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:

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.

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!

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.