PillowVoices: Dance Through Time
Jacob's Pillow Archives
PillowVoices: Dance Through Time brings listeners closer to notable dance artists connected with Jacob's Pillow, from 1933 to today. Each piece exemplifies Jacob's Pillow's mission to 'support dance creation, presentation, education, and preservation; and to engage and deepen public appreciation and support for dance' by utilizing archival recordings brought to life in the personal stories and narration of current thought-leaders and scholars. Jacob's Pillow, lauded by The New York Times as "the dance center of the nation," is a National Historic Landmark, a recipient of the prestigious National Medal of Arts, and home to America’s longest-running international dance festival, located in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts.
PillowVoices is directed by Jennifer Edwards and produced by Lisa Niedermeyer. Rahsaan Cruz provides audio design and engineering. Research and Transcription by Arushi Singh. Music for the opening is by J.S. Bach and the closing theme is by Jess Meeker, both performed by Meeker. Content curator is Norton Owen, and associate curator is Patsy Gay.
PillowVoices is directed by Jennifer Edwards and produced by Lisa Niedermeyer. Rahsaan Cruz provides audio design and engineering. Research and Transcription by Arushi Singh. Music for the opening is by J.S. Bach and the closing theme is by Jess Meeker, both performed by Meeker. Content curator is Norton Owen, and associate curator is Patsy Gay.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 22, 2025 • 19min
Tap is the Root, with Robyn Watson
Dance Interactive Video Excerpts of Tap Performances at Jacob’s PillowDance Interactive Multimedia Essays on Tap curated by Brian Seibert
Oct 25, 2025 • 31min
Frederic Franklin's Ballet Memories
See Frederic Franklin dancing with Alexandra Danilova in 1948 at Jacob's Pillow on DANCE INTERACTIVE'Frederic Franklin Returns' PillowTalk 2007 - video excerpt on YOUTUBE
Sep 27, 2025 • 30min
Audio Descripton for Dance at Jacob’s Pillow
Links to disability artistry projects mentioned in this podcast:POD Access by Thomas Reid and Cheryl GreenReid My Mind Radio hosted by Thomas ReidSocial Audio Description CollectiveKinetic LightKayla HamiltonChristopher Unpezverde NúñezKrishna WashburnCuriosity Paradox
Aug 23, 2025 • 28min
Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui
Dance scholar Nancy Wozny highlights the life and work of Moroccan and Belgian choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. Cherkaoui was honored with the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Award in 2022 for his achievements in the worlds of both concert and commercial dance including choreography for Beyoncé and the Broadway production of Jagged Little Pill.
Jul 26, 2025 • 20min
Bill T. Jones: Philosophies and Memories
Bill T. Jones, a groundbreaking choreographer and dancer, shares his insights on partnering and contact improvisation. He reflects on the evolution of dance and its emotional depth, particularly after loss. Jones delves into how personal experiences shape artistic expression and the vital connection between dance and visual art. He also offers heartfelt advice on engaging with his work, emphasizing the transformative power of community and resilience, especially in light of his journey living with HIV.
Jun 21, 2025 • 21min
Dancing Mr. Talley Beatty's Blackness
Dance Scholar Mora-Amina Parker illuminates the historical and cultural context of Mr. Talley Beatty's choreography as well as the significant impact on in her course as a professional dancer after discovering his ballets.
May 31, 2025 • 27min
Resident Dance Photographers at Jacob's Pillow
Guest host Benjamin Richards focuses the lens on four different resident dance photographers: John Lindquist, Stephan Driscoll, Mike van Sleen and Christopher Duggan.
Apr 26, 2025 • 47min
La Nijinska
Highlights from a 2022 PillowTalk with Lynn Garafola, author of the biography La Nijinska: Choreographer of the Modern speaking with scholar-in-residence Brian Schaefer. Garafola illuminates Bronislava Nijinska’s life as a Russian born dancer, sibling to Vaslav Nijinsky, and groundbreaking 20th century ballet choreographer. Garafola also shares some fascinating documentation of Nijinska's pivotal connections to Jacob's Pillow.
Mar 29, 2025 • 32min
Celebrating Carmen de Lavallade
Highlights from Carmen de Lavallade's Pillow debut as a dancer in Lester Horton's company in 1953, all the way through the premiere of her one woman show at the age of 83. Host Norton Owen guides us through the many spirited connections Ms. de Lavallade holds both in American dance history and with Jacob's Pillow.
Feb 22, 2025 • 43min
Documenting The Hustle
Maria Torres, a legendary Hustle dancer and program director at Jacob's Pillow, shares her inspiring journey through the vibrant world of dance. Cassie Mae, an archivist at the NY Public Library, highlights the critical importance of documenting and preserving dance history. They discuss the cultural significance of The Hustle, its evolution from family gatherings to competitive platforms, and the ongoing efforts to keep its spirit alive. The conversation also sheds light on the interconnectedness of New York City's dance scene and the urgent need to honor dance elders.
