Pilobolus’s Impact on Arts Education

At Pilobolus, we’re constantly inspired by the transformative power of dance and creative movement. This year, our education programs have touched the lives of thousands of students, empowering them to explore their potential and build stronger connections with those around them. 

Pilobolus is a Fungus and a student workshop.

Through student-centered performances and immersive in-school residencies, Pilobolus brings the magic of dance to schools nationwide. Our programs emphasize imaginative, self-directed activities that help students develop confidence, creativity, and the essential skills needed to thrive within group settings. If you’ve heard of play-based learning or social-emotional learning, we have been practicing these ideals since we began teaching in the 80s. 

These ideals are now being stewarded under the guidance of Education Director Emily Kent, who has over 25 years of experience in arts education. Emily, alongside our team of dedicated Teaching Artists, creates safe, nurturing environments where students can express themselves freely and learn the value of collaboration. Each session is engaging, inclusive, and impactful, fostering a community where students feel seen, heard, and inspired to express themselves.

The outcomes of our classes are immeasurable. Arts education can have profound effects on students' academic and personal growth. From increased GPAs to improved college enrollment rates and reduced dropout rates, the arts pave the way for brighter futures. Becca Bremer, a third grade teacher at Brass City Charter School in Waterbury, CT, witnessed Pilobolus in action and shared this insight:

"My students learned that working together was the only way to complete the fun tasks, which made them realize teamwork wasn’t as hard as they originally thought. I also noticed that students’ creativity skyrocketed after being in the dance class. They came up with all different ways to complete the challenges instead of trying to copy others."

Stories like this inspire us to expand our impact. This past year, we reached over 6,500 students, sparking moments of creativity and joy across classrooms. In 2025, we aim to reach 7,500 students, helping even more young minds discover their voice, build trust with their peers, and embrace their creative potential.

Without your support, our work wouldn’t be possible. Every gift helps us extend our reach, bring more students into the world of creative expression, and equip them with skills that last a lifetime. By contributing, you become an essential part of our movement, building brighter futures through the power of dance and the arts.

Pushing Boundaries with Our New Work

At Pilobolus, we believe in the power of dance to unite, challenge, and inspire. In an ever-changing world, our commitment to creating innovative dance works remains steadfast. As we look to 2025, we are excited to bring not one but two groundbreaking new pieces to the stage—works that will push the boundaries of movement and captivate audiences. And we need your support to make it happen.

Each season, Pilobolus creates awe-inspiring dance pieces that challenge perceptions and redefine modern dance. Our work isn’t just movement; it’s an exploration of storytelling, an invitation to witness the human body perform the seemingly impossible. We strive to evoke curiosity and wonder, showing that dance can be humorous, profound, and breathtaking—all at once.

Crafting these pieces is an art in itself. Pilobolus’s unique process blends humor, rigorous physicality, and unexpected partnering techniques to tell stories that resonate. Every performance explores the human body in its most unexpected and expressive forms. We invite audiences to engage, laugh, and marvel at the creative possibilities brought to life on stage.

We do this through our deeply collaborative ethos. We take pride in our non-hierarchical approach, where dancers, artistic directors, and visionary collaborators work side by side. This melding of perspectives ensures that each piece is a testament to collective creativity and innovation, resulting in choreography that is as original as it is compelling.

In today’s turbulent times, we need experiences that connect us, remind us of our shared humanity, and spark joy. Pilobolus’s dance works provide a space where people from all walks of life can come together, witness artistry, and share in stories. One dancer perfectly captured this sentiment:

“Pilobolus’s new work is essential for keeping the fungus alive! One of my favorite things about being part of this company is the exciting journey to create and collaborate—each process is different and difficult and exciting. The new exploration keeps me learning new things about myself and my community. There is no better feeling than taking a bow for something my fingerprints are on.“

- Hannah Klinkman, Pilobolus Dance Captain

Bringing these new works to life is only possible with the help of our community. Donations are integral to us continuing to create dance that resonates, unites, and elevates. By contributing, you’re supporting not just a performance but a shared experience that audiences won’t forget.

Join us in making these new works possible. Your support is a step toward creating dance that moves and connects us all.

You can support our new work now:

Educational Residency Delights with Lessons Inspired by the Animal World

Melody Green, Pilobolus Teaching Artist, with elementary school students at the Booth Free School in CT.

Pilobolus recently collaborated with Darlene Kascak, a Schaghticoke tribal storyteller, to bring a residency to Booth Free School in Roxbury, CT, and Burnham School in Bridgewater, CT. This residency was designed to share with the students the native perspective of reciprocity and interconnectedness by learning what animals have to teach us. Led by Pilobolus Teaching Artists Melody Green and Quincy Ellis, alongside our Education Director Emily Kent, this series of four workshops taught students to embody the characteristics of animals through dance. 

The residency centered around Darlene’s original story, The Council of the Animals, a tale she first created in 2020 for Pilobolus’s outdoor car safari performance. The story, rich in lessons from the animal world, was used as a foundation for students to explore how animals can teach humans important values and insights.

Over the course of the workshops, students from kindergarten through fifth grade were given the opportunity to create an original dance. Each grade was assigned 2–3 animals, and with the guidance of our Teaching Artists, they learned how to embody these animals through movement and character. The result was a 3-4 minute section, showcasing the animals’ unique traits and the lessons they offer us.

The residency culminated in a vibrant performance where every student had the chance to be both a performer and an audience member. The energy in the room was electric as the students took to the stage, sharing their dances with pride. To add to the excitement, Pilobolus dancers performed an opening piece that aligned with the beginning of Darlene’s story, set to an adapted sound score by Matt Kent, based on David Van Tieghem’s original composition.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Town of Washington for their financial support, which made this enriching program possible. This collaboration was a beautiful fusion of tradition, education, and creativity, leaving both the students and teaching artists inspired. It demonstrated how storytelling, movement, and cultural wisdom can come together to create a memorable experience that resonates with all ages. We also could not have done this without the partnership of Darlene Kascak, who shared her wisdom and cultural perspective with the students.

We are incredibly proud of the work these students accomplished and grateful for the opportunity to share these important stories with them.

Farewell to Marlon Feliz and Quincy Ellis

Marlon Feliz and Quincy Ellis in Symbiosis / Photo by Emily Denaro

Two beloved members of our Pilobolean family are saying adios to the road. Pilobolus is built on the uniqueness and irreplaceablness of each individual, and when someone moves on, it leaves a lasting mark on the heart of our company. Today, we say farewell—but never goodbye—to Marlon Feliz and Quincy Ellis.

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Marlon Feliz first performed with Pilobolus under extraordinary circumstances, stepping onto the stage in Australia due to the sudden illness of a fellow performer. Despite being only partially rehearsed for Shadowland, she performed with such grace and poise that the audience was none the wiser. Since 2014, she has captivated audiences as the lead in both of our full-evening Shadowland shows, gracing stages around the world before, during, and after the pandemic. Marlon has infused life into classic roles with authenticity, beauty, and care, while also helping create new works that will endure beyond her time with the company. She always brings her full self to everything she does, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

Quincy Ellis joined Pilobolus in 2017 and his contributions have been multifaceted and invaluable. Serving as Dance Captain for both our touring repertory company and Shadowland, Quincy has brought his own unique perspective to new and existing works. His background in theater and figure skating gave him a distinctive approach to movement, which enriched our pieces and inspired those around him. Quincy has not only performed and created but also taught and guided others with great care and leadership.

While their time on tour with Pilobolus is ending, their impact on our community will continue to resonate. We thank Marlon and Quincy for their dedication, passion, and artistry, and we look forward to seeing where their next adventures will take them.

New Board Member Announcement: Anna Santoleri

Anna Santoleri

We are excited to announce that Anna Santoleri has joined Pilobolus’s Board of Directors. Anna brings over a decade of experience working in education and nonprofit leadership, most notably as the co-founder and director of Revision Education, an organization that empowers schools to launch outdoor leadership training programs. Her passion for the intersection of nature, movement, creativity, and collaboration closely aligns with Pilobolus’s mission, and she is eager to contribute to its efforts to bring joy and connection to a wide variety of audiences, especially students.

Anna has also been a course leader for NOLS, where she has led month-long backpacking courses and trained new instructors in culturally responsive pedagogy and student coaching. Her commitment to experiential, hands-on learning was also evident during her time as a ninth-grade humanities teacher, where she successfully advocated for and designed extracurricular outdoor leadership programs that empowered students to develop confidence, leadership, and collaboration skills.

As she continues to build her own nonprofit, she is eager to collaborate with Pilobolus stakeholders to ensure that its programming remains both responsive to community needs and reflective of the organization’s values. Anna looks forward to contributing her growing expertise in nonprofit management while embracing the opportunity to learn more about board leadership in a dynamic and creative organization.

Meet Our New Dancers!

We are excited to introduce our new company dancers: Sean Langford, Darren Robinson, and Jessica Robling! Meet them here:

Sean Langford

Sean Langford is a dancer/choreographer originally from New Jersey. He graduated cum laude from Mason Gross School of the Arts in 2016 under the mentorship of Kim Gibilisco. His performance career includes Punchdrunk’s Sleep No More, MOMIX, Alison Chase Performance, Keith Thompson’s danceTactics, Rock Dance Collective, Moving On, and Erick Montes/Danceable projects as a dancer and creator. As a choreographer/director, he’s presented his work at Gold Coast Dance Festival, The Craft NYC, Spoke The Hub Winter Follies, Gowanus Arts Annex, Park Slope BID and Local Produce. He is passionate about the healing power of movement and shares that through his work as a Pilates instructor and personal trainer.

DARREN ROBINSON

Darren J. Robinson was born in Enoch, Utah. The youngest of nine children, he studied dance at the University of Utah. Darren has an impressive background in musical theater, performing in shows such as Little Mermaid, Newsies, Grease, and Les Miserables. He has graced audiences with performances at the Hale Center Theater, Universal Studios Japan, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and the Broadway national tour of Jesus Christ Superstar. He was most recently featured as a dancer/aerialist with Brian Sanders’ JUNK in Prototype. If not on stage, you’ll find Darren hiking, camping, gardening or sitting in a cozy coffee shop.

JESSICA ROBLING

Jessica Robling was born in China and raised in Brooklyn, NY. She began her training at The New York Chinese Cultural Center, learning Chinese Traditional dance under the guidance of Bei Bei Gu and Yuezhen Hu. She continued training in modern dance at Dancewave, performing works by Andrea Miller, Camille Brown, Kyle Abraham, and Larry Keigwin. In 2019, Jessica graduated from The University of Wisconsin-Madison, with a BFA in Dance and Pilates Certificate. Since graduating, Jessica has danced and worked in collaboration with Jenny Boissiere, Jin Wen Yu, Li Chiao-Ping, Liz Sexe Dance, Michel Kouakou, and Nimbus2 Dance Company. When not in the studio, you can find her napping with her dog, Otis, or taking him on a nice long nature walk.

In Review: Joyce Theater Residency 2024

Photo by Emily Denaro

Pilobolus returned to The Joyce Theater in New York City for a three-week residency from July 23 to August 11, 2024 as part of the re:CREATION tour. In addition to classic and contemporary pieces, two programs–Dreams and Memory–featured two new NYC premieres, including the women’s duet, “Bloodlines,” featuring Marlon Feliz and Hannah Klinkman, and a full-company piece entitled “Tales from the Underworld,” which included live music performance by composter and collaborator Stuart Bogie.

press highlights…

“From the first minute to the last, we were amazed by the troupe's grace, athleticism, control, and the creativity that defines their works. We applaud Executive/Co-Artistic Director, Renee Jaworski and Artistic Director, Matt Kent for their impressive leadership.” - Broadway World Review

“The wholly original Pilobolus reliably delivers visually appealing theatrical dances that combine whimsy and a muscular physicality. For its three-week summer engagement at the Joyce, titled “re:CREATION,” the company presents two distinct programs drawing from its broad repertory built over more than half a century, as well as a few works new to New York audiences.” - New York Times

“…this season Pilobolus brought two brilliant programs, Dreams and Memory, with works that probed deeply into love, friendship, society and, of course, sexuality, including their 1978 masterpiece, “Untitled.”” - Theatrescene.net

“For “re:CREATION,” artistic directors Renée Jaworski and Matt Kent crafted two unique programs paying homage to its agility, athleticism and timeless repertoire.” - New York Daily News

“The inventive, high-energy dance company Pilobolus has been around for more than 50 years and continues to captivate audiences with every performance.” - CBS News

Pilobolus featured on CBS News

CBS New York's Dave Carlin captured a rare, behind-the-scenes look at Pilobolus’s process ahead of the opening night of the three-week Summer 2024 residency at The Joyce Theater in New York City, NY—including a glimpse at Pilobolus’s new women’s duet, “Bloodlines,” performed by dancers Marlon Feliz and Hannah Klinkman. Watch the video to also catch insightful interviews with Feliz, Artistic Director Matt Kent, and Executive Director/Co-Artistic Director Renee Jaworski.

Pilobolus's Community Rehearsal Recap

Quincy Ellis performs in Rushes at Community Rehearsal. Photo by Emily Denaro

A Memorable Evening of Movement, Connection, and Community

On July 17, 2024, Pilobolus hosted a special evening for our local community members in Washington, CT, offering a unique glimpse into our world of movement and creativity. The event, held at the Washington Club–our primary rehearsal space in Connecticut–allowed attendees to catch a glimpse at works hitting the stage for our residency at The Joyce Theater in New York, NY, as well as an opportunity to learn about our Connecting with Balance program, connect with the artistic directors and dancers, and mix and mingle with fellow dance fans.

The evening began with an introduction to Connecting with Balance® led by Emily Kent, Pilobolus Education Director. Attendees had the chance to learn about the program’s benefits, which include improved balance, coordination, and confidence—key elements that align with our belief in the transformative power of dance.

The audience was then treated to a sneak peek of Bloodlines, a captivating new women’s duet featuring Hannah Klinkman and Marlon Feliz, which explores the intricacies of generational reciprocity and how parents and children switch caretaker roles as life evolves. Next, the dynamic and visually stunning Rushes–which features a unique use of chairs, and even a chair monster!—captured everyone’s attention, showcasing the unique blend of athleticism and artistry for which Pilobolus is known. 

Following the preview, attendees mixed and mingled with Pilobolus dancers and directors over refreshments and light bites.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us for this event. The community support and enthusiasm continue to inspire us as we push the boundaries of dance and storytelling. 

Stay tuned for more events and performances as we continue to bring our innovative approach to dance to audiences near and far!

New Board Member Announcement: Frances Katzen

Welcome Our New Board Member: Frances Katzen!

We are thrilled to announce the newest addition to our Board of Trustees, Frances Katzen. As the founder and leader of The Katzen Team, Frances has earned a stellar reputation in the New York City real estate market. Her business acumen coupled with an extensive dance background make her a perfect fit for Pilobolus, and we are excited to have her join our board.

Frances Katzen's journey to success is a testament to her determination and resilience. At 14, she joined the McDonald College School into the Australian Ballet and soon moved to New York City to join the School of American Ballet. By 21, she was a soloist with the American Ballet Theatre and later performed with the Hartford Ballet, Suzanne Farrell’s company at the Kennedy Center, and Miami City Ballet. A severe foot injury led to her early retirement in 2005 after a 21-year ballet career.

Transitioning from ballet to real estate, Frances Katzen has become a powerhouse in the industry. She has consistently made Douglas Elliman's top 10 list for highest-grossing production over the past decade. With over $3 billion in total sales and exceeding $350 million annually, Frances's achievements are remarkable.

“As someone who has dedicated most of my life to dancing, it is one of those hard-to-describe experiences whereby no words are necessary. Everything is conveyed through the body, soul, and music. Pilobolus has always resonated with me, despite being the complete antithesis of the dance I was immersed in. As a classical ballet dancer, I never dared to consider the possibility of experiencing this type of athleticism and intuitive movement. It felt like a threat to the identity of ballet in my mind, but I realized it represented the true freedom of fully expressed dance.

Pilobolus personifies the true freedom of dance. Its values center on authenticity and a near-preverbal form of expression. It requires complete trust in your fellow dancers, a quality not necessarily cultivated in the specifics of ballet, and a level of vulnerability essential to being a true Pilobolus dancer. Pilobolus is not about a singular person but rather the collective strength that emerges from being completely vulnerable within the group.” - Frances Katzen

New Board Member Announcement: Gary Johnson

We are excited to introduce our newest Board of Trustees member, Gary Johnson!

Gary Johnson is an entrepreneur who has founded and built several growth companies over his professional career. Gary has an extensive background in both public and private equity-owned companies, in the financial services, business services, and direct marketing industries. Gary is the Founder and most recently served as Chairman of Capital Access Network (CAN Capital), a 25-year-old financial services company that has funded over 100,000 small businesses with over $8 billion of capital. Gary has and continues to serve on several Boards both public and private, and for-profit and not-for-profit. Mr. Johnson received a B.S. in civil engineering from Tufts University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Welcome to Pilobolus, Gary!

“I am very excited and honored to join the Pilobolus Board and feel a strong connection to the organization and the role it plays in our local community as well as throughout the world. My entire professional career has been focused on the bottom line and “left brain” thinking- pursuing the logical, the analytical, and the orderly. Working with Pilobolus excites me because it will allow me to continue my left brain practices, but also allow me to pull out of that headspace as we test the limits of human physicality through dance and tell ageless stories with beauty and grace. Pilobolus celebrates creativity, tradition, and the artist in a truly unique way. I look forward to serving on the Board and offering my expertise while being inspired and collaborating with their team.”

- Gary Johnson

Pilobolus Holds Largest Annual Fundraiser, Exceeds Goal

Guests from the world of entertainment, performance, and philanthropy gathered during the solstice for a midsummer celebration of nature, art, and the human body.

Photography by Bryan Haeffele

On Saturday, June 22, Pilobolus held its annual Midsummer Ball, bringing guests from the world of art, entertainment, dance, performance, and philanthropy together at a private sculpture park in Washington, CT. The evening celebrated the renowned dance company’s fifty-three-year legacy of experimental and boundary-pushing dance, which has continuously innovated the landscape of performance and theater. The Ball also marked Pilobolus’s biggest annual fundraiser, which supports new works, dancer training, collaborations, community outreach, and educational programs.

Notable attendees included art director Marc Balet, author Robert Becker, president of Trinity College Joanne Berger-Sweeney, actress Lily Cowles, TV personality Clinton Kelly, film producer Charles Layton, Ambassador William Luers, actor Chris Meloni, artist Mark Mennin, artistic director of Limón dance company Dante Puleo, renowned flutist Gretchen Pusch, and screenwriter Mark Rosenthal, among others.

The Midsummer Ball centered on roving, site-specific dance performances, which activated the park’s sculpture collection. The ball marked the dance company’s first-ever event at this location, which features nearly seventy artists from around the world, situated in a one-hundred-and-fifty-acre nature preserve.

Guests followed the dancers across several sites around the property, taking in three unique dance pieces. Each work was a collaborative creation from the artistic team and Pilobolus dancers, inspired by the art and natural beauty of the setting. The dances were planned and rehearsed on-site (in the middle of a heat wave), producing an impressive showing of the power and grace of the human form–which not even an unexpected bout of rain could stop.

After the performance portion of the evening, guests gathered for dinner and remarks from Pilobolus’s board members and loyal supporters.

Executive Director/Co-Artistic Director Renée Jaworski and Artistic Director Matt Kent shared, “It was inspiring and magical to play in this landscape all week and to create something truly singular. We’d like to thank the Ball committee for their planning, humor, creativity, and support, and share a huge amount of gratitude to our corporate sponsors and local partners. We’d also like to thank the Pilobolus dancers and Education Director Emily Kent, who were collaborators in this process. They aren’t just dancers– they are artists.”

Chair of Pilobolus’s Ball Committee, Lily Cowles, noted, “What a gift to watch Pilobolus perform in this wild and wonderful space tonight, and what a gift to celebrate them with you all. Pilobolus reminds us of the power of our bodies in space. It shows us the best of ourselves, the strength and grace of reciprocity and partnership, and insatiable curiosity and joy in our world. Tonight is truly a midsummer night’s dream.”

Cowles then led the guests in a short meditation, encouraging all to center themselves and feel grounded in their bodies, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in the connection between spirit and body quintessential to Pilobolus.

To conclude the speeches, Pilobolus Board Chair, Shauna Holiman, stated: “I want to thank you all for appreciating Pilobolus for who we are and for what we do. We are a company that does almost everything collaboratively, which produces the extraordinary results you saw tonight. Stupefying in its extraordinary, elegant athleticism, our dancers communicate without words and express their humanness so easily. I thank you all for being here to witness that.”

The evening concluded with a moonlit dance party, during which guests and Pilobolus’s dancers joined each other on the dance floor—an embodiment of the company’s ethos, which encourages dancers and non-dancers alike to experience the joy of movement. 

The Midsummer Ball kicks off Pilobolus’s summer season, including the re:CREATION tour, a dynamic compilation of new experimental dance pieces, paired with landmark works from the company’s repertoire. Pilobolus will hold performances across the U.S., including a residency at The Joyce Theatre in New York City,  which will feature the New York City premiere of two new works: Bloodlines, a women’s duet, and Tales from the Underworld, which features music composed and performed by Stuart Bogie. For more information about where Pilobolus is headed next, visit our Tour Calendar.

Farewell, Nate

Nathaniel Buchsbaum

As we turn the page to a new chapter, we bid a fond farewell to Nathaniel Buchsbaum, whose presence has been a fundamental part of Pilobolus for the last twelve years. 

Nate joined us on the world tour of Shadowland and seamlessly transitioned to perform all the Pilobolus repertory, including the creation of seven new works, captivating hearts and imaginations across the globe.

Nate’s unique contributions, from his exquisite physical agility to his quirky humor and unique spirit, have enriched every performance, creative process, and class. His creativity has left an indelible mark on Pilobolus, collaborating on works that have graced all kinds of stages, from the intimate to the grand, each infused with his distinctive charm and exceptional artistry.

As Nate steps into the next stage of his journey, we offer our deepest gratitude for his years of dedication and the magic he brought to our shared story. We are excited to see where his talents will take him next and are confident that his journey will continue to be marked by the same passion and innovation he brought to Pilobolus.

To see Nate in his next big adventure, go see him perform alongside other former Pilobolus dancers Mike Tyus, Jake Warren, Casey Howes, and Zachary Eisenstat in Life and Trust. 

Thank you, Nate, for the laughter, creativity, and beautiful movement. You will always be a part of the Pilobolus legacy.

With heartfelt appreciation and all our best wishes,

Renée Jaworski
Executive/Co-Artistic Director, Pilobolus

Listen Now: Pilobolus discusses Caliban on Podcast

Pilobolus’s award-winning, two-headed Caliban is the topic of conversation during Season 2, Episode 6, “Caliban,” of the Shakespeare's Shadows podcast.

From shakespearesshadows.com:

“A play that can be at turns heartwarming and troubling, The Tempest features two major characters who don’t look like the humans around them: Caliban and Ariel. Caliban, repeatedly described as “monstrous” by other characters, is enslaved by Prospero, the play’s protagonist. This episode delves into discussion about postcolonial interpretations of this play that was written in the early 17th century, about the significance of Caliban’s mother being a witch from Algiers, and about varying approaches to The Tempest’s theme of choosing forgiveness over revenge and the question of whether Caliban’s ending is one with reconciliation.”

Pilobolus's Executive Director and Co-Artistic Director Renée Jaworski and Artistic Director Matt Kent offer unique insights into the company's two-headed interpretation of Caliban, monster of Shakespeare's The Tempest, for which they won a Helen Hayes Award in choreography. To round out the discussion, actor Michael Blake and SUNY New Paltz theatre studies professor Dr. Matthieu Chapman provide diverse perspectives on the interpretation, presentation, and theory regarding Caliban and Ariel.

With discussions touching on sensitive topics such as slavery and racial violence, this episode promises to be both enlightening and thought-provoking but do listen with caution.

Top image by Scott Suchman

MOVIN’ Ignites Student Confidence and Creativity

Third-grade students at Brass City Charter School in Waterbury, CT, kicked off the new year with Pilobolus’s MOVIN’ program taught by Education Director Emily Kent. 

MOVIN’ is one of Pilobolus’s longest running youth development programs, providing an opportunity for elementary, middle, and high school students to learn about communication, collaboration, and self-awareness through movement.

“When we first told the students that they were going to be taking a dance class they were all like, “Oh no!” I think especially some of the boys were feeling a little intimidated, maybe they thought they were going to do ballet…but once they realized that it was something that everybody can take part in and everybody can move, they were so excited,” shared, Miranda Malizia, a third-grade teacher at Brass City Charter School.

Artistic Director Matt Kent & Education Director Emily Kent outside of Brass City Charter School following the MOVIN’ recital.

During the seven-week program, Pilobolus fostered a space where students could unleash their potential, learn the value of teamwork, and celebrate their individuality and creativity. “I think a lot of students, in class especially, are told to sit and don’t move,” explained Malizia, “so [MOVIN’] gives them freedom and a place where they can creatively move. A lot of students that are sometimes even afraid to speak up…there’s no talking involved. They’re allowed to move freely and express themselves and once they see their friends joining in, they get excited and want to move, too.”

From laughter-filled group activities to a celebratory final showcase performance, MOVIN’’ empowers students to take ownership of their ideas and express themselves with confidence. Malizia observed that the impact extends beyond the classroom: “They have a lot of fun. They go home talking about it. They want to move and try those moves at recess time and so not only in the dance class itself but throughout the school day as well.”

Pilobolus’s time at Brass City Charter School culminated with an in-school performance on February 28. Students demonstrated to their peers how they can collaborate and problem solve with both improvisational and choreographed movement. 

“I think if [MOVIN’] is recommended for your school, I think you should definitely take part in it. I think it allowed our students to take risks and take chances not only in this setting but in their academic work as well,” said Malizia. “It really built their confidence these last couple of weeks and I highly recommend that all kids have a chance to create, to move their bodies, and have a chance to be creative in their own way.” 

If you’d like to bring MOVIN’ to your school or community, reach out to Emily Kent at ekent@pilobolus.org.

First Look: New Duet Debuts in Fayetteville, AR

Pilobolus’s Spring 2024 re:CREATION tour is underway throughout the United States and includes a tour stop at Walton Arts Theatre in Fayetteville, Arkansas on March 14, 2024. This stop is a special one, as it will be the first time the new women’s duet, currently titled simply “Duet,” will be performed for theatre-goers. Dancers Marlon Feliz and Hannah Klinkman gave viewers of KNWA’s Good Day NWA a sneak peek at this newly unveiled work, introduced by artistic director Matt Kent.

Marlon Feliz and Hannah Klinkman perform a part of Duet, a new work by Pilobolus, on KNWA’s Good Day NWA on March 13, 2024.

Listen Now: New Works Chat

Discover the magic behind Pilobolus's new works as Kyle Kellams of KUAF’s Ozarks at Large engages in an insightful conversation with Pilobolus’s executive director and co-artistic director Renee Jaworski and artistic director Matt Kent.

Gain exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes details about the captivating world of Pilobolus in this exclusive interview ahead of our tour stop at Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Dance and Research Collide

Pilobolus directors Renée Jaworski, Matt Kent, and Emily Kent were honored to undertake the esteemed role of judges for the 16th Annual Dance Your Ph.D. contest. Organized by the American Academy for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and Science.com, this unique competition provided Ph.D. candidates with a platform to articulate their research through the medium of dance.

The standout of the year was Weliton Menário Costa from the Australian National University, whose dance presentation, "Personality, Social Environment, and Maternal-Level Effects: Insights from a Wild Kangaroo Population," earned him the coveted titles of Overall and Social Sciences Category Winner of the 2024 Dance Your Ph.D. contest.

Pilobolus was grateful to once again be selected to assess the diverse range of dance interpretations of scientific research. This intersection of science and art showcased the depth and creativity within the scientific community. The contest not only celebrates scientific inquiry but also underscores the significance of innovative communication in the academic sphere. (Kind of on-brand for a dance company named after a fungus, don’t you think?)

See how intellectual depth and artistic expression can harmoniously coexist in scholarly endeavors–click here to read more about this year’s winners and view their performances.

Top image: WELITON MENÁRIO COSTA from Science.org

First Book About Pilobolus Published

The University Press of Florida has published the first book to capture the legacy of Pilobolus.

Pilobolus: A Story of Dance and Life tracks the company from its counterculture origins through its pop-culture triumphs and contemporary worldwide acclaim. Author Robert Pranzatelli details stories gleaned from deep research and intimate conversation with founders, dancers, and the current artistic directors of the company. Insights from unpublished archival materials and both classic and never-before-seen photos also grace the page.

Learn more about Pilobolus: A Story of Dance and Life.

Advance praise:
 
“Pranzatelli gives behind-the-scenes insight into both the art-making process and the often-grueling business of running a dance company. The book includes photographs, some never before published, that give readers a taste of Pilobolus’s hallmark bodily wizardry. . . . Pranzatelli’s vivid descriptions of the group’s canonical pieces will have readers running to find videos to see the magic for themselves.”—Library Journal
 
“Sometimes when you explain how a magic trick works, it kills the amazement. This book proves the opposite. When Pranzatelli takes you backstage, he leads you Dante-like through the Inferno/mystery of Pilobolus. And you will—as I do—love, love, love these people who fearlessly flex their hearts with their muscles, and fill their stage with beauty, humor, sex, and joy.”—Teller (of Penn & Teller)  
 
“What a joyful, absorbing chronicle of creativity. With skillful prose and miles of heart, Pranzatelli captures the wit, sensuality, and daring of Pilobolus, the group that blew up dance theatre and keeps making discoveries after more than 50 years.”—Sarah L. Kaufman, Pulitzer Prize–winning dance critic, author of The Art of Grace: On Moving Well Through Life  
 
“A highly readable, insightful journey into the history, creative process, and fascinating personalities of America’s most inventive dance/theatre company.”—Steven Banks, playwright, actor, and New York Times–bestselling writer  
 
“Pranzatelli lovingly captures the enchanted, ingenious world of Pilobolus: the open-hearted spirit of discovery; the fearless commitment to exploration; the irreverent, unquenchable creativity of the artists who have shaped and reshaped this remarkable project over the decades.”—Trish Sie, filmmaker, Sitting in Bars with Cake  
 
“A thorough, insightful, expressive, and very readable account of a singular dance troupe. While chronicling Pilobolus’s journey through the decades, and astutely spotlighting relevant people, dynamics, and context, this book gives a sense of the troupe’s vitality, in part through eloquent description and analysis of specific dance works and overall aesthetic.”—Celia Wren, theatre and dance writer  
 
“Pranzatelli has written the saga of a creative ‘chosen family,’ and it is both appealing and a real page-turner.”—Elizabeth Zimmer, coeditor of Envisioning Dance on Film and Video

Pilobolus Supports Inclusivity

Pilobolus Teaching Artists Derion Loman and Krystal Butler recently provided instruction to dancers at Chance 2 Dance, an inclusive dance organization centering arts opportunities and access for disabled children, youth, and adults in Maitland, Florida. Dancers showed off their moves in a dazzling group performance on February 9, 2024.

The inclusive dance event, hosted by Chance 2 Dance, brought together a diverse group of individuals, highlighting the power of dance to transcend ability and create a space for self-expression and connection.

Photo by Nicole Warren

Loman and Butler worked closely with the dancers, fostering an environment that celebrated individuality and showcased the beauty of movement in all its forms. The group performance not only showcased the participants’ dedication and hard work but also underscored the importance of inclusive arts programs in fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment.

Photo by Nicole Warren

As the dance community continues to explore avenues for inclusivity and diversity, collaborations like these serve as shining examples of the transformative power of the arts. Through the lens of dance, individuals of all abilities can find common ground, breaking barriers and creating a platform for shared experiences.

Photo by Nicole Warren

We extend our gratitude to Pilobolus, Chance 2 Dance, and all those involved for making this inspiring event possible!

Thanks to Chance 2 Dance Executive Director Nicole Warren for capturing the memorable moments!