Weighty “Winning Works”

By Flo Mano with Wes Hessel

The Grainger Academy of The Joffrey Ballet has its 15th anniversary celebration of “The Winning Works”, featuring five world premieres at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) from March 14th to 23rd. This year’s anniversary competition has resulted in the selection of exceptional artists whose works embody a pioneering spirit and diverse perspectives. The Joffrey actively sought submissions from artists representing the African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, and Native American (ALAANA) commitment to inclusivity and artistic excellence.

The first piece “Luisi”, choreographed by Alejandro Perez and dedicated to his childhood friend, was mesmerizing as the dancers came in at an angle with lit candles – esoteric and playful. Shota Miyosh’s work “Jive Five” was a striking jazz/ballet mix of choreography and music to boot. “Beteshit”, by choreographer Karla Childress, is a linear portrayal of the beginning…discovering…illuminating…tribulations.

George Roderick’s “Soulcry” is a deep, sensual, freeform choreography-layered acrobatic ballet with strong and subtle intensity – cerebral; captivating from beginning to end. The last piece, “Sea Change” by Keenan Whitmore, was inspired by Kafka’s “Metamorphosis” and has the feel of a structured militant precision theatricality. In testimony to the great art of The Joffrey, “The Winning Works” is, unfortunately, already sold out for the remaining shows, but for their upcoming dance excellence, please see their website at www.joffrey.org.

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