The Joffrey Ballet is a world-renowned, American based contemporary ballet company. Founded in 1956 by Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, the Joffrey Ballet is dedicated to artistic excellence and innovation. The company has roots in classical ballet but also performs a variety of modern and contemporary works.
Robert Joffrey was born in Seattle, Washington in 1930. He began studying dance at the age of seven and soon began creating his own works.
He moved to New York City in his late teens to pursue a career in dance. It was here that he met Gerald Arpino, who would become his lifelong collaborator and co-founder of the Joffrey Ballet.
The two men formed the Joffrey Ballet Company in 1956 with a mission to bring modern dance to audiences across America. They wanted to create an American style of ballet that combined elements from both classical ballet and modern dance. Their first performance was on October 24th, 1956 at New York City’s City Center Theatre.
The company quickly gained attention for its unique blend of old-world classics and innovative modern works. Its repertoire over the years has included such iconic pieces as “Astarte,” “Trinity,” and “The Green Table.” The Joffrey Ballet has toured extensively throughout the United States, Europe, South America, Asia and Australia, performing for millions of people around the world.
In 1988 Robert Joffrey died unexpectedly at the age of 58 due to complications from AIDS-related illnesses but Gerald Arpino continued to lead the company until his death in 2008 at age 85. The current artistic director is Ashley Wheater who was appointed by Arpino shortly before his death.
Under Wheater’s leadership, the Joffrey Ballet continues to create new works while maintaining its commitment to artistic excellence and innovation that Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino envisioned when starting the company over sixty years ago.
Conclusion: Who started the Joffrey Ballet? Robert Joffrey founded it together with his lifelong collaborator Gerald Arpino in 1956 with a mission to bring modern dance to audiences across America.