The Joffrey Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet, is thrilled to announce the recipients of the ninth annual Winning Works Choreographic Competition: Tommie-Waheed Evans, Marissa Osato, Xiang Xu and Edgar Zendejas.

 

This announcement follows a national call for ALAANA (African, Latinx, Asian, Arab and Native American) artists to submit applications, which began in June. The choreographers’ world premiere works will be showcased on the members of the Joffrey Studio Company and the Joffrey Academy Trainee Program at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago’s Edlis Neeson Theater this March.

 

The Winning Works Choreographic Competition was created to recognize talented and emerging ALAANA choreographers and to provide them with a platform to showcase their original and innovative work. The winning choreographers are awarded a $5,000 stipend and are given the opportunity to seek guidance from The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director of The Joffrey Ballet, Ashley Wheater, and Head of Studio Company and Trainee Program Raymond Rodriguez.

 

 “This year’s applicants surpassed our expectations, opening our eyes to the future of Winning Works and the development of emerging choreographers,” said Wheater. “Enthusiasm for this competition is growing and that is exciting for everyone, especially the artists who participate each season.” 

 

“In addition to receiving a record number of applications, the range of talent and innovation was some of the strongest we’ve seen over the last nine years,” added Rodriguez. “It is a wonderful indication of where we are and where we hope to be as we approach our tenth anniversary of Winning Works in 2020.”