Some people may fall asleep at night restlessly, overthinking a stressful decision. Others may use melatonin supplements, allowing little-to-no thoughts and leading to quick, heavy eyes.
That is not the case for Jaka Pearl Porter. Ever since the ripe age of 20, when Porter’s head hits the pillow, their choreographic mind ran wild, they said. Porter’s days spent as a choreographer follow them deep into the night. While lying awake, Porter questions “what is dance,” “who is a dancer,” and “how can dancing be experienced?”
These thought-provoking prompts are investigated through Porter’s “Pillow Project,” which is named after the contemplations only your pillow encounters before bed.
The description
“The Pillow Project” is a project-based dance company founded by Artistic Director Jaka Pearl Porter. Porter holds a BFA in dance from Point Park and is a 20 year-long professor of modern dance and improvision within the Conservatory of Performing Arts.
Apart from their work as a resident faculty member, Porter held artist residencies and created original works for various renowned dance companies. Most notable of these accomplishments are TEDxGrandview and the August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble.
“The Pillow Project” also holds “Second Saturday Jazz” happenings at The Space Upstairs, the creative laboratory where company dancers can experiment with jazz improvisation.
Through “The Pillow Project,” Jaka has also independently organized various performances. This includes “The Long Dream,” which premiered the weekend of September 6–7, at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.
“The Long Dream” featured a cast of 16 dancers. This cast was made up almost entirely of Point Park students and alumni, with the exception of one individual.
Due to a scheduling issue, Porter was unavailable to comment on the rehearsal process.
The performance was highly anticipated by a diverse crowd of people. For all Point Park COPA students, tickets were five dollars off. “The Long Dream,” also signifies the 20th anniversary of “The Pillow Project” company, making it a monumental occasion for many fans. In addition, housing the performance at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center was ideal for Point Park residents, as the theater is located right near the campus in Downtown Pittsburgh.
Choreographed entirely by Porter, “The Long Dream” was separated into three acts. It featured music by Sibelius, Brahms, and Berlizo; all of which produced a harmony in conjunction with the dancers. Moving from the first act into the second, a live on-stage poetry portrayal was performed by Porter, and instrumentally accompanied by PJ Roduta. This inspiring touch was the opening number of the performance. The performance was Porter’s first choreographed piece, originating from their senior choreography project.
The review
As a viewer, “The Long Dream,” was not only a captivating and worthwhile watch, but an experience. The auditorium was filled and buzzing. The booming instrumental music caused goosebumps. The warm lights shone brightly, saturating the costumes worn by performers. Literal pillows traveled across the stage, chased by the effortless glides of individual dancers. They would collide then separate, constantly filling any empty space.
As they moved asymmetrically to one another, the dancers emotionally captured and manipulated the audience. Following the first act, Porter stepped into the spotlight. Their movements worked cohesively with their intense words, paced to a beautiful cadence. The audience watched as Jaka described their path to becoming a choreographer. Succeeding the poetry was a choreographed saga. The dancers bathed in specified lightning choices that highlighted individual limbs. The concept of the piece was left up to the viewer’s interpretation.
“The Long Dream,” performed by the “Pillow Project,” was a special opportunity for many students to attend and celebrate art. Porter has and continues to create a one-of-a-kind environment for dancers and admiring patrons to thrive.
