Two KSC dance students, Shawn Ahern and Thomas Sommo, have landed spots in the very prestigious Pilobolus dance company. Sommo, who just finished his sophomore year, has been invited to work with Shadowland, a Pilobolus project that tours abroad but has not premiered in the States yet, and Ahern, who graduated this spring, has signed a three-year contract to be a member of the principal Pilobolus company, touring nationally and internationally.

Some 300 dancers came from around the world and from such schools as NYU, Julliard, and the Boston Conservatory to compete for a coveted spot in Pilobolus. Another KSC student, Angie Hartley, made it to the top 12 finalists. That’s quite a statement about the talent our dance program is producing. Ahern said that when one of Pilobolus’ artistic directors realized that three amazingly talented dancers came from the same small state school in New Hampshire, he remarked, “What’s in the water in Keene?”

If you’re not familiar with Pilobolus, check out their website and their YouTube channel. And this fascinating profile of the company on 60 Minutes.

Watch a video interview with Shawn Ahern right after he landed the Pilobolus contract.

More information.