The Men Who Danced: The Story of Ted Shawn’s Men Dancers and the Birth of Jacob’s Pillow 1933-1940

The Men Who Danced tells the story of modern-dance pioneer and Jacob’s Pillow founder Ted Shawn, and his mission to create an all-male dance company. Featuring interviews with eight of the original Denishawn Dancers and rarely seen footage of the company performing in the 1930s, Ron Honsa’s documentary provides powerful insight into the early days of Jacob’s Pillow and the determination and strength of character needed to build a world-renowned dance institution.

Screening with:

Lar Lubovitch at Jacob’s Pillow
Lawrence Ott, USA, 1981, DCP, 24m
Made to promote the Lar Lubovitch Company abroad, Lawrence Ott’s “time capsule” documentary—rarely screened in the past 35 years—features footage of signature repertory works including  “Exsultate Jubilate,” “Marimba,” “Beau Danube,” and “Cavalcade,” featuring the dancers Peggy Baker, Rob Besserer, and Doug Varone. The choreographer himself appears in interview segments as well as scenes depicting him at work in the studio.