Joffrey ballet to keep audience on its toes

Powerhouse athletes will be gracing the stage at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the IU Auditorium as “America’s Ballet Company of Firsts,” the Joffrey Ballet, makes its Bloomington appearance.

The Joffrey Ballet is known as one of America’s premier ballet companies. It was the first dance company to perform at the White House by invitation from first lady Jackie Kennedy, the first to appear on television and the first American ballet company to visit Russia.

With a new home in the Joffrey Tower in downtown Chicago, the Joffrey Ballet has made its mark on the ballet world.

It has choreographed world performances, as well as classical ballets such as “Cinderella” and “The Nutcracker.” The company has also been featured in a variety of films such as “Save the Last Dance” and “The Company.”

Tuesday’s performances at the auditorium will include “Reflections,” with music by Tchaikovsky; “Smile with my heart,” with music by Richard Rogers; “Sea Shadow,” with music by Ravel; and “Age of innocence,” with music by Phillip Glass.

Before the performance, there will be a preshow talk with Michael Vernon, chairman of the Department of Ballet at the IU Jacobs School of Music, at 7 p.m. in the Neal-Marshall Grand Hall.

Vernon will discuss his experiences with American dance and ballet companies, including the Joffrey Ballet. The talk is free and open to the public.

The Joffrey Ballet has also organized a master class for ballet majors at the Jacobs School of Music that will take place Tuesday.

Tickets can be purchased at the auditorium box office or at www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets for students are $10 to $30 with valid student ID and $20 to $35 for general admission.
    
— Isabel Dieppa