Art

Why Joffrey Ballet Is Only Now Making Work To Stream

Staging a full-length performance digitally “would break the bank,” says artistic director Ashley Wheater, who doesn’t really like streamed dance much. “I’m embracing it because there’s nothing else, but it wouldn’t be my choice. … [Nevertheless,] if it’s the right content, it can be really powerful.” – Chicago Magazine
Tags: Art, Dance, Ashley Wheater, 02.22.21

Sure, There Are Zillions Onscreen, But Nutcracker Season Doesn’t Feel Real This Year

And that’s a problem for the future. The Nutcracker is “the production that helps make a lot of others possible. That holiday ballet can account for 20% of many companies’ ticket sales, and, in the case of a major company like Chicago’s Joffrey, about half of its annual earned revenue. Ashley Wheater, the artistic director of The Joffrey, told us the company has lost more than $12 million in earnings during the pandemic and has had to cancel newer works they had planned.” – NPR
Tags: Art, Chicago, Dance, Joffrey, Ashley Wheater, 12.12.20

How Ashley Wheater Keeps The Joffrey Ballet's Dancers Content And Creative

"In the ballet world, 'shut up and learn the steps,' I think is an archaic sentence." Reporter Kate MacArthur does a Q&A with the Joffrey's artistic director.
Tags: Art, Dance, Joffrey, Ashley Wheater, 04.13.17, Kate MacArthur