Oklahoma State University: The McKnight Center Celebrates Pilobolus Dance Company's 50th Anniversary

Press release from Oklahoma State University:

2022-03-08

The Pilobolus Dance Company will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a tour stopping
at The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts at Oklahoma State University.

Pilobolus secured an iconic place in American culture in the early 1970s and continues
to wow audiences with its irresistible mix of wit, sensuality and stunning physical
acumen. The group will perform at the McKnight Center at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, March
24.

The venerated dance company will also provide a masterclass focusing on the body’s
natural movement. The unique educational opportunity is open to OSU dance and theatre
department students, and provides a chance for them to hone their craft alongside
industry professionals.

“Pilobolus brings a riveting and infectious energy. They inspire newfound creativity,”
said Mark Blakeman, The McKnight Center Marilynn and Carl Thoma executive director.
“The dance company has been around 50 years, and it continues to find innovative ways
to enthrall audiences with performances that are exclusive to the brand. We’re thrilled
to host this caliber of event, and it’s even more exciting that their expertise will
be used to inspire OSU students through an impactful learning opportunity.”

The Pilobolus production showcases vintage and innovative dance elements. For 50 years,
Pilobolus has performed in high-profile events around the world like the Olympic Games
and the Academy Awards. The dance troupe has worked with a half-century of talented
artists and influencers.

“This is one of the shows I am most excited for this season. Physicality and fluidity
will come together for a stunningly graceful show that entertains everyone,” Blakeman
said.

The current Pilobolus troupe is ages 23 to 30, one of the youngest in the group’s
history. Former Pilobolus dancer Renée Jaworski has returned as co-artistic director.
She worked with co-artistic director Matt Kent to add to Pilobolus’ repertoire of
more than 120 works.

“For the Big Five-Oh!, we chose what we believed are the sorts of pieces that made
the company shift in some way, or brought them into something new,” Jaworski said.
“As you can imagine, that has happened quite a few times over 50 years … As companies
change, the pieces grow and look a little different every time somebody new does them.”

Tickets to the Big Five-Oh! performance on March 24 are available online at mcknightcenter.org or by calling (405) 744-9999. Masks are required for this show. The McKnight Center
has enhanced health and safety measures to keep guests, artists and employees safe.
For specifics regarding COVID-19 safety guidelines, please click here.

The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts at Oklahoma State University is a world-class
epicenter for the arts dedicated to attracting celebrated national and international
programs with notable performing arts productions and artists. The McKnight Center
is an expression of OSU's commitment to the arts to inspire and transform lives through
artistic excellence, creative experiences, and impactful learning opportunities. To
learn more, visit mcknightcenter.org. 

This press release was produced by Oklahoma State University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.