The Joffrey has always been a touring company, dating back to 1956 and the original six dancers who initiated the “station wagon” tour of one-night stands with a repertoire of original ballets by artistic director Robert Joffrey. Together Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino created a uniquely American company of dancers for whom they choreographed original and relevant ballets, commissioned works from the finest emerging choreographers (giving many their first national exposure), and meticulously reconstructing some of the early masterworks of the 20th Century. The Joffrey remains a touring company, having performed in over 400 US cities in all 50 states; having represented the US in Afghanistan, Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Denmark, England, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Korea, Mexico, Portugal, Russia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Syria, Taiwan, and Turkey.
The Joffrey’s home theatre is the Chicago Auditorium where the company has a Fall, Holiday, Winter, and Spring seasons. Renowned for a remarkable repertory almost 300 ballets by more than 90 choreographers, the available “active” repertoire at any given time is largely based on what the company is currently performing in Chicago. A cross-section of repertoire representing ballets from the Diaghilev era, contemporary ballets, and, of course, the Joffrey”s Nutcracker, is usually available for tour.
The company is generally available for touring from fall through summer. The Joffrey typically tours with 40 dancers, 5 artistic staff, 2 administrative staff, a production crew of 1 technical director, 2 electricians, 1 lighting director, 1 sound, 1 props master, 1 master carpenter, 1 fly man, 2 wardrobe, 2 stage managers, 1 physical therapist, 1 conductor and 1 pianist.
For general technical specifications, please see “tech specs.”
If you are interested in bringing The Joffrey to your community and would like further information, please contact us so that we may add your city to our tour schedule. The Joffrey will be represented at the following booking conferences: Western Arts Alliance, Midwest Arts Alliance, Southern Arts Exchange, Association of Performing Arts Presenters, and the International Performing Arts Society.