Jacob's Pillow Says "Dance We Must," And That They Did At The Gala. Virtually.
The annual gala featured a host of dance performances, and there was even the traditional dance party afterward...online.
Hosts for the evening were Wendy Whelan, former principal dancer and now associate artistic director of the New York City Ballet, and Kyle Abraham, artistic director of A.I.M.
The Jacob’s Pillow gala is a highlight of the summer social season and one of the most anticipated charitable events. However, a gathering on the Jacob’s Pillow campus was not to be this year. Still, the longest-running dance festival in the United States was undeterred, because, “Dance We Must.” That was the theme of the virtual gala on Saturday, June 20, so there will be no usual party pictures of attendees here. But, like its in-person counterpart, the gala featured a host of dancers, remarks, and the recognition of the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Award Winner, this year going to Ronald K. Brown, master choreographer and visionary storyteller. Executive Artistic Director Pamela Tatge thanked the “guests” for their support, even more vital this year due to loss of ticket sales. And though the theaters and rehearsal rooms are closed this summer, Jacob’s Pillow is producing its first-ever Virtual Festival in July and August. “Dance is spiritual and physical,” Tatge said. “Dance heals.”
Written by
Matteline deVries-Dilling, founder of Lite Brite Neon, one of the evening's honoree of this year's Upstate Benefit adresses the gala from the Caboose's caboose.
- Karen Pearson. Courtesy Art Omi.
Olana senior vice president and landscape curatorMark Prezorski, president Sean Sawyer, The evenings honoree Kristin Gamble and New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett.
- Oxygen House Photo
