A mission-driven, access-oriented initiative, Winning Works upholds The Joffrey Ballet’s core values of Joffrey for All, providing opportunities for everyone, regardless of background, to experience, support, and participate in dance.

The goal of the award is to recognize talented, emerging choreographers whose unique perspectives will inspire creativity in the form of original works of dance. Through Winning Works, the Joffrey aims to broaden access for artists who have been historically excluded from the art form and empower those who embody its values to shape the future of dance.

We are thrilled to announce the five winners of the 2026 Winning Works Choreographic Competition: Fran Diaz, Julia Feldman, DaYoung Jung, Daniel Ojeda, and Alexandra Schooling. Each will choreograph an original work created for the Grainger Academy of The Joffrey Ballet Conservatory, Trainees, and Joffrey Studio Company.