Pilobolus

What Pilobolus does

Pilobolus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dance theater company founded at Dartmouth College in 1971 and headquartered in Washington Depot, Connecticut. The company operates with a small core staff of 11-50 employees, including approximately 12 company dancers plus leadership, teaching artists, and operational personnel. Pilobolus's underlying technology is a body-based creative methodology: collaborative weight-sharing choreography, signature shadow dance techniques, and improvisational creation processes that produce original works, distinguishing its output from conventional choreography derived from predetermined steps.

The company's product portfolio spans three core verticals. First, international performance tours reaching 300,000+ audience members annually across 160+ repertoire works, including Virtuous & Vicious, Flight, Lamentation Variations, Particle Zoo, Walklyndon, and others, anchored by annual residencies at The Joyce Theater (NYC) and presenting engagements at Jacob's Pillow (MA) and venues from Germany to Argentina. Second, a multi-channel educational and community program including Adult Intensives, Kids Camp, Kids Class Series, Pilobolus Continuum (intergenerational), Bounce Back and Connecting with Balance (older-adult mobility/fall prevention), Masterclasses, and tailored school programs (MOVIN', Pilobolus is a Fungus). Third, bespoke corporate commissions (e.g., AT&T business summit, Penn & Teller 50th Anniversary at Radio City Music Hall) and sub-brands such as Pilobolust (adult cabaret, $105/ticket) and Microdose pop-ups.

Pilobolus's revenue model is a hybrid nonprofit structure combining earned revenue (ticket sales, workshop fees, corporate commissions, licensing) with contributed support. The 2025 Annual Ball raised $370,000, and the company maintains multi-year educational partnerships with Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Skidmore College, and Community Access to the Arts. Customer segmentation is mixed: primary segments include theater audiences, K-12 institutions, adult learners and dance enthusiasts, older adults seeking wellness programming, corporate event clients, and inclusive arts organizations. Marketing relies on earned media (NYT, CBS, Broadway World, Dance Magazine), venue partnerships, podcast placements, community events, and direct social media across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.

Name

Pilobolus

Legal name

Pilobolus

Website

https://pilobolus.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1971

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Pilobolus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dance theater company, founded 1971, that creates and tours original choreography, delivers educational and wellness movement programs, and produces bespoke corporate performances, serving theater audiences, K-12 schools, older adults, and corporate event clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performing Arts

NAICS

Dance Companies (711120), Other Performing Arts Companies (71119), Sports and Recreation Instruction (611620)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Dance Performances (THAJAFAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Performing Arts Camps (Theater, Musical Theater, Dance) (EDAMALAI), Kids & Family Learning Workshops (Family Crafts, Junior Maker Classes) (THAJAKAO), Fringe & Experimental Performing Arts (MPAGABAI)

Keywords

• Contemporary dance performances
• Dance theater tours
• Movement education programs
• Choreographic residency workshops
• Corporate performance commissions

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington Depot

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Performance Revenue: Ticket sales from touring performances at theaters and venues worldwide. The company performs internationally for 300,000+ people each year.
2. Donations and Fundraising: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 03-0230490), Pilobolus relies heavily on contributed support including annual balls, paddle raises, and direct donations to sustain touring, teaching, creation, and outreach efforts.
3. Educational Programs: Revenue from adult intensives, summer workshops, kids camps, and educational residencies at schools and community organizations
4. Bespoke/Corporate Projects: Custom performances, digital content, movement experiments, and live events created for corporate partners and special projects

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Pilobolus is a nonprofit dance theater company that creates, produces, and tours collaborative choreography through live theatrical performances at venues worldwide. The company also delivers movement-based educational programs (adult workshops, kids camps, intergenerational and senior balance classes) and develops bespoke performance content for corporate clients, festivals, and special events. Revenue is supplemented by donations, grants, and annual fundraising events supporting the company's touring, teaching, creation, and outreach activities.

Product overview

Pilobolus is a nonprofit dance theater company offering a diverse portfolio of products and services centered on live performance, education, and community engagement. Core offerings include international performance tours featuring choreographed dance works (such as Flight, Lamentation Variations, Particle Zoo, Untitled, Virtuous & Vicious, and others in their repertoire), and comprehensive educational programs including Adult Intensive Workshops, Kids Camp, Kids Class Series, Pilobolus Continuum, Bounce Back, Connecting with Balance, and Masterclasses. The company also produces special events and bespoke performances including Pilobolust (adult cabaret), Flight School (children's interactive show), Microdose with Pilobolus (immersive events), and Bloom: A Journey (driving car safari). Additionally, Pilobolus creates custom corporate performances and collaborates with organizations on creative projects. The portfolio spans from traditional stage performances to innovative participatory experiences, serving audiences ranging from young children to seniors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Performance Tours Live dance theater performances presented internationally, featuring Pilobolus's active repertoire of choreographed works across major venues and festivals worldwide.
• Adult Intensive Workshops Weeklong intensive programs for adult movers, focusing on creativity, collaboration, improvisation, and Pilobolus's signature weight-sharing movement techniques.
• Kids Camp Summer camp for children ages 6-12 teaching collaborative dance-making, improvisation, and creative play through Pilobolus's signature movement-based learning methods.
• Kids Class Series Movement classes for children ages 7-11 using movement games and creative prompts to explore collaboration, physical literacy, and social-emotional learning.
• Pilobolus Continuum Intergenerational movement class for ages 13+ where participants explore their unique artistic voice while collaborating to create original material; no dance training required.
• Bounce Back Balance-focused movement class designed for older adults to build confidence, balance, and mobility through gentle movement and fall-prevention exercises.
• Connecting with Balance Virtual and in-person balance and mobility courses designed specifically for older adults, with modifications for every ability level to improve balance and prevent fall risk.
• Masterclasses Professional development workshops for educators and performers led by Pilobolus teaching artists, including Pilobolus Pedagogy and Connecting with Balance Teacher Training Certification.
• MOVIN' In-school movement education program bringing creative dance and movement experiences to students in Litchfield County, CT schools.
• Pilobolus is a Fungus Interactive educational performance show for young audiences that uses nature and dance to encourage movement, creativity, and mindfulness; features the classic work Branches.
• Bespoke/Corporate Performances Custom performances, digital content, movement experiments, and live events created for corporate partners, private events, and special projects.
• Pilobolust Adult-only immersive cabaret experience featuring provocative artistry, athletic humor, and inventive physical storytelling with nudity; intended for audiences 21+.
• Other Worlds Collection Touring performance program featuring new and repertory works such as Flight and Lamentation Variations; debuted at The Joyce Theater in NYC.
• re:CREATION Tour Touring program with two distinct programs (Dreams and Memory) drawing from Pilobolus's repertory built over more than 50 years.
• Bloom: A Journey Roving car safari driving adventure through nature offering multiple stages of performance across several disciplines at locations like Sunny Meadow Farm in Litchfield County, CT.
• Flight Dance work inspired by original Pilobolus dancer Lee Harris's passion for flying, exploring human fascination with skies and the desire to soar beyond reality's confines.
• Lamentation Variations Pilobolus's interpretation of Martha Graham's iconic solo Lamentation, created in celebration of GRAHAM100 and the Lamentation Variations Project.
• Virtuous & Vicious Quartet exploring fragile feedback loops that shape human relationships and inner life, with patterns accumulating into virtuous and vicious cycles mirroring human experience.
• love fail Collaboration with Lorelei Ensemble combining Pilobolus choreography with vocal performance; choreography by Renée Jaworski and Matt Kent deepens the piece's narrative complexity.
• Pilobolus Ball Annual signature fundraiser featuring performances, dinner, and dance party supporting artistic and educational initiatives; raised $370,000 in 2025.

Quantifiable outcome

• Reaches 300,000+ audience members annually through international performances
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Community Access to the Arts (CATA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025Partnership with CATA's Moving Company, a mixed-ability dance ensemble in Great Barrington, MA serving people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Pilobolus teaching artists conduct weekly movement sessions leading toward celebratory performances scheduled for May 2026.
• Skidmore College Dance DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 March 2025Co-developed pilot workshop as part of SPAC partnership, bringing together older adults and college dance students to explore creative problem-solving, experimentation, and teamwork through movement led by Pilobolus teaching artists.
• Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 March 2025Multi-year educational partnership where SPAC serves as the first national partner and incubation site for Pilobolus's nationwide education program. Launched with an intergenerational pilot workshop at Skidmore College bringing older adults and college dance students together. The Joyce Theater has also committed to join development of the program in future years.
• Dartmouth College - Hopkins Center for the ArtscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPilobolus was founded at Dartmouth College in 1971 and returned to celebrate the grand opening of the newly designed Hopkins Center for Performing Arts. Activities included masterclasses, site-specific performances, and collaboration with Dartmouth Dance Ensemble.
• Jacob's PillowcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHistoric venue in Becket, MA that hosts Pilobolus's Winter and Summer Intensive Workshops for adults. Pilobolus held its first Winter Intensive Workshop there in January 2026 with 28 participants.
• The Joyce TheatercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor NYC venue hosting annual 3-week summer residencies (2024, 2025, 2026). Committed to joining Pilobolus's nationwide education program development in future years.
• Lorelei EnsembleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on 'love fail' combining Pilobolus choreography with Lorelei Ensemble's vocal performance. Debuted at Denison University's Vail Series in February 2025.
• OK GominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMusic video collaboration for 'All is Not Lost' which received Grammy nomination.
• Penn & TellerminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOpened Penn & Teller's 50th Anniversary Show at Radio City Music Hall, reflecting a continuing creative relationship.
• AT&TminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOpened AT&T's inaugural business and technology summit in Dallas with commissioned shadow piece about business transformation in the digital age.
• farm.oneminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosted immersive 'Microdose with Pilobolus' event at farm.one brewery/taproom in Brooklyn, NY - alternative participatory experience.
• Fairfield University's Quick Center for the ArtsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered for Family Day bringing interactive educational show 'Pilobolus is a Fungus' to young audiences from Bridgeport, Fairfield, and Norwalk schools.
• Brookfield Craft CenterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFour photographs of 'Particle Zoo' displayed at Brookfield Craft Center in Connecticut as part of 'Say It Loud!' exhibition through August 2025.
• RadioLabminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Radiolab Live: In the Dark and World Science Festival events.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Cirque du Soleil: Global entertainment company producing acrobatic/dance-theater shows at scale; relevant as the broader incumbent in physical/dance theater against which Pilobolus benchmarks its visual storytelling IP.
• STOMP: Long-running percussive dance/theater production with extended commercial touring and broad audience appeal — comparable as a touring, brand-anchored physical-theater operation though commercially structured.

Direct peers

• MOMIX: Connecticut-based dance company founded by a former Pilobolus dancer (Moses Pendleton) producing visually inventive touring performances in the same artistic tradition — close stylistic and geographic peer.
• Batsheva Dance Company: Internationally renowned contemporary dance company with a distinctive movement methodology (Gaga) and touring repertory — comparable as a brand-led, method-driven dance organization.
• Martha Graham Dance Company: Historic American modern dance company with a 20th-century repertory. Pilobolus has directly collaborated on 'Lamentation Variations' for the GRAHAM100 project, making it a tight creative peer.
• Trisha Brown Dance Company: Postmodern American dance company preserving and touring an inherited repertory — analogous to Pilobolus's 160-work catalog and educational licensing work.
• Paul Taylor Dance Company: Major American modern dance company with a large touring repertoire and educational outreach — comparable in mission, scale, and nonprofit fundraising structure.
• Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater: Iconic American modern dance company with a multi-city touring model, extensive K-12 and community education programs (Ailey Extension), and major donor fundraising apparatus — directly comparable in mission and operating model.
• Mark Morris Dance Group: Major U.S. modern dance company producing touring performances and broad educational programming — direct comparator in scale, repertory, and mixed performance/education revenue model.

Others

• Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival: Historic dance presenter that hosts Pilobolus's Winter and Summer Intensive Workshops — adjacent ecosystem peer that defines the competitive venue/training landscape for Pilobolus's adult education arm.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Pilobolus
• Facebookfacebook.com/PilobolusDance
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/pilobolus-dance-theatre

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Pilobolus