Percussive Dance
Leading off with a recent boundary-smashing performance by Caleb Teicher and Nic Gareiss, this playlist explores some of the many dance forms that employ the Pillow’s resonant stage floors in creating unique soundscapes.
Next:
Caleb Teicher & Nic Gareiss, 2025
This first “in-the-round” presentation in the new Doris Duke Theatre also represents the first time Jacob’s Pillow had ever presented a fully-staged performance in the autumn.
Next:
Trinity Irish Dance Company
Black Rose, 2025
Making their Pillow debut during the company’s 35th season, Chicago’s Trinity Irish Dance Company showcased the groundbreaking work of its founder-director, Mark Howard.
Next:
Dorrance Dance and Ephrat Asherie
The Center Will Not Hold, 2025
Originating as a short duet, this full-evening work employed a range of seasoned performers from diverse dance backgrounds.
Next:
Soledad Barrio & Noche Flamenca
La Puerta Luminosa, 2024
This was the closing segment of a full-evening presentation entitled Searching for Goya, inspired by the work of the great Spanish artist.
Next:
M.A.D.D. Rhythms
R.P.M., 2024
Under the direction of Donnetta “LilBit” Jackson, these dancers joyously convey their dedication to the art form of tap.
Next:
Soles of Duende
Soles of Duende LIVE, 2024
Amanda Castro, Arielle Rosales, and Brinda Guha enthusiastically demonstrate how percussive footwork is a hallmark of three distinct dance genres.
Next:
Ballet Nepantla
"La Malagueña" from Valentina, 2022
In telling stories rooted in Mexican and Mexican-American culture, this New York-based company melds together the distinct worlds of its founder-directors: Andrea Guajardo’s ballet and modern dance background and Martín Rodríguez’s roots in folkloric traditions.
Next:
Mythili Prakash
AR | DHA ("Half"), 2022
This world premiere demonstrates how the classical Indian form of Bharatanatyam makes extensive use of a dancer’s bare feet to add a layer of rhythmic complexity.
Next:
Dormeshia, Jason Samuels Smith, & Derick K. Grant
And Still You Must Swing, 2016
All three of these tap virtuosos are showcased both individually and together in this excerpt from a full-evening work that premiered in the Pillow’s Doris Duke Theatre.
Next:
Che Malambo, 2016
These fourteen extraordinary performers from Argentina embody a traditional dance form known as Malambo, handed down from South American cowboys and rooted in West African dance, Irish step dance, tango, and flamenco.
Next:
Vanaver Caravan
Appalachian Clog Dance from Earthbeat! A Journey, 2010
This section from a full-evening presentation choreographed by Livia Drapkin Vanaver demonstrates just one of the many world dance traditions that focus on the sounds of footwork.
Next:
Urban Tap
Caravane, 2001
Herbin Van Cayseele (also known as Tamango) was born in French Guiana and grew up in Paris, where he began tapping at the American Center before moving to New York. His personal story mirrors the multi-cultural aspects of tap.
Next:
Darrah Carr Dance
Rince Spuineogai, 2000
Sometimes called “Dance of the Spoons,” this duet shows off the talents of Irish dance champions Darrah Carr and Niall O’Leary.
Next:
THARP!
The Fugue, 1998
Twyla Tharp made this contemporary dance classic in silence more than 50 years ago, and yet the sounds of the dancers’ feet make The Fugue far from silent.
Next:
Rhythm in Shoes
Nova Town, 1992
Rooted in traditional forms of American music and dance and directed by the team of dancer Sharon Leahy and musician Rick Good, this company’s important work toured to every state in the continental U.S. during its lifespan of more than two decades.
Next:
Jean Butler and John Jennings
Irish Step Dancing, 1988
Several years before she burst onto the world’s foremost stages as the lead female performer in Riverdance, Jean Butler displayed her talents on the Pillow’s Great Lawn as part of a Season Opening Gala.
Next:
Jazz Tap Ensemble
Tune for K.B., 1983
This minute-long burst of movement from Fred Strickler serves as a poignant reminder of how much he gave to the dance world before his death in 2025 at the age of 81.
Explore Playlists
Carola Goya & Matteo, 1963
During a period of time when Pillow performances were rarely filmed, we’re fortunate that a television crew captured these influential artists who trained generations of American dancers.