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Joffrey Ballet

The Taming of the Shrew
Iambic Pentameter? No way! In the spirit of the popular musical comedy, ‘Kiss Me Kate,’ this is both a fiendishly virtuosic ballet in the classical, storytelling tradition, and a raucous, rollicking, refreshingly uproarious comedy. Think, “Lucy and Ricky Ricardo meet Laurel and Hardy” – in tights!
The Nutcracker
The world’s most beautiful music… a touching story of love, joy, and dreams-come-true… spectacular scenery, lavish Victorian costumes, mice and toys come-to-life… and, of course, the acclaimed artists of The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago… It just wouldn’t be the holidays without the one-and-only Joffrey Nutcracker!
The Diaghilev Dynasty
This exceptional anthology explores the rich legacy of legendary Russian impresario Serge Diaghilev, who introduced the world to Nijinsky, the original Ballets Russes, and some of the most wonderfully imaginative ballets of all time:
Les Noces
  Diaghilev treasured Les Noces as the most beautiful ballet ever created under his aegis. Four – yes, four! – grand pianos accompany this vibrant interpretation of the rituals and revelry of an ancient Russian peasant wedding.  
  Parade  
  This charming circus-themed ballet – a particular favorite of the King Alfonso XIII of Spain! – is the product of an unprecedented collaboration by three of the most visionary and revolutionary artists of the Twentieth Century.  
  Le Sacre du Printemps  
  Its first performance incited riots in the streets of Paris. Although we cannot promise civil disobedience, we do guarantee that by its frenzied, thundering climax, audiences will most definitely be on their feet! Don’t miss this “lost” Diaghilev masterpiece, meticulously resurrected to its original soul-shattering brilliance.  
Encore, Arpino!
We couldn’t think of a more magnificent season finale than a full program of all-time favorite Arpino classics – and a band new work by our beloved founder and artistic director!
Italian Suite
  This lush, lyrical, classically inspired showcase for 17 of The Joffrey’s world-class performers is as fresh and delightful today as it was at its New York and Los Angeles debuts 20 years ago.  
  World Premiere  
  New York Times critic Anna Kisselgoff has declared, “I have often seen newcomers to the ballet seduced into loving the entire art form simply because Mr. Arpino’s accessibility seizes their imagination.” We know just how she feels!  
  L'Air d' esprit  
  “I wish I could have lifted her to the sky and left her there suspended with the stars in heaven, for a star on earth she surely was” said a favorite partner of the exalted Russian ballerina Olga Spéssivtzeva. Mr. Arpino pays tribute in his own unique way with this breathtakingly lovely pas de deux.  
  Suite Saint-Saens  
  The irreverent, irrepressible and wildly popular American Broadway and concert dance maker Agnes de Mille pronounced Suite Saint-Saëns “straight bravura dancing and bravura choreography…watching is like standing in a flight of meteors.”  
  Light Rain  
  The single most-requested work of the hundreds that comprise The Joffrey’s repertoire, Light Rain is quintessential Arpino: Inventive, youthful, passionate, and hot, hot, hot!  
Programs and artists are subject to change.