Who Founded Joffrey Ballet?

Ballet

Joffrey Ballet is an internationally renowned ballet company based in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1956 by Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, Joffrey Ballet has become one of the most well-known dance companies in the world.

Robert Joffrey was born on December 24, 1930 in Seattle, Washington. He began studying dance at the age of 11 and soon became an acclaimed dancer and choreographer.

In 1953, he founded his own dance company alongside Gerald Arpino, his friend and associate from the University of Utah. The two men shared a vision for pushing boundaries in contemporary ballet and creating a repertoire that blended classic works with more modern movements.

Joffrey Ballet’s initial repertoire consisted mainly of works by Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino. Over time, however, it expanded to include pieces from some of the world’s most renowned choreographers such as George Balanchine, Twyla Tharp, Jerome Robbins, Glen Tetley and many others. The company also commissioned several new works from various creative minds throughout its history including David Parsons, Margo Sappington and Christopher Wheeldon among others.

The success of Joffrey Ballet led it to tour extensively throughout the United States and around the world. From its humble beginnings in Chicago to its current home base at the historic Auditorium Theater downtown Chicago; Joffrey Ballet has become a leader in American Dance both nationally and internationally.

Who Founded Joffrey Ballet?

Joffrey Ballet was founded by Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino in 1956. They established what is now one of the most well-known dance companies in the world – Joffrey Ballet – that continues to tour extensively throughout the United States and around the world today!