PillowVoices: Dance Through Time
Jacob's Pillow Archives
PillowVoices: Dance Through Time brings listeners closer to notable dance artists connected with Jacob's Pillow, from 1933 to today. Each piece exemplifies Jacob's Pillow's mission to 'support dance creation, presentation, education, and preservation; and to engage and deepen public appreciation and support for dance' by utilizing archival recordings brought to life in the personal stories and narration of current thought-leaders and scholars. Jacob's Pillow, lauded by The New York Times as "the dance center of the nation," is a National Historic Landmark, a recipient of the prestigious National Medal of Arts, and home to America’s longest-running international dance festival, located in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts.
PillowVoices is directed by Jennifer Edwards and produced by Lisa Niedermeyer. Rahsaan Cruz provides audio design and engineering. Research and Transcription by Arushi Singh. Music for the opening is by J.S. Bach and the closing theme is by Jess Meeker, both performed by Meeker. Content curator is Norton Owen, and associate curator is Patsy Gay.
PillowVoices is directed by Jennifer Edwards and produced by Lisa Niedermeyer. Rahsaan Cruz provides audio design and engineering. Research and Transcription by Arushi Singh. Music for the opening is by J.S. Bach and the closing theme is by Jess Meeker, both performed by Meeker. Content curator is Norton Owen, and associate curator is Patsy Gay.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 28, 2026 • 47min
Ann Hutchinson Guest's Dancing Life
Ann Hutchinson Guest's Century Plus (2022)
Feb 28, 2026 • 34min
Clouds Don’t Resist: Marjani Forté-Saunders
Dance Interaction videos and essays related to this episode include:
Soles of Duende
Urban Bush Women
PillowVoices podcasts related to this episode include:
Remembering Blondell Cummings with Paloma McGregor
Jan 31, 2026 • 45min
Virginia Johnson and Misty Copeland: Ballerina Brilliance
Virginia Johnson of Dance Theatre of Harlem and Misty Copeland of American Ballet Theatre discuss their own training, the universality of performing classical ballets, the responsibilities of role models before and after the emergence of social media, and how dance skills can prepare young people for careers beyond the stage. Recorded during a 2014 PillowTalk moderated by Maura Keefe.
Dec 27, 2025 • 52min
50 Seasons with Norton Owen
Behind the scenes stories of how the exhibition 'Connecting Through Time: 50 Seasons with Norton Owen' came together. Scholar in Residence Maura Keefe guides the conversation with exhibit curator Wendy Perron, Pillow Archivist Patsy Gay, and Director of Preservation Norton Owen. Recorded during July 2025 PillowTalk.
Nov 22, 2025 • 19min
Tap is the Root, with Robyn Watson
Dance Interactive Video Excerpts of Tap Performances at Jacob’s PillowDance Interactive Multimedia Essays on Tap curated by Brian Seibert
Oct 25, 2025 • 31min
Frederic Franklin's Ballet Memories
See Frederic Franklin dancing with Alexandra Danilova in 1948 at Jacob's Pillow on DANCE INTERACTIVE'Frederic Franklin Returns' PillowTalk 2007 - video excerpt on YOUTUBE
Sep 27, 2025 • 30min
Audio Description for Dance at Jacob’s Pillow
Links to disability artistry projects mentioned in this podcast:POD Access by Thomas Reid and Cheryl GreenReid My Mind Radio hosted by Thomas ReidSocial Audio Description CollectiveKinetic LightKayla HamiltonChristopher Unpezverde NúñezKrishna WashburnCuriosity Paradox
Aug 23, 2025 • 28min
Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui
Dance scholar Nancy Wozny highlights the life and work of Moroccan and Belgian choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. Cherkaoui was honored with the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Award in 2022 for his achievements in the worlds of both concert and commercial dance including choreography for Beyoncé and the Broadway production of Jagged Little Pill.
Jul 26, 2025 • 20min
Bill T. Jones: Philosophies and Memories
Bill T. Jones, a groundbreaking choreographer and dancer, shares his insights on partnering and contact improvisation. He reflects on the evolution of dance and its emotional depth, particularly after loss. Jones delves into how personal experiences shape artistic expression and the vital connection between dance and visual art. He also offers heartfelt advice on engaging with his work, emphasizing the transformative power of community and resilience, especially in light of his journey living with HIV.
Jun 21, 2025 • 21min
Dancing Mr. Talley Beatty's Blackness
Dance Scholar Mora-Amina Parker illuminates the historical and cultural context of Mr. Talley Beatty's choreography as well as the significant impact on in her course as a professional dancer after discovering his ballets.
