Pilobolus's First Intergenerational Workshop Piloted at Skidmore College

Community Class at Skidmore College, images by Sara DiPasquale

On March 19, 2025, Pilobolus and Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) kicked off their newly unveiled educational partnership with a pilot workshop at Skidmore College. Participants of all ages—from college dance majors to local older adults—came together to move, connect, and create. Led by Pilobolus’s Education Director Emily Kent and Artistic Associate Derion Loman, the session focused on building collaboration and capability through movement. Following the workshop, participants provided feedback about the experience that will inform the creation and development of the full initiative.

This pilot workshop marks the beginning of Pilobolus’s nationwide initiative to bring dance and movement education to more communities. With a focus on accessibility and collaboration, the initiative builds on Pilobolus’s existing educational programs, which include masterclasses, kids camp, and Connecting with Balance, our signature program created with older adults in mind.

Read more about the pilot program.

Pilobolus Partners with Saratoga Performing Arts Center for New Educational Program

Saratoga Performing Arts Center Selected  as First National Partner and Incubation Site for Acclaimed Modern Dance Company Pilobolus

SPAC and Pilobolus will co-create programming in collaboration with Skidmore College Dance Department to inform dance education practices nationwide

Multi-year partnership kicks off in Saratoga with a pilot workshop bringing together Skidmore College dance students and adults aged 50+ on March 19

Saratoga Springs, NY (March 17, 2025) — Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) announces that it has been selected as the first partner and incubation site to join modern dance company Pilobolus in the creation of a nationwide education program. Following an extensive feasibility study, SPAC is one of just three sites that the company will partner with for this multi-year initiative to expand their collective reach and impact. Aligning their missions to make art and dance inclusive and accessible to all, SPAC and Pilobolus will co-develop creative movement programming that fosters connection, creativity, and well-being. The Joyce Theater in New York City has also committed to the initiative with plans to join in the development of the program in future years.

“The SPAC Education program has grown exponentially over the years, now serving over 50,000 students every year throughout the Capital Region. But not only has the program vastly expanded its numbers, it has emerged as a true innovator in the field and an advocate for the impact that the arts can have on our health and well-being,” says Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center. “Partnering with Pilobolus is an exciting next step in this work, merging their imaginative approach to the creative process with our inclusive and accessible educational philosophy and practice.”

To launch this new initiative, SPAC, Pilobolus, and the Skidmore College Dance Department will hold a pilot workshop on Wednesday, March 19 from 10:10 a.m. to noon, which invites adults aged 50+ to learn alongside Skidmore College dance students in an open and inclusive environment. Led by Pilobolus teaching artists, the session will invite participants to explore creative problem-solving, experimentation, and teamwork through movement. Following the workshop, participants will share reflections and feedback to help shape the methodology of this new initiative. 

“SPAC has an amazing education program with its SPAC School of the Arts and partnerships with hundreds of schools and nonprofits throughout the region. Its existing infrastructure and shared values of inclusion and accessibility make SPAC a natural partner for us to launch this new initiative. Additionally, Saratoga Springs and the surrounding regions are the ideal size for us to make a significant impact,” says Emily Kent, Education Director of Pilobolus. “Like the nature of the Pilobolus fungus itself, which inspired the company’s name, we hope that this initiative will spur growth that extends beyond our individual communities to inform creative movement practices across the country.”

This new multi-year partnership follows SPAC’s previous collaborations with Pilobolus, which began in 2021 with the company’s participation in the Festival of Young Artists. In 2023, SPAC presented the full company at Spa Little Theater and the SPAC School of the Arts with two performances of its Re:CREATION Tour and a series of community workshops.  

Additional details about the initiative and programming will be announced at a later date. Visit spac.org for information. 

Pilot Workshop:

Pilobolus Creative Movement Exploration
Wednesday, March 19 | 10:10 AM – 12 PM

Pilobolus, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, and the Skidmore College Dance Department will hold a unique, community-driven creative movement experience. This special workshop marks the beginning of a multi-year initiative designed to develop dance programming that fosters connection, creativity, and well-being.

Inspired by Pilobolus’s signature approach to movement, this engaging session invites participants to explore creative problem-solving, experimentation, and teamwork in a fun, energetic environment. Led by Pilobolus Teaching Artists, participants will

• Unlock creativity and experience the joy of movement in a playful, group-driven workshop.
• Collaborate with others to create original material and discover new ways to express oneself through movement.
• Engage in meaningful discussion following the movement session, sharing reflections and feedback to help shape this wellness-focused initiative.

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Saratoga Performing Arts Center

Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), located in the historic resort town of Saratoga Springs in upstate New York, is one of America’s most prestigious outdoor amphitheaters. Its tranquil setting in a 2,400-acre park preserve surrounded by hiking trails, geysers, and natural mineral springs draws lovers of arts, culture and nature for performances by resident companies New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Saratoga Jazz Festival, and concerts by Live Nation. SPAC also hosts imaginative programming such as Caffè Lena @ SPAC and initiatives in culinary, literary, healing and visual arts.  

SPAC is a 501c3 charitable organization. Donations and proceeds from fundraising events benefit the Center’s thriving education program, community outreach efforts, and the vibrancy of its programming. For more information visit spac.org.

Pilobolus
Pilobolus has tested the limits of human physicality to explore the beauty and power of connected bodies since being founded at Dartmouth College in 1971. Pilobolus has performed on Broadway, at The Oscars, and the Olympic games, and created over 160 dance works. The mission of Pilobolus is to create, perform, and preserve dance, expand and diversify audiences, and teach dancers, non-dancers, and organizations to harness creative and collaborative potential through the joy of movement.

Press Contact:

Kristy Godette Ventre 
518-316-1435 (m.)
kventre@spac.org

Emily Kent featured on The Ballerinatist Podcast

When Pilobolus began in 1971, it wasn’t founded by dancers—it was created by a group of adventurous minds exploring movement and breaking boundaries of what the human body can do. More than fifty years later, that spirit of innovation still fuels Pilobolus, not just on stage but in the way it teaches movers of all ages.

In the latest episode of The Ballerinaist, Education Director Emily Kent explores how she transformed the way Pilobolus teaches both inside the studio and out in the world. In conversation with host Melissa Croushorn, she discusses Pilobolus’s educational initiatives from kids camps and intensive workshops, to her evolving programs to prevent fall risks for older adults. Emily also dives into what it takes to be a Pilobolus dancer and why improvisation is at the heart of the creative process.

“Learning to Fall with Emily Kent” is a must-listen podcast episode for anyone curious about dance, creativity, and the power of learning through movement.

Tune in below or listen on Apple Podcasts.

Elementary School Students Love Pilobolus!

Artistic Director Matt Kent (bottom left) with dancers (from upper left to right) Ryan Hayes, Connor Chaparro, Darren Robinson, Jessica Robling, Hannah Klinkman, and Isaac Huerta at Mill Ridge Primary School, Danbury, CT. Photo by Anna Bate

Pilobolus received a $5,000 grant from the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut through its Creative Youth Development program, which focuses on bringing arts programming to youth in Danbury, Connecticut. Thanks to this funding, Pilobolus performed our educational show Pilobolus is a Fungus for students at Mill Ridge Primary School. Using nature and dance as tools, the show reminded students to lift their heads from their electronics, participate in the world around them, and engage in mindfulness.

Interested in bringing Pilobolus to your school?

Contact Us

Get info about school programs!

Family Day Fundraiser Helps Bring Dance to Connecticut Students

A section from Branches, as part of Pilobolus is a Fungus, at the Quick Center for the Arts, Fairfield, CT. Photo by Emily Denaro

Thanks to Michael and Amber Nickols and all Family Day contributors, funds raised from Pilobolus’s Family Day fundraiser, an annual event that seeks to grow support for educational initiatives, students from six Connecticut schools experienced the magic of Pilobolus up close. Partnering with Fairfield University’s Quick Center for the Arts, Pilobolus brought the interactive educational show, Pilobolus is a Fungus, to young audiences and led an inspiring workshop at the James J. Curiale School in Bridgeport, CT.

On January 28, 2025, students from Bridgeport, Fairfield, and Norwalk schools gathered to watch Pilobolus is a Fungus, an interactive performance designed to encourage movement, creativity, and mindfulness from the stage to the seats. Centered around the Pilobolus classic, Branches, the show used nature and dance as storytelling tools, urging students to look beyond their screens, engage with the world around them, and embrace collaboration.

Artistic Director Matt Kent and the Pilobolus dancers lead students in The Wave during Pilobolus is a Fungus at Quick Center for the Arts, Fairfield, CT. Photo by Emily Denaro

The experience began with students watching six Pilobolus dancers warm up on stage, followed by a 45-minute performance and a 10-minute Q&A session with the dancers and Pilobolus Artistic Director Matt Kent. Young audience members eagerly engaged, asking insightful questions about the preparation process, the unique bird sounds in the soundtrack, and even the dancers’ favorite moments from the show.

The partnership with the Quick Center for the Arts provided an opportunity for students to witness a fully staged production, complete with professional lighting and sound. While Pilobolus is a Fungus is adaptable to be performed in various spaces, seeing it on a theater stage enhanced the overall experience for these young viewers.

Students on stage during Pilobolus is a Fungus at the Quick Center for the Arts, Fairfield, CT. Photo by Emily Denaro

Following the performance, Pilobolus Artistic Director Matt Kent, Education Director Emily Kent, and a team of dancers led a special workshop for 4th - 8th grade students at the James J. Curiale School. The students, many of whom are part of their school’s dance and cheer teams, face limited access to these programs because of logistical challenges. This made the workshop an even more meaningful experience.

The session focused on structured improvisation, encouraging students to explore their creativity while working collaboratively. The hour-long class culminated in a show-and-tell presentation, where students performed their newly created dance pieces for their classmates and younger students.

Beyond the joy of movement, the workshop imparted valuable soft skills that will serve students in their academic and professional futures. From problem-solving and teamwork to creative expression, the lessons learned through dance extended far beyond the classroom.

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Interested in bringing Pilobolus to young audiences?

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Pilobolus Holds Adult Winter Intensive at Jacob's Pillow

Pilobolus brought its transformative adult intensive workshop to the historic Jacob’s Pillow in Becket, MA, for a memorable January weekend. Participants, guided by Executive/Co-Artistic Director Renée Jaworski, Artistic Director Matt Kent, and Education Director Emily Kent, explored the power of creative and collaborative movement in an experience filled with inspiration and connection.

Highlights included an exclusive sneak peek at new work Flight, during which attendees witnessed the dancers’ iterative process and gained rare insights into how Pilobolus brings its creations to life. The experience offered a deeper understanding of the artistry and innovation that defines Pilobolus, enriched by the opportunity to dance alongside Pilobolus’s touring company.

Dancers and non-dancers alike challenged their bodies, expanded their minds, and embraced the joy of shared movement in an invigorating and supportive environment. The weekend celebrated discovery, creativity, and community, leaving everyone energized and inspired.

To everyone who joined us, thank you for bringing your joy and possibility to this unforgettable retreat!

Learn more about our Adult Intensives happening throughout the year.

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All images by Emily Denaro

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.

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.