In 2021, The Joffrey Ballet announced the establishment of new studio space and training facilities at 1920 South Wabash Avenue (formerly the Chicago Dance Academy studios), expanding the Joffrey’s reach to the South Loop and beyond, and marking a major step towards the completion of the organization’s five-year “Joffrey for All” strategic plan.
“A foundational principle of the Joffrey mission that dates back to Robert Joffrey himself is that dance is for everyone,” said Joffrey Board Chair Anne Kaplan. “The Joffrey is focused on the growth and expansion of the Joffrey Academy and Joffrey Community Engagement to make Joffrey education even more accessible. By widening our presence beyond our State Street studios at Joffrey Tower, the Joffrey is making a significant investment in our students, teachers, and community, which is also an investment in the cultural vitality of Chicago and its future arts leaders.”
Chicago Third Ward Alderman Pat Dowell added: “The Joffrey’s expansion to the South Loop is another sign that Chicago’s Third Ward is a destination for lively, energetic culture and community building that encourages a diverse range of people, voices, and vocations. We are overjoyed to welcome Chicago’s iconic Joffrey Ballet to the neighborhood, adding to the many cultural institutions that make this particular part of the city so vibrant.”
The expansion of Joffrey’s presence includes the purchase and re-energizing of the former studios of the Chicago Dance Academy, located at 1920 South Wabash Avenue. The space totals 5,314 square feet, with fully equipped studios with sprung floors, harlequin surfaces, and professional-grade sound equipment. The space—which conforms with all American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements—also includes a reception desk and waiting area, as well as two large locker rooms and break room with an expansive foyer, with nearby access to public parking and Chicago Transit Authority Green and Red Lines stops (within a two-block radius) and several CTA bus routes.
Founded in 2010, the Joffrey Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet, provides students of all ages, levels, and backgrounds with a world-class education, built on a foundation of classical ballet.
The Joffrey Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet, located in Chicago, Illinois, is the only training program owned, operated, and endorsed by The Joffrey Ballet. The Joffrey Academy of Dance is the only school that follows the organizational mission, training syllabi, and artistic vision of The Joffrey Ballet, and is not affiliated with any other dance training or school programs, including the Joffrey Ballet School in New York.
Based in the heart of Chicago’s theater district, the 20,000 square foot Exelon Education Center at Joffrey Tower, home to the Academy, boasts four state-of-the-art studios and facilities. In 2021, The Joffrey Ballet acquired two more state-of-the-art studios in the South Loop of Chicago.
Nearby access to public parking and Chicago Transit Authority Green and Red Lines stops (within a two-block radius) and several CTA bus routes.
