A diverse tapestry of people gathered at the Pritzker Pavilion at Millenium Park on Father’s Day, June 16. Families with children perched on lawn chairs beside elderly couples with picnic lunches, their faces lit with anticipation. United by their shared love for movement and music, they gathered to watch the Joffrey Ballet Chicago (JBC) and its affiliates, Joffrey Academy and Joffrey Community Engagement program, in a free outdoor performance.
The evening opened with a preview of the 2024-2025 season opener “Atonement”. Company artists performed “Heimat” choreographed by Cathy Marston, set to the music of Richard Wagner. The work portrays a family of five, illustrating the resilience and unity in facing parents’ challenges as their children grow up. Each dancer seamlessly complemented the other to create a harmonious tableau of love and support, and the choreography embodied both the striking imagery of classical ballet and the seamless fluidity of contemporary dance.
Graceful movements intertwine to narrate the intricate bonds and emotions shared within the familial unit. A poignant pas de deux between parent and child expresses the tender moments of guidance and nurturing; a grand allegro symbolizes the exuberant joy of siblings playing together, their movements echoing laughter. Embodying the strength and bond that only a family can share, the piece left the audience with a profound sense of warmth and connection.
After a brief video celebrating the artistic work of company artist Victoria Jaiani, audiences watched the world premiere of “Andante,” a pas de trois choreographed by Yuri Possokhov featuring Jaiani. While the men were strong and graceful, all eyes in the pavilion were fixated on her. On stage, she commands attention effortlessly with an innate magnetism, every movement imbued with grace and precision.
While each arabesque and pirouette was executed with a mesmerizing facility, it is not just her technical prowess that sets her apart. Her presence fills the stage and reaches beyond the pavilion seating, leaving an indelible impression, a testament to the power of artistry and the profound impact of a truly gifted performer.
“Benteveo (Saudade),” with Stefan Gonçalvez; Photo by Katie Miller.
With nothing but a simple chair, soloist Stefan Gonçalvez takes the stage performing “Benteveo (Saudade)” choreographed by Manoela Gonçalves. Saudade is an emotional state characterized by melancholic or deeply nostalgic longing for someone or something beloved but absent. It carries with it the bittersweet realization that the object of longing may never be reencountered.
Gonçalvez encapsulates the feelings of saudade, his body fluidly intertwining with the chair in a seamless dialogue. Graceful extensions and controlled balances reflect moments of soul-searching, while dynamic leaps around the chair and quick gestural movements of his arms convey bursts of passion and intensity. Capturing the universal experience of yearning through a canvas of expression painted with raw emotion, Gonçalvez invites viewers to immerse themselves in the complexity of saudade, leaving them moved by the beauty and poignancy of his interpretation.
Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE steps out from the wings to announce that Joffrey company artist Christine Rocas will be performing her last dance with the JBC in the next act, “Carousel (A Dance)”, retiring after twenty illustrious years at the Joffrey.
“Jump Little Robot,” with Joffrey Community Engagement Students & Alumni; Photo by Katie Miller
In this excerpt from Christopher Wheeldon’s original ballet, both Rocas and her partner Dylan Gutierrez mesmerizes the audience with a classic love story. As the melodies of Rogers’ & Hammerstein’s 1945 musical “Carousel” swells, the dancer’s movements echo the tender highs and heartbreaking lows of a relationship unfolding. Through intricate lifts and tender embraces, they convey moments of joy and tenderness, while flirtatious advances and retreats by Rocas entice Guiterrez to pursue her. The dancers embody the raw vulnerability and deep yearning inherent in the music, leaving the audience spellbound by the beauty and emotional depth of their performance.
“The Times Are Racing,” was a raucous ending to an evening of balletic works. Executed in sneakers to Dan Deacon’s electronic score and choreographed by Justin Peck, the work harnesses the ensemble’s collective energy, seamlessly integrating classical and contemporary ballet, jazz, swing, and even tap. The work stands as a testament to Peck’s ability to infuse traditional ballet with contemporary relevance, and showcases JBC’s abundance of diverse skill amongst its ensemble.
Sprinkled through the evening were two featured performances by the Joffrey Academy of Dance Students, performed “Défilé”, and the Joffrey Community Engagement Students performed “Jump Little Robot.” Both dances demonstrated Joffrey Ballet Chicago’s pursuit of cultivating artistic excellence in the Chicago community through its youth. While “Défilé” presented a classical ballet featuring dancers of varied ages and levels, “Jump Little Robot” showcased the diversity in the young dancers' training through its modern and contemporary dance elements.
The audience reflected a spectrum of cultures and ages, each person bringing their unique energy and enthusiasm to the event. Diversity intertwines with unity under the summer Chicago sky as the Joffrey Ballet Chicago performance creates a joyful mosaic of humanity that celebrates the universal language of dance. It was truly a dance performance for all of Chicago to enjoy.
