ANNOUNCING WINNERS OF THE JOFFREY ACADEMY 14TH ANNUAL WINNING WORKS

 ANNOUNCING WINNERS OF THE JOFFREY ACADEMY 14TH ANNUAL WINNING WORKS


Includes the addition of a first-ever Chicago-based choreographer. March 8-10, 15-17 at the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Edlis Neeson Theater 

CHICAGO– The Joffrey Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet, presents five world premieres in the culmination of Joffrey's national call for ALAANA (African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, and Native American) artists to submit applications for the Joffrey Academy's Winning Works Choreographic Competition. In addition to an added weekend of performances, new to this year's program is the selection of a first-ever Chicago-based choreographer as a fifth candidate, set on the students of the Joffrey Conservatory Program, a preliminary training program for aspiring Trainee dancers ages 14 to 18. This year's Competition winners— Jainil Mehta, Martha Nichols, Manoela Gonçalves, Houston Thomas, and Chicago-based winner Xavier Núñez (Recipient of the Zach Lazar Winning Works Fellowship), each will choreograph an original work created for the Joffrey Academy Trainees and Studio Company, to a commissioned score by a chosen composer collaborator.

"In my first year at the helm, it's a privilege to lead the Academy through a new era of innovation, and Winning Works is steadfast in its advancement. This year especially, with the addition of a Chicago-based fifth choreographer," says Abbott Academy Director Suzanne Lopez. "Jainil, Martha, Manoela, Houston, and Xavier each possess unique backgrounds with exceptional artistic talent. With its track record of launching professional dance careers, Winning Works embodies the Joffrey Academy's commitment to propelling the next generation of choreographers, and I look forward to sharing their inspiring works.”

"Our commitment to Winning Works celebrates emerging voices, which has been an initiative of monumental importance over the last fourteen years,” said The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE. "Suzanne has beautifully curated a program that allows these cutting-edge choreographers to push boundaries and explore uncharted territories in their art forms while working alongside Academy students on world premieres. Each choreographer's impressive storytelling and vision will undoubtedly further the legacy of this program as a driving force for ingenuity in dance."

"The impact of Winning Works continues to amplify our ongoing commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in Chicago's vibrant arts community, which the Joffrey has called home for almost 30 years," says President and CEO Greg Cameron. "This season, we are particularly excited to add a Chicago-based fifth choreographer, furthering our dedication to artists, students, and institutions that make our city stronger. Similarly, we are on a parallel track toward expanding our partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art by adding a second week of performances, deepening and enriching our roots in Chicago through our organization's collective missions."

Due to popular demand, a second weekend of performances has been added this year. Winning Works will be presented at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago’s Edlis Neeson Theater (220 E. Chicago Avenue) on Friday, March 8 at 7:30 PM, Saturday, March 9 at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM and Sunday, March 10, at 2:00 PM; and Friday, March 15 at 7:30 PM, Saturday, March 16 at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM, and Sunday, March 17 at 2:00 PM. for Winning Works are $30 and are currently on sale at joffrey.org/winningworks. The world premiere works will also be available to view virtually following the in-person performances.  

Former winners of the Winning Works competition include Jeffrey Cirio (2016), current Lead Principal Dancer with Boston Ballet, Chanel DaSilva (2020), who choreographed a critically acclaimed world premiere for Joffrey’s 2022-23 season opener Beyond Borders, Amy Hall Garner (2011), the choreographer of the free touring work for families Rita Finds Home co-produced by Joffrey and the Miami City Ballet, Stephanie Martinez (2015), a featured choreographer on the Joffrey’s winter program The Times Are Racing, and Claudia Schreier (2018), Ballet Master to Juilliard President Damian Woetzel.  

The Joffrey Ballet gratefully acknowledges the generous support of Winning Works Sponsors Wilson Garling Foundation, William Blair with Joffrey Board Member Rita Spitz, and the National Endowment for the Arts. William Blair is the premiere global boutique with expertise in investment banking, investment management, and private wealth management. 

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. 

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.  

The Joffrey Academy received the distinguished honor of being named four-time Outstanding School by the Youth America Grand Prix, the world’s largest international student ballet competition, and the Boeing Game Changer Award in recognition of its efforts to make dance accessible to everyone. 


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