Joffrey History | Artist Detail | Management
Willy Shives joined the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago in August 1999, after having performed with many American ballet companies, including Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Milwaukee Ballet, Tulas Ballet Theatre, Minnesota Dance Theatre, Ballet Austin, Grand Rapids Ballet and the St. Louis Ballet.
Mr. Shives began studying ballet at age nine under the direction of Doria Avilla at the Rio Grand Valley Ballet in Texas. He went on to study with Southern Methodist University, the School of American Ballet, Houston Ballet Academy, and the Harkness Ballet School in New York City,
In addition to performing, Mr. Shives conducts ballet classes and master classes around the country and has staged and directed several ballets including Loyce Houlton’s Ancient Air and Lynne Taylor-Corbett’s Appearances.