray & George Peppard Robert & Eileen Rominger regal grandeur and raw attack. In that time, she has only known ballet and only balletomanes have known her. August 14-18, 2019 Joan & Jim Hunter Irene Ryan Foundation But even at the top of her game, a ballerina can feel pigeonholed. “I was never chosen to be in the avant-garde pieces,” she says of her casting at City Ballet. “I was thought of as a Balanchine ballerina.” That’s not a bad thing to be, of course. But to be labeled a certain type of dancer can inhibit growth and risk. And after her taste of CHOREOGRAPHERS Martha Graham $10,000+ experimentation with Melnick, Mearns wanted more. So, she went after it. “I took it upon myself to get out of that Liz Gerring Dr. Norman Abramson Ann* & Peter Herbst bubble,” she says. Deborah & Charles Adelman Laura* & Nick Ingoglia Christopher Williams Aliad Fund Nancy K. Kalodner She courted Melnick, aggressively, but Melnick was wary of choreographing a ballet and she demurred. Mearns Jodi Melnick Rick & Nurit Amdur Amy & Richard Kohan was persistent, however, and eventually they agreed to step into a studio without any expectations of producing Candace* & Rick Beinecke Lizbeth & George Krupp something. “This wasn’t for an external reason,” Mearns told The New York Times of the process. “It was an Company Wang Ramirez Linda & Bob Berzok Jack & Elizabeth Meyer, in honor of opportunity to see what else my body could do.” And that’s when Jacob’s Pillow stepped in to help make it happen. Sydelle & Lee Blatt Diane & Deval Patrick David Carlisle & Morene Bodner Hans* & Kate Morris In the fall of 2015, Mearns and Melnick (and two other City Ballet dancers, Jared Angle and Gretchen Smith) arrived PERFORMERS Sara Mearns Chervenak-Nunnallé Foundation Gov. Deval L. & Diane Patrick here for a residency with the simple intention of exploring movement. Though creating a dance to perform wasn’t Neil* & Kathleen Chrisman Claudia Perles the goal, the two ended up showing their work at the Guggenheim the following year. When Mearns was invited to Ashley Bouder Ranny Cooper & David Smith Caren & Barry Roseman be part of the Pillow season this summer, she knew she wanted to again work with Melnick—the one who had first Jodi Melnick Jeffrey Davis & Michael T. Miller Hunter K. Runnette* & Mark P. VandenBosch opened the doors to dance beyond ballet—and so a brand-new Pillow-commissioned work is on the program. David DeFilippo & Lisa Shapiro, in memory of Naomi Seligman & Ernie von Simson Honji Wang Robert Gittleman Mark Sena & Linda Saul-Sena And the rest of the current Pillow program is a reminder of the myriad of experiences that followed her initial Hermine Drezner Natalie & Howard Shawn explorations with Melnick. In just a few years, she has performed the work of the modern dance pioneers Isadora Lisbeth Tarlow & Stephen Kay Sheila Drill Duncan, Martha Graham, and Merce Cunningham, as well as that of young contemporary hip-hop artists. The latter Nancy & Michael Feller Roger Tilles Stephen Weiner & Donald Cornuet are Honji Wang and Sébastien Ramirez, who made their much-loved Pillow debut in 2015. The following year, they David & Nina Fialkow in honor of danced at the popular Fall for Dance Festival in New York City, where Mearns also performed. Mearns was blown Deval & Diane Patrick and Mark A. Leavitt Ellen Weissman Mark & Liz Williams away by their strength, agility, and unique style. She went up to them afterward. “I know this is crazy, but I want to Jeanne Donovan Fisher work with you,” she told them. “I’m not going to do the hip-hop, but I want to collaborate.” Joan* & Charlie Gross Elaine* & Irving Wolbrom Once again, the Pillow showed up to support the project. “Pam made it happen,” Mearns says, referring to the * Former Trustees, staff, faculty, interns, Pillow’s artistic director, Pamela Tatge. “All of a sudden we were there in the studio.” And then all of a sudden, they The School’s dancers, or artists-in-residence were at Jacob’s Pillow’s 85th Anniversary Gala, performing the results of their exploration. And now that short work, ‡ Deceased No. 1, is part of Mearns’s eclectic program, a product of the Pillow’s investment in the curiosity of artists.