2023 2024
THE JOFFREY BALLET
Cover: Joffrey Company Artists Anais Bueno and Hyuma Kiyosawa in Yonder Blue. Photo by Cheryl Mann.
Above: Joffrey ensemble in Midsummer Night’s Dream. Photo by Cheryl Mann.
DEAR FRIENDS,
This season, The Joffrey Ballet invited audiences to journey through some of the most stunning worlds ever created for dance, filled with love, pain, tragedy, and triumph.
We opened with the Chicago premiere of Liam Scarlett’s critically acclaimed Frankenstein, where Company Artists performed to sold-out audiences at the Lyric Opera House, breaking box office records. Next, we explored our shared humanity and the true meaning of the holiday season with Christopher Wheeldon’s The Nutcracker, followed by Studies in Blue, a mixed repertoire program featuring Liam Scarlett’s breathtakingly beautiful Hummingbird, alongside Andrew McNicol’s Yonder Blue and the world premiere of Hungry Ghosts by Stina Quagebeur. We concluded the season by embracing the splendor of Alexander Ekman’s Midsummer Night’s Dream.
The Joffrey’s education programs continued to redefine what it means to bring dance to the community. Community Engagement Director Linda Swayze and her team partnered with 37 schools, and launched new programs, such as Dancing with Parkinson’s, in collaboration with Northwestern Medicine, empowering those of all ages and abilities to experience the joy and freedom of dance. Abbott Academy Director Suzanne Lopez and The Joffrey Academy of Dance celebrated the 14th year of Winning Works, adding a fifth Chicago-based choreographer and three additional performances at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago’s Edlis Neeson Theater. A feature-length documentary by Kartemquin Films will share each choreographer’s journey from rehearsal to world premiere, set to release in 2025.
The 2023–2024 season culminated with our Midsummer Celebration fundraising event, which raised $1.9 million to support Joffrey for All and the return of the free performance in Millennium Park. Once again, we welcomed Chicagoans to the heart of the city to experience performances by all three pillars of the organization. Being surrounded by such collective joy for dance, celebrated by the city that has embraced the Joffrey from the very beginning, filled us with overwhelming gratitude.
In this year’s Impact Report, you’ll see the creative and collaborative spirit of the Joffrey in every performance, program, partnership, and initiative. Thank you to our artistic and production teams, administrative staff, donors, boards, season subscribers, and supporters who make all of this possible.
The best part is that it doesn’t end here. Together, we will continue to break new ground, embrace beautiful storytelling, connect communities, and create meaningful impact —
The future is ours to shape, and it’s brighter than ever.
Sincerely,
Anne L. Kaplan Chair, Joffrey Board of Directors
Ashley
Wheater MBE
The
Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director
Greg Cameron President and CEO
LEADERSHIP
Joffrey ensemble in Frankenstein. Photo by Cheryl Mann.
Board of Directors
OFFICERS
Anne L. Kaplan
Board Chair
Lorna Ferguson
Daniel L. (D.L.) Morriss
Vice Chairs
Courtney C. Shea
Treasurer
Ronald J. Allen
Secretary
Ashley Wheater MBE
The Mary B. Galvin Artistic
Director
Greg Cameron
President and CEO
Shari Massey
Assistant Treasurer
DIRECTORS
Patty Perkins Andringa
Annie Atzeff
Mary Jo Basler
Luann Blowers
Ofelia Casillas
Marc DeMoss
Roger Deromedi
Pamella Roland DeVos
Adam DeWitt
Patti S. Eylar
Shelley MacArthur Farley
Brendan Fernandes
Jamie-Clare Flaherty
Chip Flannagan
Juliana Ford
Ellie Forman
Patrick M. Gallagher, Jr.
Jill Garling
Dana Hokin Garvey
Mark Giragosian
Sabrina Gracias
Linda Chaplik Harris
Sandi Hartstein
Jerrilyn M. Hoffmann
Richard S. Holson III
Lashana Jackson
Greg Jenkins
Jim Kirk
Farissa Knox
Guy Lakonishok
Lynda Sue Lane, MD
Donna M. LaPietra
Michael Larsen
Barry Litwin
Nichelle Hughley Mayberry
Richard McDonald
James D. McDonough
Coco Meers
Jess Merten
Susan B. Noyes
Susan G. Oleari
Diane Patience
Barbara E. Reed
Jeffrey C. Rubenstein
Elva Rubio
Bruce Sagan
Eric C. Schieber, MD
Liz Sharp
Ildefonso Alvim de Abreu e Silva
Chuck Smith
Rita Spitz
MarrGwen Townsend
Amanda Williamson
Joel V. Williamson
Sarah Wills
LIFE DIRECTORS
Grace Barry†
Fred Eychaner
Sonia Florian
Mrs. Robert W. Galvin
Patricia H. Gerber†
Zachary D. Lazar, Jr.
Maureen Dwyer Smith
Pamela B. Strobel
Jason J. Tyler
Ronald V. Waters III
Joseph H. Wender
Mrs. Joel V. Williamson
PAST CHAIRPERSONS
William M. Daley
Fred Eychaner
Gary E. Holdren
Dr. David A. Kipper†
Zachary D. Lazar, Jr.
C. Steven McMillan
Bruce Sagan
Maureen Dwyer Smith
Pamela B. Strobel
Jason J. Tyler
Ronald V. Waters III
† Deceased
As of June 30, 2024
Joffrey Board Directors at the June 2024 Board Meeting. Photo by Carolyn McCabe.
Women’s Board of The Joffrey Ballet 2023–2024 Roster
Ellie Forman
President
Jessica Jecmen
1st Vice President
Johanna Ferguson
Chrissie Walker
2nd Vice Presidents
Heather Martin
Secretary
Jenelle Chalmers
Treasurer
Linda Curtis O’Bannon, MD
Julie Zuckerman
Members-at-Large
MEMBERS
Elisabeth Adams
Julie O’Donnell Allen
Anna Assenmacher
Annie Atzeff
Jackie Avitia-Guzman
Melissa M. Babcock*
Nancy Gottlieb Bauer
Sally K. Bauer
Ms. Carolyn A. Blessing
Paula Borg
Halie Lyn Braden
Jaya Canaan
Rachel M. Cannon
Lauren Chazen
Jillian Cole
Kyoko Crawford
April Daly
Sandra Deromedi
Merritt DeWitt
Ellen Distelheim
Dr. Jill S. Dodds
Beth Engel
Patti S. Eylar
Jennifer Rubin Fabian
Shelley MacArthur Farley
Jamie-Clare Flaherty
Bethany Florek
Anne Forman
Dana Hokin Garvey
Darcy Goldfarb, MD
Elisa D. Harris
Stacie R. Hartman
Sandi Hartstein
Leigh Ann Herman
Dominika Malinowska
Hertsberg
Arica Hilton
Jerrilyn M. Hoffmann
Megan N. Hoffmann
Sherry Lea Holson
Qi Holtzman
Amy Joffe
Marsha Kamen
Anne L. Kaplan
Kathleen Klaeser
Farissa Knox
Laura Kofoid
Mrs. Frederick A. Krehbiel*
Melinda Lagrange
Lynda Sue Lane, M.D.
Kathryn Lattner
Wende Fox Lawson
Anne Lazar*
Dania Leemputte
Kathryn Meneely Leister
Joan Malliband
Sandy Mandel
Elizabeth Marcus, MD
Rachel Martell
Corinne Martindale
Edyta Mazza
Bridgette René McCullough
Monica McGurk
Helen Hall Melchior*
Irene Michaels
Mrs. Julianne Migely
Rosemary Milew
Jennifer Minkow
Susan G. Oleari
Molly Painter
Mary Ellen Pavone, MD
Karen Peters
Molly Piech
Cindy Pinsky
Ibby Pinsky
Nicole Marie Pittmon
Victoria Poindexter
D. Elizabeth Price
Christine Rahill*
Hallie Blanchard Rehwaldt
Emily Rubenstein
Elva Rubio
Camille Kearns Rudy
Dr. Susan Scanlon
Maggie Scheyer
Molly Schirf
Sarah Schrup
Liz Sharp
Courtney C. Shea
Veronica Siegel
Marilyn Slattery
Maureen Dwyer Smith*
Maria Smithburg
Rita Spitz
Liz Stiffel
Stacy Straub
Nancy Sussman
Cheryl Tama Oblander
Lauren D.W. Tatar
Marina D.W. Tatar
Adrienne Traisman
Melissa Trandel
Jennifer Tscherney
Andria van der Merwe
Annabelle Volgman
Bonalynn Wallach
Genevieve Custer Weeks
Magnes Welsh
Susan L. Welsh
Diana Weiss Widman
Elizabeth Wippman
Laurie Wood
Women’s Board of The Joffrey Ballet. Photo by Purple Photo Group.
SUPPORTING AND NON-RESIDENT
Dora Aalbregtse
Melissa Anton
Dr. Emily L. Arch
Mary Jo Basler
Sophie Bross
Marisa Bryce
Joan Colmar
Kelly Dettmann
Pamella Roland DeVos
Deborah Gordon Engle
Sue-Gray Goller
Stephanie M. Grinage
Marjorie E. Habermann
Diana E. Harris
Julie Harron
Martha Higgins
Courtney A. Hoffmann
Sharon King Hoge
Marci Holzer
Candace Collins Jordan
Elizabeth Ann Kasten
Donna M. LaPietra
Leslie Logsdon
Astrid A. McKinnon
Anne Simon Moffat
Shauna Montgomery
Mrs. Jay L. Owen, Jr.
Mrs. John R. Pacholick
Kathleen Sarpy
Anne Shea
Amelia Silva
Carol J. Stone
Kathleen A. Swien
Yolanda Tyler
The Generation J Leadership Council
COUNCIL CO-CHAIRS
Lauren Huefner
Sarah Shu
Noren Ungaretti
Victoria Verity
Carol A. Walter
Ann Waters
Pam Phillips Weston
Joyce M. Wippman
Marcie L. Wright
Leslie Zentner
As of June 2024
*Honorary Member
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Rachel Izydorek
Nikita Meshwani
Peter Wasik
Abigail Wasserman
Sarah Shu, Emily Strobel Amiet and Lauren Huefner. Photo by Purple Photo Group.
2023–2024 Revenue
$12,968,530 TICKET SALES AND TOURING
$12,368,996 CONTRIBUTIONS AND EVENTS
$2,364,142 JOFFREY ACADEMY OF DANCE
$213,008 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
$336,836 OTHER SOURCES OF INCOME
2023–2024 Expenses
$19,321,668 ARTISTIC
$2,782,107 JOFFREY ACADEMY OF DANCE
$847,517 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
$2,841,332 ADVANCEMENT
$2,220,875 ADMINISTRATION AND OCCUPANCY
$28,013,499 TOTAL EXPENSES
Statement of Financial Position
2023–2024 ASSETS
2023–2024 LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
$6,578,353
$22,932,566
$22,916,942
$52,427,861
Joffrey ensemble in The Nutcracker. Photo by Todd Rosenberg.
MIDSUMMER CELEBRATION
President and CEO Greg Cameron, Board Chair Anne Kaplan, and The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE. Photo by Purple Photo Group.
Was It All a Dream?
On Friday, June 14th, 2024, the Joffrey marked the conclusion of a record-breaking season with its largest fundraising event, titled “Midsummer Celebration.”
From the moment guests entered City Hall and Recess, the mysteries of midsummer unraveled, transporting them into a realm of earthly delights. Accompanied by enchanting nymphs and walking fish heads, partygoers danced the night away, reveling in the aura of the summer solstice.
Luckily, celebrating the Joffrey’s incredible season was a beautiful reality. More than 700 guests attended, raising $1.9 million supporting Joffrey for All — made possible by our brilliant Company Artists, artistic, production, and administrative teams, our Board of Directors, Women’s Board, and Generation J Leadership, and the generous support of our Producing Sponsor, Gallagher, Presenting Sponsors, Midsummer Sponsors, and Co-Chairs.
Midsummer Celebration. Photo by Purple Photo Group.
Midsummer Celebration. Photo by Purple Photo Group.
JOFFREY FOR ALL
Photo by Katie Miller.
The JOY Returns
On Sunday, June 16th, 2024, Chicagoans rushed the Great Lawn of Millennium Park for the return of the Joffrey for All free performance. Witnessing the community come together again to experience performances by Community Engagement, the Academy of Dance, and Company Artists exemplified what makes The Joffrey Ballet special. Our mission and commitment to dance not only reflects the collaborative spirit of Chicago but also serves as a powerful reminder of the unifying force of the arts.
MOVEMENT CLASSES WITH COMMUNITY PARTNERS
The free performance was accompanied by movement classes for all ages, offered in collaboration with community partners: Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Ensemble Español, Natya Dance Theater, and Poems While You Wait.
WORLD PREMIERES
The Joffrey presented the world premiere of Yuri Possokhov’s Andante, a pas de trois performed by Company Artists Victoria Jaiani, Xavier Núñez, and Alberto Velazquez, followed by the debut of Benteveo (saudade), a solo work by 2024 Winning Works choreographer Manoela Gonçalves, performed by Company Artist Stefan Gonçalves.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Joffrey Academy of Dance students performed Défilé by Oğulcan Borova, followed by Michael Smith’s Jump Little Robot, a joyful dance that brought together Community Engagement students and alums.
RETURN OF AN AUDIENCE FAVORITE
The program concluded with an audience favorite: Justin Peck’s The Times Are Racing.
Joffrey Academy of Dance in Défilé.
Christine Rocas and Dylan Gutierrez in Carousel: A Dance.
Joffrey ensemble in The Times Are Racing.
All photos by Katie Miller.
JOFFREY FOR ALL
With Gratitude
Joffrey’s annual fundraising events amplify Joffrey for All, making the joy of dance accessible to everyone. Our free performance is an extension of this mission, made possible though the generous support of our Producing Sponsor, Gallagher.
Gallagher, a global leader in insurance, risk management, and consulting services, mirrors the Joffrey’s dedication to our community. With a shared commitment to excellence, integrity, and resilience, we strive for greatness and work to keep Chicago strong and vibrant.
The Joffrey extends our gratitude to Gallagher for their support igniting Joffrey joy in the heart of our city.
Jennifer Gallagher and Patrick M. Gallagher Jr. Photo by Purple Photo Group.
Gallagher volunteers at the Joffrey for All free performance.
Joffrey Company Artists Xavier Núñez, Victoria Jaiani, and Alberto Velazquez in Andante. Photo by Katie Miller.
Joffrey for All free performance in Millennium Park. Photo by Katie Miller.
Photo by Katie Miller.
ARTISTS
THOSE WHO REVIVE US
Joffrey Company Artist José Pablo Castro Cuevas in Frankenstein. Photo by Cheryl Mann.
Joffrey Company Artist Roster
Aaron Renteria Corona, CA
Julia Rust Noblesville, IN
Anabelle de la Nuez Cincinnati, OH
Jonathan Dole* Sacramento, California
Derek Drilon* Vancouver, WA
Fernando Duarte* Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Olivia Duryea* Haslett, MI
Victoria Jaiani Tbilisi, Rep. of Georgia
Yumi Kanazawa Los Angeles, CA
Blake Kessler Jacksonville, FL
Gayeon Jung Seoul, Korea
Hansol Jeong Namyangju, South Korea
Lindy Mesmer Blacksburg, VA
Graham Maverick San Francisco, CA
Jackson Miles Denver, CO
Jeraldine Mendoza San Francisco, CA
Valentino Moneglia Zamora* Murcia, Spain
Basia Rhoden Fresno, CA
Princess Reid Jacksonville, FL
Christine Rocas Manila, Philippines
Coco Alvarez-Mena Miami, FL
Amanda Assucena* Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Edson Barbosa Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Evan Boersma* Chicago, IL
Anais Bueno Córdoba, Mexico
Ryo Sasaki Osaka, Japan
Photos by Cheryl Mann.
Lucia Connolly Los Angeles, CA
José Pablo Castro Cuevas* Queretaro, Mexico
Dylan Gutierrez Los Angeles, CA
Dara Holmes* Wilmington, NC
Reed Henry Princeton, NJ
Xavier Núñez Caguas, Puerto Rico
Lauren Quinn* Fort Wayne, IN
Paolo Randon Valdagno, Italy
Wictor Hugo Pedroso Uberlandia, Brazil
Davide Oldano* Turin, Italy
Hyuma Kiyosawa Nagano, Japan
Miu Tanaka* Chiba, Japan
Natali Taht Tallinn, Estonia
Alberto Velazquez Havana, Cuba Ao Wang Beijing, China
Valeria Chaykina St. Petersburg, Russia
Stefan Gonçalvez São Paulo, Brazil
Nae Kojima* Gold Coast, Australia
Brooke Linford* Alpine, UT
Zachary Manske St. Paul, MN
2023–2024 SEASON
Joffrey Company Artists Jonathan Dole and José Pablo Castro Cuevas in Frankenstein. Photo by Cheryl Mann.
2023–2024 SEASON
2023–2024 Season
Frankenstein
OCTOBER 12–22, 2023
Choreographer: Liam Scarlett
Music: Lowell Liebermann
The Nutcracker
DECEMBER 2–27, 2023
Choreographer:
©Christopher Wheeldon
Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Studies in Blue
FEBRUARY 15–25, 2024
Yonder Blue
Choreographer: Andrew McNicol
Music: Peter Gregson
Hungry Ghosts
Choreographer: Stina Quagebeur
Music: Jeremy Birchall
Hummingbird
Choreographer: Liam Scarlett
Music: Philip Glass
Midsummer Night’s Dream
APRIL 25–MAY 5, 2024
Choreographer: Alexander Ekman
Music: Mikael Karlsson
The Joffrey’s 68th season shined a light on new perceptions, with transcending narratives that awakened something within all of us — featuring a Chicago debut of a full-length gothic masterpiece, a mixed repertoire program with a world premiere, the return of a Swedish tour de force, and a holiday tradition boldly reimagined for a new generation.
We opened with the Chicago premiere of Liam Scarlett’s Frankenstein, a critically acclaimed, modern vision of Mary Shelley’s 19th-century science fiction novel. Soon after, the Joffrey celebrated the return of Christopher Wheeldon’s enchanting production of The Nutcracker, followed by Studies in Blue, featuring Liam Scarlett’s breathtakingly beautiful Hummingbird, Andrew McNicol’s sophisticated Yonder Blue, and the world premiere of Hungry Ghosts by Stina Quagebeur. The season concluded on a high note with the return of Alexander Ekman’s otherworldly trip into Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Joffrey ensemble in Midsummer Night’s Dream. Photo by Cheryl Mann.
Joffrey ensemble in Hungry Ghosts. Photo by Cheryl Mann.
BEYOND THE LYRIC
Joffrey Company Artists Jeraldine Mendoza and Dylan Gutierrez in Round of Angels. Photo by Todd Rosenberg.
Gerald Arpino Centennial
SEPTEMBER 23–24, 2023
2023 marked the 100th birthday of Gerald Arpino, co-founder of The Joffrey Ballet.
To celebrate the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, the Gerald Arpino Foundation hosted “The Arpino Centennial Celebration,” featuring performances by ballet companies worldwide, with special alum events at Joffrey Tower.
Arpino’s centennial stood as a testament to the Joffrey’s 68-year history, which would not be possible without the support and commitment of every artist, patron, and donor who believed in the Joffrey’s vision.
San Francisco, California
MARCH 15–17, 2024
The company triumphantly returned to Berkeley with three sold-out performances of Yuri Possokhov’s Anna Karenina — a breathtaking display of artistry, athleticism, and storytelling.
Los Angeles, California
JUNE 21–23, 2024
For the first time since 2018, the company traveled to The Music Center for the Los Angeles premiere of Anna Karenina. The Joffrey’s residency, presented as part of Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center, extended beyond the theater, offering Dancing with Parkinson’s workshops in partnership with the Los Angeles County Aging and Disabilities Department.
Sun Valley, Idaho
JUNE 29–30, 2024
For two nights, the Joffrey performed in the mountains of Sun Valley, Idaho. Presented by Ballet Sun Valley, the tour featured a unique repertoire, including Gerald Arpino’s Round of Angels, Nicolas Blanc’s Under the Trees’ Voices, and Justin Peck’s The Times Are Racing.
Former Joffrey Company Artist Kim Sagami. Photo by Purple Photo Group.
Gerald Arpino Centennial. Photo by Purple Photo Group.
Abbott Academy Director Suzanne Lopez at the Gerald Arpino Centennial. Photo by Purple Photo Group.
CHICAGO PARTNERS
Joffrey ensemble in Yonder Blue. Photo by Cheryl Mann.
The Lyric Opera House
2023–2024 marked the Joffrey’s third season as the resident ballet company of the Lyric Opera House. Situated in the downtown Loop, the Lyric provides a perfect home for the Joffrey, exemplifying our commitment to building strong relationships and fostering a collaborative community within Chicago.
Chicago Architecture Biennial
In partnership with the 2023 Chicago Architecture Biennial, the Joffrey installed Jan Tichy’s All of Mankind, on the tower windows. All of Mankind invited citizens and visitors to consider their relationship with the city through historical, civic, and personal lenses. It was the CAB’s most geographically expansive exhibition to date, featuring 14 venues.
Flyover Chicago
The Joffrey partnered with Flyover Chicago, a multi-sensorial attraction at Navy Pier, offering an immersive view of the city’s landmarks. Flyover’s aerial cinematography enabled viewers to soar through the cityscape. This collaboration reinforced the Joffrey as a symbol of Chicago’s cultural landscape, bringing the beauty and dynamism of ballet to audiences in an entirely new way.
Chicago Public Schools
As the largest provider of dance education to Chicago Public Schools, the Joffrey prioritizes equitable access to exceptional dance education. In the 2023–2024 school year, our Community Engagement programs partnered with 37 schools, cultivating excitement and enrichment in the lives of over 1,700 inner-city students.
Jan Tichy, All of Mankind, 2023. Installation view.
STUDENTS AND THE COMMUNITY
THOSE WHO DREAM WITH US
Joffrey Community Engagement students. Photo by Carolyn McCabe.
ACADEMY
Joffrey Academy of Dance students. Photo by Cheryl Mann.
The Joffrey Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet
Fifteen years ago, the Joffrey Academy of Dance was established as a bridge between the company and a school, designed to train top-tier dancers with the potential to join the company. Over time, our mission has evolved into something far greater: a vibrant dance hub for the Chicagoland community, offering classes that welcome everyone, regardless of experience or background. Today, the Academy is dedicated to fostering individual growth, encouraging students of all ages and abilities to unlock their unique potential and achieve their personal aspirations in dance.
This year, the Academy successfully expanded the Spring Program to include the Children’s Program, Adaptive Program, and Community Engagement for the first time. Bridging the gap between emerging and professional artists, we launched the Master Class Series for pre-professional and adult students. Instructed by Joffrey Company Artists, these Master Classes strengthen the connection between the Academy and the company, while allowing students to learn choreography from works like Midsummer Night’s Dream and Frankenstein directly from company members.
We also welcomed a record-breaking 1,600 adult student participants, added a 5th Chicago-based choreographer to the 14th annual Winning Works program, and presented Gerald Arpino’s Kettentanz at the Arpino Centennial, performed by Ballet Trainees and Studio Company members.
From increasing student opportunities, to fostering meaningful connections to dance and nurturing the next generation of artists, the Academy of Dance sets a new standard for excellence.
Academy Spring Program. Photo by Carolyn McCabe.
Joffrey Academy of Dance students. Photo by Carolyn McCabe.
Suzanne Lopez Abbott Academy Director
The Joffrey Academy of Dance
WINNING WORKS
The Joffrey Academy of Dance students in The Return Studies II. Photo by Katie Miller.
14th Annual Winning Works
Winning Works Choreographic Competition propels emerging artists forward.
In its 14th year, the Joffrey Academy of Dance presented Winning Works at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago’s Edlis Neeson Theater, expanding the program to include a fifth Chicago-based choreographer and three additional performances.
Following the Joffrey Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet’s national call for ALAANA (African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, and Native American) artists, the 2024 winners — Jainil Mehta, Martha Nichols, Manoela Gonçalves, Houston Thomas, and Chicago-based winner Xavier Núñez (Recipient of the Zach Lazar Winning Works Fellowship) — each choreographed an original work for the Joffrey Academy Trainees, Conservatory, and the Joffrey Studio Company.
Academy students gained the opportunity of a lifetime to collaborate with this diverse cohort of artists, each with varying academic and professional backgrounds. Jainil, Martha, Manoela, Houston, and Xavier brought their distinct styles and artistry into the studio, resulting in enthusiastic audiences, rave reviews, and eight nearly sold-out performances.
Houston Thomas with Joffrey Academy of Dance Students. Photo by Carolyn McCabe.
WINNING WORKS
The Winning Works Documentary
Award-winning, social justice-focused production company Kartemquin Films captures five ALAANA choreographers on their journeys from rehearsals to world premieres.
As part of the 2024 Winning Works Choreographic Competition, the Joffrey produced a feature-length film with Kartemquin Films, documenting the journeys of 2024 winners Jainil Mehta, Martha Nichols, Manoela Gonçalves, Houston Thomas, and Xavier Núñez.
Filmed by alums of Kartemquin’s Diverse Voices in Docs Fellowship program — Cam Be, Ashley O’Shay, Cai Thomas, and Shuling Yong — The Winning Works Documentary tells the artists’ stories through a series of interviews, verité footage, and archival photography. Scheduled for release in 2025, the film captures the rise of emerging talent and challenges the perception that classical ballet is only accessible to a specific social stratum.
The Winning Works Documentary is made possible by the generous support of Greg Cameron and Greg Thompson, Sonja and Conrad Fischer, The Joyce Foundation, The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust, The Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation, Rita Spitz, and Judy Wise.
Kartemquin Films at Joffrey Tower. Photo by Carolyn McCabe.
Kartemquin Films at Joffrey Tower. Photo by Carolyn McCabe.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Joffrey Community Engagement students at Sundays on State. Photo by Carolyn McCabe.
Change-Makers in Dance
Joffrey’s Community Engagement programs redefine how we bring dance to the community. This year, the Joffrey brought inclusive and exceptional arts learning deep into Chicago’s neighborhoods, partnering with 37 schools to reach over 1,700 students through more than 2,200 hours of in-school programming. New initiatives like Dancing with Parkinson’s welcomed over 100 participants in its debut season, and the Nutcracker Student Matinee returned for the first time with a live orchestra, enriching the experience for over 5,600 students, chaperones, and teachers.
From the free performance in Millennium Park and free classes at the inaugural South Loop Open House, to supplying scholarships and supporting students’ journeys through the Community Engagement, Academy, and Company pipeline — the Joffrey’s mission is clear: to break down barriers, build connections, and ensure that dance is accessible to all.
IN SCHOOLS
37 partner schools
1,700 students
85 programs
2,250 hours of in-school programming
23 returning schools
6 returning schools from previous years
8 new school partnerships
141 in-school performances
IN TOWER PROGRAMS
23 Exelon Strobel dancers
28 Extensions students
35 Searle Bridge Phase II students
10 community performances
NEW PROGRAMS
Dancing with Parkinson’s in its inaugural year welcomed 102 participants
Swayze Director of Community Engagement
Chanel DaSilva leads an Exelon Strobel student workshop. Photo by Carolyn McCabe.
Joffrey Community Engagement students at Sundays on State. Photo by Carolyn McCabe.
Linda
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
NUTCRACKER STUDENT MATINEE
The return of the student matinee at the Lyric Opera House: Addition of live orchestra accompanying both performances
5,631 students and teachers attended
3,707 estimated students who watched the virtual offering
EMBRACING OUR COMMUNITY WITH EVERY STEP
Below are additional Community Engagement highlights:
Exelon Strobel dancers returned to Millennium Park for the Joffrey for All free performance, dancing alongside Strobel alums.
In partnership with the Joffrey Academy of Dance, we welcomed community members to the Joffrey South Loop Studios for the inaugural Open House event, offering a day of free classes for all ages.
Linda Curtis O’Bannon, MD, Nancy Sussman, and Magnes Welsh of the Joffrey Women’s Board Community Engagement Committee designed a library of dance-related books for Joffrey Teaching Artists to use in the classroom of our in-school programs, bringing a critical literacy component to the curricula.
Expanded our Dancing with Parkinson’s offerings to the West Coast, partnering with the Los Angeles Music Center to teach classes as part of their aging and disability services.
Witnessed previous Searle Bridge Program students join the cast of the company’s Nutcracker.
The Searle Bridge Program is sponsored by the Searle Consultants’ Account at The Chicago Community Trust
Chicago Public Schools students at the Nutcracker Student Matinee. Photo by Carolyn McCabe.
Dancing with Parkinson’s
In partnership with Northwestern Medicine, the Joffrey launched Dancing with Parkinson’s, a tuition-free program designed for people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers, friends, and family members, ensuring that everyone can experience the joy and freedom of dance, regardless of age, status, or ability.
Dancing with Parkinson’s offers a supportive environment for exploring various styles of ballet, jazz, modern, tap, and improvisation. Instructors guide participants in connecting mind and movement, inviting expression and exploration where it may not have been before. The program’s launch received national press attention. In the summer of 2024, Program Coordinator Carly Liegel traveled to Los Angeles in conjunction with the Joffrey’s tour of Anna Karenina at The Music Center, to bring Dancing with Parkinson’s classes across the city.
Photos by Carolyn McCabe.
LOYAL FRIENDS AND DONORS
THOSE WHO SUSTAIN US
Joffrey ensemble in Midsummer Night’s Dream. Photo by Cheryl Mann.
THANK YOU
Joffrey Company Artists Victoria Jaiani and Dylan Gutierrez in Hummingbird. Photo by Cheryl Mann.
Donors
The Joffrey Ballet is grateful to our donors for their generous support, which ensures high-quality and engaging experiences for a variety of audiences. The following is a list of donors who made gifts and pledges in support of the Joffrey’s 2023–2024 season’s projects, programs and endowment fund.
CORPORATE, FOUNDATION, AND GOVERNMENT SUPPORT
$500,000+
Anonymous
Abbott Fund
Searle Consultants Account at The Chicago Community Trust
$100,000–$499,999
The Allstate Insurance Company
Alphawood Foundation Chicago
Chicago Athletic Clubs
Chicago Free For All Foundation
The Julius N. Frankel Foundation
Gallagher
The Grainger Foundation
Guarantee Trust Life Insurance Company
The Hearst Foundations
Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
Jewell Events Catering
Latham & Watkins LLP
The Negaunee Foundation
Sage Foundation
The Shubert Foundation
Sidley Austin LLP
$50,000–$99,999
AARP Illinois
Abbott
Assured Guaranty
Athletico Physical Therapy
Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
Crain’s Chicago Business
The Crown Family
Holly Palmer Foundation
Illinois Arts Council
ITW
The John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust
Jane Ellen Murray Foundation
Polk Bros Foundation
$25,000–$49,999
Anonymous
The Brinson Foundation
Lloyd A. Fry Foundation
GCM Grosvenor
Make It Better Foundation, Nicholas & Susan Blankenbaker Noyes in memory of Clara Rideout Noyes and her love of ballet
National Endowment for the Arts
Ortus Foundation | Sabrina Gracias
Prince Charitable Trusts
Robert’s Pizza and Dough Company
$10,000–$24,999
Anonymous
Fifth Third Bank
John R. Halligan Charitable Fund
Masuda Funai
Mayer Brown LLP
Miriam Hoover Foundation
Northern Trust
Ogletree Deakins
Peoples Gas Community Fund
PNC Foundation
R1 RCM
Jerome Robbins Foundation and Trust
The Siragusa Family Foundation
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
U.S. Bank Foundation
William Blair
Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
$5,000–$9,999
Capital Group Companies
Executive Construction Foundation
Fortune Brands, Inc.
The Irving Harris Foundation
JPMorgan Chase
The LaSalle Chicago
Max Mara
Mazza Foundation
Mesirow
Elva Rubio, Rubiostudio
Tutu School Franchises
$2,500–$4,999
Anonymous
Chirp Design, Inc
CNA Financial Corporation
PNC
Raytheon Technologies
The Law Offices of Elizabeth D. Sharp, P.C.
$1,500–$2,499
Auditorium Theatre of
Roosevelt University
Betty S And Robert B Frank
Charitable Foundation
CME Group
The Holzer Family Foundation
Plante Moran
Sahara Enterprises, Inc.
$1,000–$1,499
The Kellcie Fund
Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals
Takeda Pharmaceuticals
North America, Inc.
DONORS
Individual Donors
INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT
$500,000+
Anne L. Kaplan
Margot and Josef Lakonishok
$100,000–$499,999
Mary Jo and Doug Basler
Sandy and Roger Deromedi
Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. F. Conrad Fischer
The Florian Fund
Paul Galvin Memorial Foundation Trust
Sherry Lea and Richard Holson III
Nancy and Sanfred Koltun
Lynda Sue Lane, MD
Denise Littlefield Sobel
Rita Spitz and David Blears
Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation
Dr. and Mrs. Arnold Tatar
Mr. and Mrs. Joel V. Williamson
The Women’s Board of The Joffrey Ballet
Zell Family Foundation
$50,000–$99,999
Ethel and William† Gofen
Lindy and Mike Keiser
Kiphart Family Foundation
Kovler Family Foundation
Julie and Guy Lakonishok
Mr. and Mrs. John Patience
Courtney C. Shea
Jeanette Stevens
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald V. Waters III
Wilson Garling Foundation
$25,000–$49,999
Anonymous (2)
Edward B. Beam, Jr. in Loving Memory of John Palatinus and Jack Alexander
Luann and David Blowers
Greg Cameron and Greg Thompson
Paul Chasnoff and Joe Hopper
Patricia O’Neill Cox
Marc DeMoss
Ann M. Drake
Lorna Ferguson and Terry Clark
Tiffany and Chip Flannagan
Estate of Georgia Lee Funsten
Dana Hokin Garvey and Robert Garvey
Mr. and Mrs. David H. Hoffmann
Pritzker Traubert Foundation
Bruce Sagan and Bette Cerf Hill
Eric C. Schieber, MD
Marjorie Staples
Bill and Orli Staley
The Trachtenberg Family Charitable Fund
Mr. and Mrs. Jason J. Tyler
Audrey Weaver
Mr. Miles D. White
Jennifer Zobair and Chuck Smith
$10,000–$24,999
Anonymous (2)
Prof. and Mrs. Ronald J. and Julie O. Allen
Janet Anixter and Steven Anixter
Annie and Kristopher Atzeff
Liz Boshardy Memorial Fund
Mr. and Mrs. Dean L. Buntrock
Mrs. Joyce Chelberg
Lawrence Corry
Elliott Crigger
Mike DelBene
Mr. and Mrs. Adam DeWitt
Patti S. Eylar and Charles R. Gardner
Martin John Gorbien, MD
Mary L. Gray
Joan M. Hall
Harris Family Foundation
Sandi and Barry Hartstein
Kathleen Ihrig and Glenn Ihrig
Lashana Jackson and Faheem Majeed
Jessica Jecmen
Greg Jenkins
George L. Jewell
Michael and Jennifer Larsen
Liz and Eric Lefkofsky
Jay Byron Leibovitz in loving memory of Eric B. Eatherly
Ms. Linda Levey
Robert LoPrete and David Germaine
Nichelle and Willie Mayberry
James D. McDonough
Coco B. Meers and Ethan Meers
Jess and Amanda Merten
Dr. Elaine Moor
Estate of Peggy Morrow
Mrs. Abby McCormick O’Neil and Mr. Carroll Joynes
Clint Paton and Alex Rumsey
D. Elizabeth Price
Carol Prins and John Hart
Jeffrey C. Rubenstein
Joan and Paul Rubschlager
Susan Ruder
Cari and Michael J. Sacks
Melissa de Abreu e Silva and Ildefonso Silva
Mr. and Mrs. Edward B. Smith, Jr.
Liz Stiffel
Pamela and Russ Strobel
Sarah Torri and Paul Swinand
Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Townsend
Pamela Phillips Weston and Roger L. Weston
$5,000–$9,999
Michael Amiet and Emily Strobel Amiet
Susan Baird and Stephen Baird
Mr. and Mrs. Francis Beidler III
Paula Borg and Thomas Stemwedel
Adela Cepeda
Jon and Eleanor DeMoss
Art and Lili Duquette
Elizabeth Entinghe
Johanna Ferguson and Nicholas Grossi
Lawrence Fitzgerald
Nancy Follis
Ellie and Jeremy Forman
Arthur L. Frank
Elaine and Marvin Gottlieb
Nancy Gottlieb Bauer
Dr. and Mrs. Alan G. Harris
Janet W. and Robert† A. Helman
Joanna Hwu
Marsha Kamen
Jeff Kerr and Jim Condon
Robert Kohl and Clark Pellett
Wende and Jim Lawson
Mr. and Mrs. Zachary D. Lazar, Jr.
Alison Cisek and Paul Legac
Rachel Martell and Aaron Martell
Richard & Martha Melman Foundation
Gary Metzner and Scott Johnson
Drs. Marsha and Robert Mrtek
Sylvia Neil and Dan Fischel
Susan G. Oleari
Stephen Reiss and Rena Hozore Reiss
Robert Parris and Bradley Renner
Cindy Pinsky
Carol Glass Pollock
Elva Rubio, Rubiostudio
Molly and Brian Schirf
Sarah Schrup
Brian Smith and Geyer Morford
Maria and William D. Smithburg
Jennifer Steans and James Kastenholz
Lindsay Tako and Anthony Tako
Cheryl Tama Oblander and Scott Oblander
Nathan Tannenbaum Foundation Inc.
Cynthia Van Osdol and John B. Sandwick
Diane and Troy Watkinson
Dia Weil
Magnes Welsh
Ashley Wheater and Brian Johnson
Diana and Stuart Widman
Andrea Zopp
Julie and Daniel Zuckerman
$2,500–$4,999
Anonymous (3)
Dora Aalbregtse and R. John Aalbregtse
Richard J Abram and Paul Chandler
Mr. and Mrs. William Adams IV
Dara Altshuler
Patty Perkins Andringa
Mary Anthony and Lewis Flint
Melissa Lane Anton
Marilyn Archer and Jack Eby
Carey August and Brett August
Sally Bauer and Bruce Bauer
Meta S. and Ronald Berger Family Foundation
Carolyn A. Blessing and Nicholas Timkovich
Ms. Evelyn Bosenberg
John Brazzale
Anthony Bruck
Carolyn Bucksbaum
Choreographer Alexander Ekman. Photo by Carolyn McCabe.
DONORS
Marion Cameron-Gray
Rachel M. Cannon
Kimberly Cilke
Jillian Cole
Kyoko Crawford
Pamela Crutchfield
Lois Eisen and Stephen Eisen
Jamie-Clare Flaherty
Kristen Fondriest and Fabian Fondriest
Anne Forman
Judith Freeman
James Wilford French
Suzanne Gerhold
Mr. Mark Giragosian and Mrs. Alexis Polito Giragosian
Mary Go and Lionel Go
Bruce A. Gober, M.D.
Darcy Goldfarb, MD
Barbara Greis and Howard† Gottlieb
Michael Halberstam and Jack Segal
Laura Hanley
Stacie R. Hartman
Kathleen and Mark Hechinger
Leigh Ann Herman
Dominika Malinowska Hertsberg
Arica Hilton
Sarai Hoffman and Stephen Pratt
Julie Holland
Amy Joffe
Sherry Kaplan and Barry Kaplan
Wendy Kilcollin and T. Eric Kilcollin
Roberta Johnson Killeen and Timothy Killeen
Klaff Family Foundation
Laura Kofoid and David Ricci
Erica Kuhlmann and Frank Kuhlmann
Vintage Ballerina Room
Derek and Sarah Ladgenski
Wende and Jim Lawson
Jacqueline Lentz
Mia Levy and Paul Levy
Susan Loiacano and Michael Loiacano
Joan Malliband
Sandra Mandel and Alan Pollak
Elizabeth Marcus, MD and Ira Belcove
Heather Martin and Sean Martin
Kevin McGirr
Monica McGurk
John R. Menninger
Sally Metzler and George Dunea
Ms. Karen K. Migaldi and Mr. Scott F. Migaldi
Julianne Migely
Mrs. Jennifer Minkow
Daniel L. (DL) Morris
Barbara and Jonathan Moss
Linda Novak
Linda Curtis O’Bannon, MD
Thomas O’Keefe
Darrell, Carmen, Alexander, and Gabrielle Ortiz
Mary Ellen Pavone, MD and Christopher Novak
Anne Pelczar
Molly and Joe Piech
Nicole Marie Pittmon
Victoria Poindexter and Joseph P. Gaynor III
Bonnie Price
Abigail Pucker
Constance Rajala
Barbara E. Reed
Hallie Blanchard Rehwaldt and Thomas Rehwaldt
Tricia Rothschild and Mark Rothschild
Emily Rubenstein and Angel Rivera
Jennifer and Shawn Fabian
Camille Kearns Rudy
Barbara Atkins Ruhman
Mr. and Mrs. Eric Scheyer
Sara Lee and Axel Schupf
Mrs. Illeane Schwartz
Terry Schwartz
Sarah Shu
Veronica Siegel
Craig Sirles
Joffrey Academy of Dance students in Kettentanz. Photo by Cheryl Mann.
Jason Tyler, Farissa Knox, and Shanda McFadden. Photo by Purple Photo Group.
Marilyn Slattery
Shirley Stanley and Paul Stanley
Edwin and Richard Stebbins
Carole Stone and Arthur Susman
Nancy and Ira Sussman
Virginia Tobiason
Mrs. Adrienne Traisman and Dr. Edward Traisman
Melissa and David Trandel
Dana Shepard Treister and Dr. Michael Roy Treister
Robert and Etti Van Etten
David J. Varnerin
Chrissie Walker and Joe Walker
Debbie Wang and David Hoyt
Leslie J. Warner and Stephen B. Warner
Genevieve Custer Weeks
Sherrie Weiss and Albert Weiss
Amy Williams and Chad Williams
Elizabeth and Tom Wippman
Regina Witkowski and Kenneth Witkowski
Susan Schaalman Youdovin and Charlie Shulkin
Drs. Joan and Russ Zajtchuk
William Ziemann
Ms. Helen L. Dunbeck and Dr. John Zimmermann
$1,500–$2,499
Anonymous (3)
Greg Albiero and Mark Zampardo
Margery Al-Chalabi
Catharine Bell
Leigh Bienen and Henry Bienen
D. Jeffrey and Joan H. Blumenthal
Halie and Russell Braden
Anne Brody and Michael Brody
Katharine Burns and Nicholas Burjek
Mr. and Mrs. William Farley
Nick Cave and Robert Faust
Jenelle M. Chalmers and Stephen Chalmers
Mrs. Erin C. Court and Mr. Stephen Court
Bethany Florek and Andrew Kitick
Mimi Frankel and Bud Frankel
Jenny Freidheim and Ed Freidheim
Greg and Christine Gallagher
Ellen Greengoss
Suzanne Hagen and Christopher Hagen
Elisa D. Harris and Ivo Daalder
The Heestand Foundation
Andrea Heim and Ross Heim
Kip Helverson
Elizabeth Higashi
Megan N. Hoffmann
Sandy Ihm and Kenneth Belcher
Leah Israel
Melinda Lagrange and Lucien Lagrange
Mr. and Mrs. Barry Litwin
Masahiro Kasai and William Myers
Ms. Donna M. LaPietra and Mr. William Kurtis
Dania Leemputte and Patrick Leemputte
Susan Lucas and Stuart Lucas
Jessie and Douglas MacDonald
Shari Massey and Bill Massey
Steven Mayer and Carole Schecter
Adrienne Meisel and Rand Sparling
Helen Hall Melchior
Barbara Moser and David Moser
Stephanie Murray
Mary Jane O’Connor
Matt Olaveson
Molly Painter
Cindy Pan and Eric Easterberg
Mandy Pasquale
Timothy Payne
Rheva Phillips
Ibby Pinsky and Milton Pinsky
Madeleine and Harvey Plonsker
Richard Ryan
Dr. Susan Scanlon
Mr. and Mrs. Eric Scheyer
Patricia Schmalzl and William Schmalzl
Heidi Schultz
Sara Schumann and Steven Schumann
Stephanie and Bill Sick
Marcey Siegel and Kenneth Siegel
Amelia Silva and Alejandro Silva
Patricia Smith
Patricia Sternberg
Lauren D.W. Tatar and Scott Borstein
Daniel Voelker
Albert Walavich
Olga Weiss and George Honig
Emily Whirledge
Laurie Wood
$1,000–$1,499
Anonymous (3)
Celia Althage
Robert Ford, Juliana Ford, President and CEO Greg Cameron, Abbott Academy Director Suzanne Lopez, and The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE. Photo by Purple Photo Group.
DONORS
Kristine Anderson and Tom Coonan
Christine Bakalar and John Bakalar
Heiji Choy Black and Brian Black
Margaret Block and Philip Block
Betsy and Larry Bluestone
Karen Brosius
Natalie Brown
Axel Brunger
Todd Bulmash
Jaya Canaan
Ellen Carnahan and Bill Daniels
Rowland Chang
Jane Chapman and John Chapman
Jessica Chou
Dirk Denison and David Salkin
Wendy Eager
Geoffrey Allen Flick
Philip Friedmann
Patricia Gillian and Michael Gillian
Linda Conviser Glick
Cidney Golman and Jeffrey Golman
Anthony† and Susan Grosch
Ada Mary Gugenheim and Jon Will
Julie Harron
Lauren Huefner
Holly Hunt
Tamara Jackson
Elaine Jaharis and Steven Jaharis
M.J. Jiaras
Dr. Maryl R. Johnson
Gloria Kearney and Dan Kearney
Jennifer Krejci
Phillip Lantz
Kyle Lattner and Kathryn Lattner
Janet Leopold and Thomas Leopold
Anne Lerner and Alan† Lerner
Jeanne Martinez and John Segreti
Kerry McCartan
Scott McCausland
Elizabeth Mckenna
Irene Michaels and Arny Granat
Rosemary Milew and Daniel Pilch
Prof. Keith and Anne Moffat
Mr. and Mrs. C. Barry Montgomery
Steven Morris
David Moscow
Adele Murphy
Jamin and Phoebe Nixon
Celia Nykol
Marjory Oliker
Sharon Olson and Fred Fleischbein
Janet Oppenheimer
Mr. Jonathan F. Orser
Mr. and Mrs. John R. Pacholick
Emily Paulsen
Ross Pearlman
Lisa Pollina
Terri and John Reuter
Janice Rodgers
Alex Ross and Anne Ross
Alan Rottman
Lewis and Barbara Schneider
Cynthia Shewan
Yvonne Shu and Tony Shu
Steven Smutny
Bradley Sterrenberg
Jacqueline Stewart
Megan Susko
Dr. Audrey Tatar and Dr. Michael Bresler
Alexandra Usher
Richard and Noren Ungaretti
Andria van der Merwe
Robert T. Vieregg
Tina Wardrop and William Wardrop
Scott Yonover
Alice and Herb Zarov
Alisa Zhou
Glenn Eden, Desirée Rogers, and Nichelle and Willie Mayberry. Photo by Purple Photo Group.
Peter Heppel and Lynda Sue Lane, M.D. Photo by Purple Photo Group.
Magnes Welsh, Sandi Hartstein, and Linda O’Bannon.
Photo by Carolyn McCabe.
Bruce Sagan and Bette Cerf Hill at the Gerald Arpino Centennial.
Photo by Purple Photo Group.
Joffrey Community Engagement. Photo by Carolyn McCabe.
DONORS
Tribute Gifts — In Honor Of Joffrey Academy of Dance Scholarship Sponsors
LEAD SCHOLARSHIP SPONSOR
The Grainger Foundation
SCHOLARSHIP SPONSORS
Edward B. Beam, Jr. in loving memory of John Palatinus and Jack Alexander
Liz Boshardy Memorial Scholarship
Lawrence Corry
Eric B. Eatherly Memorial Scholarship
Richard Ellis and Christine DuBoulay Ellis Scholarship
Lorna Ferguson and Terry Clark
Guarantee Trust Life Insurance Company
Joanna Hwu
Lefkofsky Family Foundation
D.L. Morriss & Family
Rose L. Shure and Sidney N. Shure Endowed Scholarship
Marjorie Staples
Jeanette Stevens
Lorraine Trachtenberg
Sarah Torri & Paul Swinand
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald V. Waters III
Ronald Allen
Gregg Benkovich
Catherine Braendel
Sherrill Bodine
Colene Byrd
Greg Cameron
David Chazen and Lauren Rosen
Adela Cepeda
Betty Clark
Robin Colburn
Lucia Connolly
Marc DeMoss
Merritt DeWitt
Sandy and Roger Deromedi
Ellen Distelheim and Rick Tannenbaum
Deborah M. Engel
Patti Eylar
Shelley and William Farley
Johanna Ferguson
Brendan Fernandes
Ellie Forman
Mary B. Galvin
Sarah Geocaris
Sue-Gray Goller
Shana Guthman
Sandi Hartstein
Emmy Hensley
Dulce Hernandez Cabrera
Victoria Jaiani
Judi Jecmen
George Jewell
Kathryn Johnson and Sue-Gray Goller
Anne L. Kaplan
Grace Kasten
Farissa Knox
Julia Kocian
Cindy A. Kronman
Susanne Lopez
Lynda Lane
Heather Martin
Helen Melchior
Julianne Migely
Monica McGurk
Mary Ellen Pavone
Jeffrey Rubenstein
Katherine Selig
Elizabeth Sharp
Jeff Sharp
Courtney C. Shea
Kathy Smith
Emma Speiser
Margie Staples
Nancy Sussman
Cheryl Tama Oblander
Magnes Welsh
Ashley Wheater
Sarah Wills
Julie Zuckerman
In Memory Of
Gerald Arpino
Gustavo Bermudez
John and Marilyn Brazzale
Suhail al Chalabi
Eric B. Eatherly
William H. Gofen
Anthony Grosch
Elizabeth Hankey
Alan R. and Lois M. Hinds
Marti and Gary Kruse
Rose Martindale
Ann Masterson
Carol Miner
Roberta Mitchell
Jane Ellen Murray
Dianne M. Nishimura
John Palatinus and Jack Alexander
Clara Rideout Noyes and her love of ballet
Jerome Robbins
Lillian Screpfer
Joanne Silver
Kathy Smith
Irene Stoeser
Charlie Sussman
James H. Swartchild, Jr
Doris K. Telford
Colleen Thomas
Emily Vogel
Priscilla Wheater
Joffrey Academy of Dance students. Photo by Carolyn McCabe.
The Star Society
We celebrate The Star Society for making the Joffrey part of their legacy.
Anonymous (13)
Michael Spencer Albert
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald J. Allen
Patty Perkins Andringa
Melissa M. Babcock
Pamela J. Block
Joan and Jeff Blumenthal
Greg Cameron and Greg Thompson
Jacqueline Caputo
Charles Capwell and Isabel Wong
Nisha Carpenter and Naomi Carpenter
Anne Chapman and Joshua Green
Paul Chasnoff and Joe Hopper
The Cox Trust
Marc DeMoss
Helen Elkiss
Deborah Engle
Patti S. Eylar and Charles R. Gardner
Lorna Ferguson and Terry Clark
David Finkel
Christine B. Fisher
Kim Folta
Bruce Gober MD and Donald Ratner
Michael Goldberger
Sue-Gray Goller
Larry and Michelle Goodman
Martin John Gorbien M.D.
Sandi and Barry Hartstein
Dale and Becky Heiking
Barbara Henigbaum Papp
Marci and Ronald Holzer
Kathy and Glenn Ihrig
Jessica Jagielnik
Dar Johnson
Marsha Kamen
Anne L. Kaplan
Myrna W. Kaplan
Arthur Stewart Kerr and
Marcia Davis Kerr
Paul A. Kobasa
Tracey F. Konicek
John C and Carol Anderson Kunze
Dr. Lynda Lane
Henrietta Leary
Linda Levey
Marsha Lieberman
Philip Lumpkin
Sean and Heather Martin
John McAllister
Kevin C. McGirr
Rosemary Milew and Daniel Pilch
Anne Simon Moffat and Prof. John Keith Moffat
Dr. Elaine Moor
Julie Willis Moore, in memory of Victoria Shiflet Cress
Cheryl Tama Oblander and Scott Oblander
Jonathan F. Orser
Darrell, Carmen, Alexander, Gabrielle Ortiz
Susan Peet
D. Elizabeth Price
Alyssa Quinlan
Christine and Daniel Rahill
Camille Kearns Rudy
Eric C. Schieber MD
Douglas M. Schmidt
Heidi Schultz
Terry A. Schwartz
Courtney C. Shea
Thomas G. Sinkovic
Craig Sirles
Marilyn Slattery
Brian Smith
Carl Smith and Brian Treglown
Rita Spitz
Marjorie Staples
Constance Steinhaus
Jeanette Stevens
Michael Nicholas Sutko
Marlene A. Van Skike
Stephen and Leslie Warner
Ron and Ann Waters
Magnes Welsh
Susan L. Welsh
Diana and Stuart Widman
Amanda Williamson and Matthew Johnson
Shannon Stone-Winding and Derrick Winding
Andrea and Rich Winship
Laurie Wood
Mrs. Anna Mary Zarrelli
Joffrey ensemble in Yonder Blue. Photo by Cheryl Mann.
A Transformational Gift
The studio is a dancer’s workspace, where they spend up to 40 hours per week dancing on specially constructed floors designed to absorb the impact of every movement. To enhance this crucial aspect of our artists’ craft, the Joffrey received a transformative gift of $800,000 from an anonymous donor in the fall of 2023.
This generous gift underwrote the replacement of seven Harlequin Wood Sprung floors located throughout Joffrey Tower and our studios at 1920 S. Wabash.
Prioritizing the health and safety of our students and artists, this donation directly supports each pillar of the Joffrey’s mission: artistic excellence, world-class dance education, and accessible dance training in state-ofthe-art facilities.
Joffrey Academy of Dance student. Photo by Cheryl Mann.
Star Society Appreciation Event
Star Society members leave a lasting legacy at the Joffrey, strengthening the impact of our Company, Academy, and Community Engagement programs. Each year, we celebrate our Star Society and thank members for their commitment to our organization with the Star Society Appreciation Event.
This year’s program included a rehearsal viewing of Nicolas Blanc’s Under the Trees’ Voices, followed by remarks from President and CEO Greg Cameron, and a panel discussion featuring Blanc, The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE, and Company Artists Christine Rocas and Xavier Núñez.
Joffrey Rehearsal Director Nicolas Blanc, Company Artist Xavier Núñez, The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE, and Company Artist Christine Rocas. Photo by Carolyn McCabe.
BOARD HIGHLIGHTS
Joffrey Company Artists Valeria Chaykina and Derek Drilon in Yonder Blue. Photo by Cheryl Mann.
Lynda Sue Lane, M.D.
Dr. Lynda Lane joined the Board of Directors in 2022. As the Presenting Sponsor for the Joffrey’s 2024 performance of Alexander Ekman’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, Lynda generously underwrote the Set and Costume Build. By solely underwriting the production, the Joffrey now has greater flexibility to tour this audience favorite.
Lynda began her ballet training as a child in Cincinnati, and you may spot her in Joffrey Academy Adult Division classes today. She has been a Joffrey season subscriber since the Company’s arrival in Chicago and a Joffrey Circle contributor for decades. As a member of the Joffrey’s Women’s Board, an Artistic Innovation Fund donor, and Star Society member, Lynda’s passion for artistic exploration and ambitious new productions ensures a bright future for the Joffrey. Thank you, Lynda, for exemplifying Joffrey joy!
Celebrating 20 Years of the Joffrey Women’s Board
Created in 2002 by Joffrey Life Director Maureen Dwyer Smith, the Joffrey Women’s Board champions the organization’s mission, and serves as a dedicated force in spreading the power of dance throughout Chicago. For the 2023 Annual Women’s Board Luncheon, the Joffrey celebrated 20 years of the board’s leadership, as well as the 20th anniversary of Company Artist Victoria Jaiani.
Honoring the legacy of women’s impact at the Joffrey, the program featured a conversation between Jaiani and The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE, moderated by Abbott Academy Director Suzanne Lopez.
Women’s Board President Ellie Forman, Farissa Knox, Cheryl Tama Oblander, The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE, Company Artist Victoria Jaiani, and Merritt DeWitt. Photo by Purple Photo Group.
Women’s Board President Ellie Forman. Photo by Purple Photo Group.
Alexander Ekman and Lynda Sue Lane, M.D.
JOFFREY EXPANDED
Joffrey Company Artist Anabelle de la Nuez. Photo by Carolyn McCabe.
Mental Health Program
The Joffrey Ballet, in partnership with RUSH, has launched a new mental health program that underscores our commitment to the care of our dancers and staff.
Developed during the Joffrey Tower refresh following the initial years of the COVID-19 pandemic, this new resource aligns with the organization’s mission to support holistic well-being.
With RUSH therapist and case manager Erika Owen serving as the Joffrey’s dedicated Wellness Liaison, the program offers accessible, confidential appointment options tailored to the unique needs of the Joffrey community. By prioritizing mental health, the Joffrey sets a powerful example of investing in its people — empowering our community to thrive.
Joffrey Workshop
The Joffrey began 2024 with a major milestone: the purchase of a new 33,000-square-foot workshop. Located in the Archer Heights neighborhood, this strategic acquisition places the Joffrey among numerous community organizations.
As the Joffrey’s larger-than-life productions continue to grow in scale each year, the workshop has become essential for efficient operations. It provides the necessary space to comfortably store up to six large productions, featuring three fully functional loading capacities.
Additionally, the workshop will serve as a valuable hub for future operations, housing offices, conference rooms, a metal shop, a paint area, and a wardrobe station.
New Joffrey Company Artists Reed Henry, Ao Wang, Jackson Miles, Lindy Mesmer and Lauren Quinn. Photo by Carolyn McCabe.
JOFFREY STAFF
Photo by Cheryl Mann.
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
ASHLEY WHEATER MBE
The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director
GREG CAMERON
President & Chief Executive Officer
ACADEMY
Suzanne Lopez Abbott Academy Director
Keesha Beckford Youth Division Liaison
Oğulcan Borova
Head of Studio Company and Ballet Trainee Program
Katlin Bourgeois
Head of Contemporary Ballet Trainee Program
Brianna Brandon Academy Managing Director
Raúl Casasola Academy Principal Teacher
Karin Ellis-Wentz Head of Conservatory and Pre-Professional Program
Rhiannon Freimuth Academy Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Amanda Sheller
Production Coordinator
Oliver Till Head of Children’s, Adult, and Adaptive Programs
Suzie Calarco
Gabrielle Confer
Brooke Ellis
Carly Liegel
Hannah Strahl
Sydney Swanson Receptionist Team
ADVANCEMENT
Brian Smith
Chief Advancement Officer
Kristen Bigham Director of Major & Planned Gifts
Esme Burrows
Partnership Activation & Events Manager
Colene Byrd Director of Sales & Patron Services
Jade Capua
Marketing Manager
Daria Caravette Institutional Giving Manager
Bryce Coachman
Patron Services Associate
Julia Doherty
Artistic Innovation Fund Project Manager
Sarah Fiala
Marketing Director
Sarah Freeman Development Assistant
Sarah Geocaris
Director of Individual Giving
Emily Hensley Annual Giving Manager
Alex Hinand Director of Development Operations
Ramsey Hoey
Communications and Digital Media Director
Austin Jennings Patron Services Manager
Claire Leon Patron Services Associate
Carolyn McCabe Digital Strategy Manager
Emily Nagel Associate Director of Individual Giving
Alicia Petrone Major Gifts Manager
Bradley Renner Director of Development
Ryan Sandy Patron Services Associate
Sierra Taylor Patron Services Associate
Elina Walchuk
Patron Services Associate
ARTISTIC AND MUSIC
Nicolas Blanc Rehearsal Director
Adam Blyde Rehearsal Director
Jorge Ivars Company Pianist
Kristen McGarrity Rehearsal Director
Michael Moricz
Assistant Conductor & Company Pianist
Scott Speck
Music Director & Conductor
COMPANY
ADMINISTRATION AND PRODUCTION
Cody Chen
General Manager
Gregg Benkovich Shoe Manager
Matthew Carney Head Electrician
Ellie Cotey Costume Manager
Brittany Crinson Head of Wig and Makeup
Catherine Eby Company Manager
Jeremy Gubman
Artistic Administrator and Assistant to the Artistic Director
Amanda Heuermann Stage Manager
Jerica Hucke Draper
Barbara Luchsinger Lead Stitcher
Chris Maravich Lighting & Video Supervisor
Alyssa Pietrzyk Stitcher
Finlay Ross Sound Person
Katherine Selig Principal Stage Manager
Adam Todd Head Carpenter
Joshua Townsend Flyperson
Shandee Vaughan
Production Manager
Cassandra Westover Head Props
John Wilson
Assistant Electrician/ Programmer
Scott Wolfson
Technical Supervisor
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Linda Swayze
Director of Community Engagement
Julianna Jarik
Community Engagement Manager
Ari Meixner
Community Engagement
Business Administrator
Carly Liegel
Craig Miller
Michael Smith
Community Engagement
Program Coordinators
Keila Hamed-Ramos
Community Engagement Associate
FINANCE
AND OPERATIONS
Shari Massey
Deputy Director & Chief
Financial Officer
Michelle Dunbar
Human Resources Generalist
Katie Dysard
Staff Accountant
Paul Key
Director of Technology
John Kurtz
Director of Facility Operations
Gee Lim
Director of Finance
Lauren Martin
Assistant to the President & CEO
Marisa Paulsen
Payroll and Accounts
Payable Coordinator
Pablo Sanchez
Board Relations Manager
Sarah Venuti Yates
Director of Human Resources
SPONSORS
Joffrey Company Artist José Pablo Castro Cuevas in Midsummer Night’s Dream. Photo by Cheryl Mann.
2023–2024 SEASON SPONSORS
THE FLORIAN FUND
LIVE MUSIC SPONSORS
Sandy and Roger Deromedi
Sage Foundation
2023–2024 PRODUCTION SPONSORS
FRANKENSTEIN SPONSORS
PRODUCING SPONSOR
Margot and Josef Lakonishok
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Anne L. Kaplan
PRODUCTION SPONSOR
Mary Jo and Doug Basler
COSTUME SPONSOR
Jane Ellen Murray Foundation
THE NUTCRACKER SPONSORS
PRESENTING SPONSOR
PRODUCTION SPONSOR
Funding provided in part by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity/Illinois Office of Tourism
STUDENT MATINEE LIVE MUSIC SPONSOR
Greg Cameron & Greg Thompson
WITH GRATITUDE TO THE NUTCRACKER COMMISSIONING SPONSORS:
Margot and Josef Lakonishok
Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust
Hancher Auditorium, University of Iowa
And the many “Believers”
Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation
The Marina and Arnold Tatar Fund for Live Music
STUDIES IN BLUE SPONSORS
HUMMINGBIRD PRESENTING SPONSOR
Denise Littlefield Sobel
HUNGRY GHOSTS COMMISSIONING SPONSORS
Anne L. Kaplan
Courtney C. Shea
STUDIES IN BLUE MAJOR SPONSOR
Additional support for Studies in Blue Costumes provided by Martin John Gorbien M.D. in honor of Gregg Benkovich
MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM SPONSORS
PRESENTING SPONSOR AND SET AND COSTUME BUILD SPONSOR
Lynda Sue Lane M.D.
MAJOR SPONSORS
Mary Jo and Doug Basler
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald V. Waters III
Women’s Board of The Joffrey Ballet
PRODUCTION SPONSORS
Jeanette Stevens
ANNE L. KAPLAN
MARGOT AND JOSEF LAKONISHOK
Jofffrey Company Artist Jonathan Dole in Frankenstein. Photo by Cheryl Mann.