Categories: Chicago Dance
Chicago Dance: Ballet
Author: Sarah DiGiulio
The Chicago ballet scene hosts world-famous ballet companies from across the globe and in 1995, Chicago dance acquired one of its own: the Joffrey Ballet. One popular highlight of ballet in Chicago comes every December as performances of the Nutcracker rank high on the list of holiday traditions for many Chicagoans.
Ballet in Chicago and the Joffrey go hand-in-hand. The Joffrey Ballet has called Chicago home for nearly 15 years and has earned itself a reputation that makes Chicagoans proud. The company considers top New York City ballet companies as rivals, says artistic director Ashley Wheater. The Joffrey has something different to offer audiences: innovation and a broad repertoire to reach diverse audiences. "You need to provide something for everyone," he says.
Wheater is on a mission to show people that ballet is more than just tutus and toe shoes. Keeping performances fresh and interesting keeps audiences attracted, he says. He learned that after the Joffrey's 2008 Spring Gala, which featured a mixed repertoire. "I've never heard so many people say, 'Wow, I never knew,'" Wheater says.
The company constantly looks forward to contemporary styles of ballet. The Joffrey was founded on the principles of creating innovative ballet and should continue to do that, Wheater says. Wheater danced with the company in the 1980s and took over as artistic director in the fall of 2007. Wheater's programs recognize the classic style of ballet--the company will perform a Salute to the Ballet Russes in 2009--but are not afraid to try something new. The upcoming season also features world premiers.
When it comes to finding guest choreographers to work with the company, Wheater is not looking toward one style or the other; rather, his eyes are trained to watch for dancers with a unique voice. "It's people that really understand the craft," he says.
And the Joffrey's dancers understand the craft, too. The Joffrey is different than other major ballet companies because its dancers come from all different backgrounds. They come from all over America and overseas. The dancers have an energy, making performances very accessible, not stiff, Wheater says. "They're not afraid to participate with the audience."
The company holds three of their own concerts each year at the Auditorium Theater, as well as the Nutcracker each December. Besides the Nutcracker, performances can be full-story ballets or a mixed repertoire of classic ballet, contemporary ballet, or premiers of brand-new ballet. The company also does smaller performances at the Ravinia Festival and the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park during the summer months.
The Joffrey will move into their new home, the Joffrey Tower, in the fall of 2008. With more room and bigger studios, the company would like to open a school to be associated with the company, Wheater says. "We need to nurture and train a new generation of dancers."
Smaller ballet companies include pre-professional companies like Ballet Chicago's Studio Company. The advanced-level dance students perform the Nutcracker every holiday season at the Athenaeum Theater as well as a spring repertory concert. The Civic Ballet of Chicago, in residence at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, also performs the Nutcracker and a spring concert every year. Salt Creek Ballet Company, a pre-professional company based in Chicago's west suburbs, annually performs their own Nutcracker and a spring selection, which is always a classic ballet.
University Ballet of Chicago is the University of Chicago's ballet company. The mostly student company performs twice each year; depending on the show, the company performs both classical and contemporary ballet.
The Auditorium Theater is the first stop to check for ballet performances. The 19th century architectual gem is the resident home to the Joffrey and also hosts several ballet companies touring Chicago every year.
Check out places of interest near Chicago Dance: Ballet:
Chicago Dance
415 W. Huron St.,
Chicago, IL 60654
This general purpose Chicago dance school takes beginners and turns them into competent foxtrotters, waltzers, etc. Classes are fun to take and instructors are open and easy.
Ensemble Espanol Spanish Dance Theater
5500 N. St. Louis Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60625
Get ready for some Spanish flair in Chicago. From folk dancing to flamenco, Ensemble Espanol presents traditional Spanish dance.
Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago
614 Davis Street,
Evanston, IL 60201
Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago is one of Chicago's first jazz companies. Performances include the newest in jazz dance.
Luna Negra Dance Theater
1016 N Dearborn Pkwy.,
Chicago, IL 60610
Chicago's Luna Negra Dance Theater creates, performs and teaches contemporary dancy by Latino choreographers.
Mordine & Company Dance Theater
1016 N. Dearborn St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
Mordine & Company Dance Theater is one of Chicago's oldest contemporary dance companies--they have been on the Chicago dance scene for almost 40 years. But, their dance is fresh and moving forward.
Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago
7127 South Ellis Avenue, Suite 2,
Chicago, IL 60619
For all types of African dance, see Chicago's Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago. From ancient tribal dance to new interpretations of African classics, this company is both cultural and energetic.
River North Chicago Dance Company
1016 N. Dearborn,
Chicago, IL 60610
River North Chicago Dance Company is Chicago jazz dance. It's fresh, but still has the energy and entertainment that defines jazz dance.
Thodos Dance Chicago
811 West Evergreen, Suite 301,
Chicago, IL 60622
This contemporary Chicago dance company promises bold movement with every performance. Their style is exciting and unique.
