Joffrey Ballet Wraps 'American Icons'
The Joffrey Ballet's "American Icons" program concluded its run at the Lyric Opera House on March 1. The tribute to 20th-century choreographers drew a significant crowd of Chicago's artistic, business, and philanthropic leaders, marking a strong return for large-scale cultural events.
The "American Icons" program celebrated the Joffrey's 70th anniversary by showcasing works from choreographers central to its identity, including co-founder Gerald Arpino and founding dancer Glen Tetley. The program also honored modern dance pioneer Martha Graham, who was a significant influence on all the featured choreographers. The selection of pieces highlights a pivotal era in the mid-20th century when these artists were blending classical ballet with a new, modern movement vocabulary. The program carried a distinctly international flavor, reflecting the global careers of its creators. Glen Tetley, for whom 2026 marks a centennial, was highly influential in European dance, directing the Stuttgart Ballet and creating works for major companies like The Royal Ballet in England. Martha Graham, the first dancer to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, acted as a cultural ambassador abroad, with her company acclaimed in over 50 countries. The inclusion of Arpino's Vienna-inspired "Kettentanz" and Robert Joffrey's Parisian "Postcards" further underscored this transatlantic dialogue. The Joffrey’s connection to Chicago's business and civic leadership is robust, with a board that recently welcomed former U.S. Ambassador to Japan and Chicago Mayor, Rahm Emanuel. The company's leadership includes Board Chair James D. McDonough and The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director, Ashley Wheater MBE. This strong backing ensures the company remains a pillar of the city's cultural landscape. The setting, Chicago's Lyric Opera House, offers an experience of discreet luxury befitting its world-class performances. Beyond the 3,276-seat Ardis Krainik Theatre, the venue boasts several private spaces for hosting VIPs, including the William B. and Catherine Graham Room, composed of five adjoining salons, and the more intimate, art-deco Malott Room. These exclusive areas provide refined environments for pre-performance gatherings or private receptions. Following "American Icons," the Joffrey's season continues with its "Winning Works" choreographic showcase from March 13-22. Later in the season, the company will present the Chicago premiere of Yuri Possokhov's "Eugene Onegin" from June 4-14, 2026, offering another high-caliber production for culturally discerning patrons.
