Jacob’s Garden

Welcome to Jacob’s Garden, a vibrant new initiative nestled at 358 George Carter Road, Becket, Massachusetts. In collaboration with Adam Weinert and Brett Perry of The Dancing Farmer, LLC, Jacob’s Garden serves as both a working farm and a living archive, embodying a deep connection between dance, history, and sustainability. Inspired by Ted Shawn’s original 1931 “friendship garden,” this 1.5-acre space is a testament to shared cultivation and community engagement.

Jacob’s Garden is more than just a place to grow fruits and vegetables; it is a hub where dancers and audiences come together to explore the rich histories of Jacob’s Pillow and envision a sustainable future. Our early-summer inaugural event featured a powerful Earth offering by Kristen Wyman (Nipmuc) of Eastern Woodland Rematriation and a dynamic performance by Orlando Zane Hunter Jr. and Ricarrdo Valentine of the acclaimed Brother(hood) Dance! These performances highlighted the intersection of Black Liberation and agrarianism, celebrating land ownership and stewardship through dance.

The event also honored Adam Weinert, a 2020 Bessie Award recipient, for his revival work on Ted Shawn's legacy. Alongside Brett Perry, Cynthia Koppe, Brandon Washington, and Ching Ching Wong, Weinert presented "Tillers of the Soil," a historic piece choreographed by Ted Shawn and Ruth St. Denis in 1916, culminating in a joyful line dance with live music.

We invite you to explore the digital program book from this event and delve into the stories and performances that make Jacob’s Garden a unique cultural landmark. By supporting Jacob’s Pillow, you enable the creation, presentation, education, and preservation of dance, fostering community connections through this powerful art form. Consider making a donation today by clicking the button or texting PILLOW to 41444. Join us in celebrating dance, history, and sustainability at Jacob’s Garden—a place where the past and future grow together.