Week 7 of the 2023 Jacob’s Pillow Dance Pageant welcomes the dynamic New York-based firm Complexions Modern Ballet, making its Pillow debut this summer season. Complexions will take the stage within the Ted Shawn Theatre from August 9-13. On the out of doors Henry J. Leir Stage, Canadian firm Decidedly Jazz Danceworks may also make its Pillow debut, acting from August 9-13.

Along with these performances is a multi-day residency within the Sommers Studio for artists exploring the intersection of dance and know-how. From August 8-10, audiences can view demonstrations and converse with the artists on their work. The residency will conclude with a free PillowTalk on Sunday afternoon, led by the artists. A free neighborhood workshop in Pittsfield will happen on Thursday, led by Joanne Baker, Creative Outreach Affiliate with Decidedly Jazz Danceworks. This all-levels workshop will incorporate rhythm, neighborhood and musical connection. 

Dutch architect Francine Houben will take part in a free PillowTalk on Saturday in Blake’s Barn, discussing the design of the reimagined Doris Duke Theatre, anticipated to open in 2025. On Saturday afternoon, Adam Weinert will lead a free public tour of Jacob’s Backyard, departing from the Welcome Heart. And on Sunday morning, Complexions will maintain a workshop for intermediate/superior dancers ages 12+ within the firm’s signature method NIQUE, a mode integrating trendy fundamentals and ballet vocabulary, developed by Creative Administrators Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson. 

“It’s thrilling to be internet hosting the Pillow debuts of two main corporations this week,” mentioned Pamela Tatge, Government and Creative Director of Jacob’s Pillow. ”New York Metropolis-based Complexions Modern Ballet has been touring the nation and the world for practically three many years with their high-intensity evolution of ballet set to classical and fashionable music, whereas Decidedly Jazz Danceworks is coming to us all the way in which from Calgary, Canada, and is without doubt one of the greatest and most entertaining jazz dance corporations performing right now with a spectacular dwell band. Each corporations are to not be missed!”

Based by Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson, Complexions will make its Pillow debut with a program that includes STAR DUST, a one-act tribute to the genre-bending innovation of rock star David Bowie that options a lot of Bowie’s iconic hit songs. Different works in this system embrace an excerpt from Hissy Matches, a chunk set to the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, and an excerpt from SNATCHED BACK from the EDGES, Rhoden’s time capsule of 2020 angers, worries and needs to attach. 

Additionally making its Pillow debut in Week 7, Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, from Calgary, Canada, is a crowd-pleasing favourite with a mode that has been described as “music for the eyes.” The corporate is thought for distinctive musicality and a rhythmic, percussive aesthetic. The complete firm involves the Pillow for its week-long engagement on the Leir Stage, accompanied by the six-piece Rubim de Toledo Ensemble with vocalist Karimah.

Alongside these performances is a week-long residency within the Sommers Studio, the place artists exhibit their work integrating dance and know-how. Artists embrace Catie Cuan, a pioneer within the nascent area of ‘choreorobotics’; Grisha Coleman, a time-based artist working in efficiency and experiential media; and Andrew Schneider, an OBIE award-winning, Drama Desk nominated performer, author and interactive-electronics artist. Sydney Skybetter, who researches the intersection of dance and emergent applied sciences and has consulted with tasks in human pc interfaces, will act because the consulting facilitator of the residency.