News

New Board Member Announcement: Conna Weiner

Conna Weiner

We are excited to announce the newest appointee to Pilobolus’s Board of Trustees, Conna Weiner. Conna is a U.S. and international mediator and arbitrator based in Massachusetts with a longtime passion for dance.

Conna Weiner is amazed and honored that the opportunity to serve Pilobolus has presented itself at this time in her life; she sees it as a way to contribute the many disparate strands of her life experience to support one of the most interesting, innovative, long-lived and important arts groups in the world of movement/theatre/dance in the U.S. and even internationally.

Those strands include a long one as a near-professional modern dancer in Martha Graham and May O’Donnell-inspired techniques. Conna’s parents, wary of her excess energy, injected her into movement classes at the age of four and it took – she grew up dancing with the Steffi Nossen School in Westchester and its associated dance company, was a scholarship student at the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival for four summers – where she first encountered Pilobolus -- and went to NYU Tisch School of the Arts for her first year of college. She pivoted to Oberlin College – where she double-majored in Government and Dance and choreographed pieces in collaboration with the Oberlin Music Conservatory – and eventually went to law school at the University of Chicago, but never lost her love of dance and has been a huge Pilobolus fan for years. A road trip to Bethesda, MD, and the Round House Theatre to see The Tempest was a recent reminder of the versatility of the Pilobolus vision. Everything is unique and special, from how the dances are created to what they are. Fun, playful, sexy and intellectual. Humor and pathos. Sculpture, movement, theatre, dance. Conna met Emily Kent at a Jacob’s Pillow gala and has gone to the Pilobolus Ball several times since.

Conna Weiner at Pilobolus's Winter Intensive Workshop at Jacob's Pillow

Conna at Pilobolus’s first Winter Intensive workshop at Jacob’s Pillow, Becket, MA.

Conna’s time as a dancer and in the arts has been critical to her identity – and to her appreciation of the value of the performing arts generally to communicating and validating what is most human about us, the power of performance, collaboration, and creativity.

She is now a full-time US and international mediator and arbitrator helping businesses resolve their disputes and get back to productive pursuits, specializing in complex commercial, life sciences, healthcare, and intellectual property matters. Collaboration, creativity, and improvisation are important in her work in managing and resolving conflict and managing cases, and the ability to support this spirit as it is practiced in the unique Pilobolean way – funding for which will only become more challenging – is a privilege. She prepared for her board service by attending the Pilobolus Winter Workshop at Jacob’s Pillow, bringing her full circle to a dance place she loves and a company philosophy and outlook that she finds awe-inspiring.

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Elementary School Students Love Pilobolus!

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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?

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Pilobolus + Lorelei Ensemble collaboration debuts at Denison University

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All photos by Jo McCulty

Pilobolus Executive/Co-Artistic Director Renée Jaworski and Artistic Director Matt Kent brought their visionary artistry to their collaboration with Lorelei Ensemble’s reinvigorated love fail, which debuted on February 5, 2025, as part of Denison University’s Vail Series in Granville, OH. The choreography infused the piece with Pilobolus’s signature physical storytelling, enhancing the emotional depth and narrative complexity of David Lang’s haunting composition.

Performed by a quartet of dancers that included Krystal Butler, Erin Dooley, Quincy Ellis, and Kingsley Ibeneche, the work featured evocative visuals amplified by the Grammy-nominated Lorelei Ensemble’s soaring vocals.

Read more about the extraordinary collaboration in this review from Denison University’s The Denisonian.

Interested in collaborating with Pilobolus? Contact us at info@pilobolus.org for more information on creative collaborations or bespoke project ideas.

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Family Day Fundraiser Helps Bring Dance to Connecticut Students

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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.

Interested in bringing Pilobolus to young audiences?

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Pilobolus Holds Adult Winter Intensive at Jacob's Pillow

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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.

All images by Emily Denaro

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Original choreography by Pilobolus’s Renée Jaworski & Matt Kent features in love fail

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From “head, heart” from love fail, filmed by Russ Anderson, T-Stop Productions

Pilobolus Executive/Co-Artistic Director Renée Jaworski and Artistic Director Matt Kent’s visionary artistry will be showcased as part of the Lorelei Ensemble’s reinvigorated love fail, debuting in February 2025 as part of the Denison University’s Vail Series in Granville, OH. 

Originally composed by Pulitzer Prize-winning David Lang in 2012, love fail is a musical composition inspired by the Tristan and Isolde legend and stories by contemporary author Lydia Davis, as well as stories by Marie de France, and Richard Wagner, Gottfried von Strassburg, Béroul, Thomas of Britain and Richard Wagner. Described by Lang as “a meditation on the timelessness of love,” the piece was expanded for the Lorelei Ensemble, a women’s chamber choir led by Beth Willer. The Lorelei Ensemble performed and recorded the updated version in 2016.

Now, love fails takes on an even more robust form: Renée Jaworski and Matt Kent’s choreography deepens the piece's emotional and narrative complexity by bringing Pilobolus’s signature blend of physical storytelling and visual poetry to the performance. Performed by a quartet, the work features all-new material, including haunting visuals, characters, ghosts, ancient and modern expressions of love and relationships, and inspirations from twelfth-century troubadours to modern poetry. 

“We started creating this work in 2019, but like so many projects, the pandemic delayed the full expression of the collaboration until now,” explained Jaworski. “We are so excited to finally bring our ideas to life with David Lang's beautiful composition and Pilobolus’s storytelling through movement alongside the live performance of the Lorelei Ensemble.”

Jaworski and Kent’s choreography adds a vivid physical dimension to the Lorelei Ensemble’s soaring vocals, with movement that blurs the lines between ancient and contemporary, real and imagined, grounding the universal themes of love fail in the tangible, expressive language of the body.

Interested in collaborating with Pilobolus? Contact us at info@pilobolus.org for more information on creative collaborations or bespoke project ideas.

Ryan Hayes and Isaac Huerta Join Pilobolus

Pilobolus is pleased to welcome two new dancers! Get to know the newest members of our team and keep an eye out for them in upcoming performances.

 

Ryan Hayes is a dancer born and raised in Spokane, WA. He earned his degree in Dance Performance with a minor in Interdisciplinary Arts from Gonzaga University. After graduation, he continued his training at the Steps on Broadway Conservatory in New York. While in New York, he had the opportunity to perform Paul Taylor and Jerome Robbins’ original choreography in Section 5 of Esplanade and ‘group dances’ of N.Y. Export Opus Jazz. Additionally, he has performed with Jazz Choreography Enterprise, Sound Business Inc. in Dance Harlem!, Inland Northwest Opera, Human Kinetics Inc., and theater companies across the U.S. In addition to performing, he is passionate about dance education and guest teaches at numerous studios and intensives. 

 

Isaac Huerta is a movement-based performance artist from Whittier, California, and Orange County School of the Arts alum. He has worked with dance companies including Ezralow Dance, Invertigo Dance Theatre, KDV Dance Ensemble, Andrea Peña and Artist, Carlon Dance, Body Weather, and Wonderbound. He has danced with the LA Philharmonic, LA Opera, and the Pacific Symphony. Some of his Film/TV credits include Shake it Off: Taylor Swift, Chained to the Rhythm: Katy Perry (The Grammys), Bathtubs Over Broadway, and Focus World. He was nominated for a Henry Award for “Best Supporting Actor in a Musical” for Rattlesnake Kate, choreographed by Domonique Kelley. Isaac has presented original dance works in art galleries and the Episcopal Church with his husband and creative partner William Clayton.

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.

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.