Hip Hop Across the Pillow

In 2023, Jacob’s Pillow celebrated the 50th anniversary of hip hop—the dynamic culture and art movement catalyzed in the Bronx in August 1973—with a “festival within the Festival.” The one-of-a-kind program in the Ted Shawn Theatre featured dance artists including Rennie Harris Puremovement American Street Dance Theater, which returned to the Pillow after 13 years. Noted for coining the terms “street dance theater” and “hip hop concert dance,” Harris has been celebrated as a pioneer of hip hop dance theater. The program also featured the world premiere of two works commissioned by Jacob’s Pillow specifically for the Festival: a new duet by hip hop icons Rokafella and Kwikstep, and a work performed by Los Angeles-based multidisciplinary artists d. Sabela Grimes and the Ladies of Hip Hop. Program: Kwikstep and Rokafella: “Thief of Hearts;” choreography: Kwikstep, Rokafella; music: DJ KS360. Ladies of Hip-Hop: “Parable of PassAge;” choreography: d. Sabela grimes, in collaboration with the Ladies of Hip-Hop; music: d. Sabela grimes, Ursula Rucker. Rennie Harris Puremovement: “Nuttin’ But A Word;” choreography: Rennie Harris; music: Darrin Ross. Includes introduction by Ali Rosa-Salas and Post-Show Talk with Kwikstep, Rokafella, Rodney Hill, Reyna Núñez, and d. Sabela grimes moderated by Imani Kai Johnson. This performance was filmed live on August 3 & 4, 2023 in the Ted Shawn Theatre at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. Video by Nel Shelby Productions. Full-length performance films are copyright of Jacob’s Pillow. No part of this video, in whole or in part, may be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, adapted, or otherwise used without prior written authorization from Jacob’s Pillow.