Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival June 20 - Aug 26 in Becket, MA

In a small town in Massachusetts you can find amazing dance performances, challenging dance workshops and an arts community that would rival any large city. Becket, Ma is home to Jacob's Pillow, a yearly dance festival that takes place from June 20 to August 26 this year and features performances as well as workshops, classes and community programs to share dance with dancers of all ages and abilities.

Jacob's Pillow was founded by Ted Shawn and has been running regularly since 1933. The mission of the Pillow is to "support dance creation, presentation, education, and preservation and to engage and deepen public appreciation and support for dance". With events, performances and classes running all summer there is sure to be something for everyone.

This summer the festival features The Paul Taylor Dance Company, the Mark Morris Dance Group, and the Bebe Miller Dance Company among others. All are big names in the world of modern dance. Most shows feature a before or after talk with the artists where you can learn more about them, ask questions and hear about the life of a professional dancer.

Families and children are always welcome at the pillow. Community days are scheduled during the summer so that kids can try out free classes, try out some dance moves, watch outdoor performances and take home some free give-a-ways.

Visiting and performing artists work with dance students that are studying at the Pillow but they also offer master classes open to the public on Sundays. At a very affordable $14 per person you can take a class with a professional dancer. There are also morning classes offered each day that you can try out.

If you aren't up for taking a class, the doors to the studios are always open and you can peek in and watch the students take class at any time. This is a great way to expose children to the art of dance and show them what a dance class can be like.