NME Afterprint: Pilobolus: 50 Years of Movement, Innovation, and Unforgettable Storytelling

Shot from the duet Bloodlines at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, AR. Photo Credit ® Jason Hudson.

For more than five decades, Pilobolus has redefined what dance can be - blending athleticism, illusion, and collaboration into performances that are as visually stunning as they are emotionally engaging. As the company returns to Popejoy Hall on April 11, audiences in Albuquerque have another opportunity to experience a company that has not only endured, but evolved. The upcoming show, Other Worlds Collection, is a captivating exploration of the spaces we inhabit – within ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us. The performance will show that Pilobolus is still as fresh and innovative as when it first began.

Founding member Lee Harris shared that the origins of Pilobolus are as unconventional as the performances themselves. Founded in the early 1970s at Dartmouth College, the company emerged from a dance class led by Alison Chase. At the time, college was predominantly male, and traditional dance classes didn't resonate with the student body. Instead of sticking with the status quo, Chase encouraged experimentation and collaboration. A decision that would ultimately shape the DNA of Pilobolus. "Alison realized pretty quickly she wasn't going to teach a bunch of Dartmouth jocks to point their toes," recalled Harris. "So she focused on choreography and having the people in the class actually make dances."

What followed was a creative spark that ignited quickly. Within a year, Pilobolus was already making waves far beyond campus. After early performances in coffeehouses and dorm rooms, the group gained unexpected momentum, including an opportunity to open for a legendary artist. "Yes, we opened for Frank Zappa," Harris said with a laugh. "It caught some eyes."

Pilobolus performing Other Worlds Collection on April 11 at Popejoy Hall. Photo Credit ® Jason Hudson.

That attention led to critical acclaim in New York, international touring, and even a Best Dance award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival — all within the company's first year! "Murray Lewis told us, 'In five years, you might be touring Europe,'" Harris recalled. "It was less than a year." That rapid rise speaks to something deeper than timing. Pilobolus embraces a creative philosophy that set them apart. One rooted in collaboration, rather than hierarchy. "The choreography is never the work of just a single person," Harris explained. "It's a core idea, and then the dancers are always brought into it. They're part of the process."

He likens it to a group of artists painting on the same canvas. "Everybody has their own color," he said. "But your paint doesn't go there unless you can convince everyone it fits. Otherwise, you just get brown." This collaboration ensures that every piece is cohesive, intentional, and visually compelling. For Pilobolus, visual storytelling is essential. "Dance is a visual thing. It must be visually interesting," Harris said. "What's important is that the people watching it are actually entertained." That commitment to the audience is one of the reasons Pilobolus has remained relevant for more than 50 years. A rare achievement in the performing arts world. "It's extraordinary," Harris noted. "There are very few arts organizations that last that long. It's a credit to the power and coherence of the original ideas."

Today, the company continues to push creative boundaries while staying true to its roots. Under the leadership of Executive/Co-Artistic Director Renée Jaworski and Artistic Director Matt Kent, both of whom rose through the company's ranks, Pilobolus maintains its signature style while embracing new ideas and technologies. Their performances are known for combining strength, balance, and illusion. Often creating images that seem almost impossible. One standout example is the piece Flight, where a dancer appears to move effortlessly through space. "It looks borderline effortless and secure," Harris said. "But to start with, it was totally different. It's a process of constantly pushing. Not just the physicality, but the ideas." The process requires dancers who are not only physically strong but also adaptable collaborators. "You need to be really fit," Harris said. "But just as important is that the people work together. Chemistry really has to work."

Pilobolus performing Sweet Purgatory. Photo Credit ® Grant Halverson.

Beyond the stage, Pilobolus has expanded its impact through education and outreach. The company offers workshops, classes, and community programs designed to inspire creativity and connection. These initiatives reflect a broader mission: to make movement accessible and meaningful for people of all backgrounds. "It's not just the group you see on stage," Harris said. "They do classes and workshops… a lot is going on." This commitment to giving back ensures that Pilobolus is not only performing for audiences but also investing in the next generation of artists and thinkers.

For those attending the upcoming performance at Popejoy Hall on April 11, Harris promises an experience that is both energizing and unforgettable. "A lot of interesting visuals, a lot of physicality, a lot of energy," he said. "People usually leave feeling charged up." More importantly, he hopes audiences walk away feeling transported, even if just for a moment. "Hopefully, for an hour and a half, they're not even aware of everything else going on in the world."

That ability to create a sense of escape, wonder, and connection is what has defined Pilobolus for more than half a century. Whether it's your first time seeing the company or your tenth, the experience remains the same: unexpected, imaginative, and deeply engaging. "I would expect people not to be disappointed," Harris added. "If they haven't seen Pilobolus before, they'll be surprised and entertained." In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, that kind of experience is not just valuable - it's essential.

Pilobolus - Other Worlds Collection is performing at Popejoy Hall on April 11. Tickets are available at popejoypresents.com.