Jacob’s Pillow Launches New Dance as Social Transformation Program

The School at Jacob’s Pillow will introduce a new summer intensive titled Dance as Social Transformation: Kinetic Visioning, scheduled to run from July 20 to August 2. Designed to explore how movement can reshape societal structures, the program focuses on the lineages of street, club, and social dance. Sabela Grimes and Michele Byrd-McPhee, marking a shift in the institution’s summer curriculum toward process-oriented study rather than performance-based training.

Program Focus and Artistic Direction

Unlike the established intensives at Jacob’s Pillow that cater to contemporary ballet, contemporary dance, and musical theater, the Kinetic Visioning program prioritizes internal exploration.

Integration of Social Dance Lineages

Structure and Educational Goals

The absence of a formal performance component allows students to dedicate their energy to the “process and exploration” of their craft.

Key Details for Attendees

• Program Dates: July 20 – August 2
• Primary Faculty: d. Sabela Grimes and Michele Byrd-McPhee
• Core Disciplines: Street, club, and social dance
• Instructional Format: Process-based exploration; no formal performance