Joffrey Ballet

Joffrey Ballet
Name	Joffrey Ballet
Founded	0 1956
Founder	Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino
Location	Chicago, Illinois, United States
Venue	Lyric Opera House

Joffrey Ballet. The Joffrey Ballet is a premier American dance company, renowned for its eclectic repertoire that blends classical technique with contemporary innovation. Founded in 1956 by visionary choreographer Robert Joffrey and his associate Gerald Arpino, the company has established itself as a vital cultural institution. Based in Chicago since 1995, it performs a wide range of works from iconic 20th-century masters to cutting-edge new commissions.

History

The company originated in 1956 as a small touring ensemble, initially named the Robert Joffrey Theatre Ballet, with its first official performance at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. Under the artistic direction of Robert Joffrey, it gained national prominence through extensive tours sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and performances at major venues like the White House and the Ed Sullivan Theater. Following Joffrey's death in 1988, co-founder Gerald Arpino assumed leadership, guiding the company through a financially turbulent period that culminated in a pivotal relocation from New York City to Chicago in 1995. This move, facilitated by an invitation from the Mayor's Office and support from The Chicago Community Trust, established the company as the resident ballet company of the Lyric Opera House.

Repertoire and artistic style

The artistic philosophy champions diversity, seamlessly integrating classical ballet with modern and postmodern dance. The repertoire is a living museum of dance, preserving seminal works like those from the Ballets Russes while actively commissioning new pieces. This style is characterized by athleticism, theatricality, and musicality, often set to scores ranging from Igor Stravinsky to Prince. The company has been instrumental in reconstructing lost masterpieces, such as Léonide Massine's *Parade*, and embraces collaborations with contemporary artists across disciplines, solidifying its reputation for bold, accessible programming.

Notable productions

Among its most celebrated productions is the annual presentation of Christopher Wheeldon's version of *The Nutcracker*, set in the Chicago World's Fair of 1893. The company's reconstruction of *Le Sacre du Printemps* to the original 1913 choreography by Vaslav Nijinsky was a landmark achievement. Other signature works include Gerald Arpino's *Light Rain* and *Round of Angels*, Twyla Tharp's *Deuce Coupe* (set to music by The Beach Boys), and Frederick Ashton's *A Wedding Bouquet*. It has also premiered major works by choreographers like Laura Dean, Stanton Welch, and Nicholas Blanc.

Dancers and artistic leadership

The company has been a launchpad for numerous illustrious dancers, including Gary Chryst, Beatriz Rodriguez, and Victoria Jaiani. Following the tenure of Gerald Arpino, artistic leadership passed to Ashley Wheater in 2007, who previously danced with The Royal Ballet and San Francisco Ballet. In 2023, Christine Rocas and Nicholas Blanc were appointed as Associate Artistic Directors. The company's dancers are recognized for their technical versatility and dramatic intensity, often recruited from top training programs like the School of American Ballet and the Royal Ballet School.

School and training programs

The official training institution is The Joffrey Academy of Dance, Official School of the Joffrey Ballet, located in Chicago's Loop neighborhood. Under the leadership of Alexei Kremnev and Anna Reznik, the Academy provides a comprehensive curriculum based on the teachings of Agrippina Vaganova. Its programs include the pre-professional Trainee Program and the Community Engagement programs like the Joffrey Ballet Community Engagement Division. Notable initiatives include the annual Winning Works choreographic competition for emerging artists of color, fostering the next generation of choreographic talent.

Impact and legacy

The company's impact on American dance is profound, having democratized ballet through extensive touring and television appearances on programs like American Bandstand. It is celebrated for preserving pivotal chapters of dance history, notably the works of Twyla Tharp and the Ballets Russes repertoire, which might otherwise have been lost. As a cultural anchor in Chicago, it engages in wide-ranging community outreach and educational partnerships with institutions like Chicago Public Schools. Its legacy is one of artistic fearlessness, bridging the gap between traditional ballet and contemporary culture, and inspiring companies worldwide with its innovative and inclusive model.

Category:Ballet companies in the United States Category:Arts organizations based in Chicago Category:1956 establishments in New York (state)