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Faced with limited access to conventional stages, troupes like Contra-Tiempo are taking advantage of striking outdoor spaces at Jacob's Pillow this summer.
In 1931, modern dance pioneer Ted Shawn purchased a farm in an isolated location in Western Massachusetts, as a retreat for his company. And over the years, Jacob's Pillow grew into one of the most important incubators of contemporary dance, not just for America, but for the world.
"This festival has never been canceled ever in its history," says director Pamela Tatge, "not even in World War II."
But the pandemic forced the festival to go virtual last summer – new dances were created for streaming and the pre-professional school was held on Zoom. "The silver lining of this time has been accessibility, access to Jacob's Pillow," Tatge says. "So many people know us, know where we are, will never be able to get here, but were able to reach us online."