Paws Up If You Want To Dance At Jacob’s Pillow
By Lisa Green
Despite the fact that I took ballet, tap and jazz dance lessons from age toddler (solo performance at age two, thank you very much) through post-college years, I’d be too self conscious now to take one of Jacob’s Pillow’s community dance classes. But with my four-legged sidekick as my dance partner, I’d be more inclined to take part.
So I was intrigued to hear that, in celebration of National Dog Day on Saturday, Aug. 26, Jacob’s Pillow in Becket, Mass. — which always welcomes canines on its campus — is inviting dogs (along with their people) to the dance. Partnering with the Berkshire Humane Society (BHS), Jacob’s Pillow says it continues to “expand the parameters of who gets to dance.” Why not Buddy, Daisy or Champ?
Hosting the dance-with-your-dog activity is Elizabeth Johnson, the Pillow’s Dance Exchange Artist, whose job is to engage individuals and communities in dance making and creative practices. She’s also an experienced dog dancer and will lead participants and their leashed canines through a series of simple and fun movements: making patterns, practicing gestures, and showing off tricks. After a 45-minute practice session, the performers will demonstrate what they’ve learned. No experience is needed; just be a good pet parent and make sure your dog is comfortable with loud noises and being around other dogs (and they must be leashed at all times).
Canine choreography is just one aspect of the event; a host of vendors (including local pet stores, Tractor Supply Company, Annie Selke Co., Big Y and Price Chopper) will be on site, and prizes will be raffled off. While the event is free, Jacob’s Pillow encourages visitors to make a donation to the BHS or bring items off the Humane Society’s donation wish list.
Whether you have a pawtner or not, this is a day to revel in the delights of dance, dogs and Jacob’s Pillow, and to recognize the fantastic work the Berkshire Humane Society does.
Jacob’s Pillow Dog Dance
Saturday, Aug. 26.
Class begins at 11 a.m.
RSVP here.
(413) 243-9919, Ext. 165
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