(BECKET, Mass.) – Wendy Whelan, and principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, and the Dance Theatre of Harlem are among those who will perform at the season-opening gala at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, ushering in the Pillow’s 81^st season, on Saturday, June 15 at 5:30pm.

A cocktail reception will kick off the event, along with an exclusive exhibit preview of two new exhibits: Shooting Stars – a series of behind-the-curtain photographs by dancers Wendy Whelan, Miguel Anaya, Amber Star Merkens, and others; and Dancers Among Us, Jordan Matter’s celebration of dancers in everyday places.

The gala performance in the historic Ted Shawn Theatre will feature a variety of extraordinary artists and choreographers, and includes a world premiere by Helen Pickett, resident choreographer for the Atlanta Ballet, performed by the Ballet Program dancers of The School at Jacob’s Pillow. Dancers from the Dance Theatre of Harlem will present the iconic Black Swan pas de deux. In addition to Whelan, tap dance powerhouse Michelle Dorrance will round out the program with a performance featuring special musical guest and American Idol contestant Aaron Marcellus. The prestigious 2013 Jacob’s Pillow Dance Award will be presented to Dorrance at the event by Jacob’s Pillow executive and artistic director Ella Baff.

The gala performance will be followed by a three course dinner by The Old Inn and Moore (a new catering collaborative between Peter Platt of The Old Inn On the Green and Megan Moore of Moore Fine Foods); a silent and live auction with two of the gala co-chairs Chris Jones and Mark Leavitt; and dancing to the Colbys with Bev Rohlehr and DJ BFG.

Silent auction bidding has already commenced online at auction.jacobspillow.org.  Auction items include reproduction prints of iconic photos housed in the Pillow Archives; a special dinner with Jacob’s Pillow Dance Award Winner, Michelle Dorrance; and other one-of-a-kind experiences tailor-made for dance aficionados.

All proceeds benefit the non-profit programs of Jacob’s Pillow, a National Historic Landmark and National Medal of Arts recipient.

For more information on tables or tickets contact 413.243.9919 x125 or visit Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival