Presented by the Joffrey Academy of Dance in association with MCA
“Their youthful zeal accompanies impressive precision and unfaltering technical command of
their material, with forays into real artistry . . . “Winning Works” is a
refreshing program, a win-win for everyone—dancers, choreographers, and
audience alike.”
—See Chicago Dance
The richly rewarding Winning Works, which provides the first viewing
of new directions in ballet, returns to MCA after its grand debut as
part of the spring 2015 season. The Joffrey Academy of Dance, Official
School of the Joffrey Ballet, has built a beloved tradition with this
program that rings in the spring season with moving new works by
choreographers of color, selected through a national competition.
Crowning the diverse array of new ballet pieces, Alexei Kremnev,
Artistic Director of the Academy with Anna Reznik, contributes an
additional new work. The radiant Joffrey Academy Trainees and Joffrey
Studio Company, who come from across the US, Asia, South America,
Australia, and Europe, perform the world premieres of all four pieces
with the affecting style and individuality that also characterize The
Joffrey Ballet. Choreographer winners are announced in fall 2015.
Winning Works was created to recognize emerging minority
choreographers and provide them with a platform to showcase their
original and innovative work. Each of the three selected choreographers
is given a minimum of thirty rehearsal hours to develop a new work with
the Joffrey Academy Trainees and Joffrey Studio Company. Each winning
choreographer also receives a $5,000 stipend, travel and accommodations
in Chicago, and the opportunity to work directly with Joffrey Academy
Artistic Directors, Alexei Kremnev and Anna Reznik.
About the Artists
The Trainee Program of the Joffrey Academy is a rigorous program with an internationally
recognized reputation for excellence. It gives students the skills
needed for careers into the professional world of dance. Graduates from
the Trainee Program have danced with companies around the world,
including The Joffrey Ballet, American Ballet Theater, New York City
Ballet, Dresden Semperoper, and many more.
The Joffrey Studio Company is a scholarship program of the Joffrey Academy. It consists of ten
outstanding students at the cusp of their professional careers. The
individualized training and performance opportunities provided by the
Joffrey Studio Company offer dancers exceptional insight into the life
of a professional dancer and they push dancers to realize their full
artistic and technical potential.
The Joffrey Ballet
celebrates its twenty-first year in Chicago in 2016, and its 60th
company anniversary. Classically trained to the highest standards, The
Joffrey Ballet expresses a unique, inclusive perspective on dance,
proudly reflecting the diversity of America with its company, audiences,
and repertoire, which includes major story ballets, reconstructions of
masterpieces, and contemporary works. The company’s commitment to
accessibility is met through an extensive touring schedule and an
innovative and highly effective education program that includes the
much-lauded Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet. It
also offers community engagement programs and engages in collaborations
with myriad other visual and performing arts organizations. Founded by
visionary teacher Robert Joffrey in 1956 and guided by celebrated
choreographer Gerald Arpino from 1988 until 2007, The Joffrey Ballet
continues to thrive under internationally renowned Artistic Director
Ashley Wheater and Executive Director Greg Cameron.
Funding
Generous support for MCA Dance is provided by David Herro and Jay Franke.
