Inside the Pillow Lab: Music from the Sole

Inside the Pillow Lab is an intimate new film series that captures works in process and behind-the-scenes moments of what it’s like for artists to live, work, and rehearse together again in COVID-compliant residencies on the Pillow’s retreat-like campus. Directed by tap dancer and choreographer Leonardo Sandoval (recently named one of “25 to Watch” in 2021 by Dance Magazine) and composer and multi-instrumentalist Gregory Richardson, Music from the Sole is a ten-member tap dance and live music ensemble. Richardson, who is the co-musical director of Dorrance Dance, and Sandoval, a dancer with the company, incorporate various Afro-diasporic dance and music styles in their creations with Music from the Sole, drawing on traditions from Sandoval’s native Brazil such as passinho (Brazilian funk) and samba as well as house and other social dances. These juxtapositions allow not only for insight into the similarities and common roots of different styles, but also for the development of narratives and questions surrounding race, cultural identity, and the intersectionality of the Black experience. During their Pillow Lab residency, Richardson, Sandoval, and their ensemble continued developing a new work commissioned by Guggenheim Works and Process. The Pillow Lab, the Pillow’s year-round center for research and development, provides artists the crucial space and time in development, research, and technical stages of choreography-driven projects. Music from the Sole RESIDENCY DATES: April 13-23, 2021 Leonardo Sandoval* and Gregory Richardson in collaboration with: José Cruzata Revé Josh Davis Naomi Funaki* Orlando Hernández Noé Kains Roxy King* Gerson Lanza Adriana Ogle* Jalen Saint Phifer* Jennifer Vincent REMOTE PARTICIPANTS: Lucas Santana Gisele Silva Ana Carolina Tomioshi* *Indicates alumnus of The School at Jacob’s PIllow COMPANY MANAGER: Noé Kains MUSIC: “Ogún”, “Block Party”, and “Everybody Loves José” Written and performed by Music from the Sole “7/11” Written by Gregory Richardson and Leonardo Sandoval Performed by Music from the Sole “Cats Band” Written by Gregory Richardson Performed by Music from the Sole “NYC’s Best Kept Secret” Written and performed by Gregory Richardson FILMING: Ellen Maynard with additional footage from company members NEL SHELBY PRODUCTION CREDITS Produced by Nel Shelby Edited by Amber Schmiesing Graphic Design by Benjamin Richards Nina Gershonowitz, Project Manager Special thanks to Dr. Wendy Ziecheck for supporting this residency. Lead support for the 2020-21 Pillow Lab is provided by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. With Additional Support from: Deborah & Charles Adelman Arison Arts Foundation The Barr Foundation Harkness Foundation for Dance Christopher Jones & Deb McAlister Mertz Gilmore Foundation National Endowment for the Arts © 2021 Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Inc.