Joffrey’s Winning Works Celebrates 15 Years
The Grainger Academy of The Joffrey Ballet celebrates the 15th anniversary of its choreographic competition, Winning Works, with five world premieres over two weekends this spring. This year’s competition winners—Karley Childress, Roderick George (Recipient of the Zach Lazar Winning Works Fellowship), Shota Miyoshi, Alejandro Perez, and Keelan Whitmore—each will present an original work created for the Grainger Academy of The Joffrey Ballet Conservatory, Trainees, and Joffrey Studio Company.
The 2025 world premieres mark the culmination of Joffrey’s national call for ALAANA (African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, and Native American) artists to submit applications for the competition. Now celebrating 15 years, former winners of the Winning Works competition include Jeffrey Cirio (2016), current Lead Principal Dancer with Boston Ballet; Chanel DaSilva (2020), who choreographed a critically acclaimed world premiere for Joffrey’s 2022-23 season opener, Beyond Borders; Houston Thomas (2024), who returned to the Grainger Academy to choreograph For Mr. Ramsey Lewis, presented at Ravinia Festival; Amy Hall Garner (2011), the choreographer of the free touring work for families, Rita Finds Home,co-produced by The Joffrey Ballet and Miami City Ballet; and Stephanie Martinez (2015), a featured choreographer on the Joffrey’s winter program, The Times Are Racing.
“Winning Works has always been about propelling artists into the next phase of their professional dance journeys,” says Abbott Academy Director Suzanne Lopez. “For this special anniversary, we have selected artists who exemplify the innovative spirit of the Winning Works program. Karley, Roderick, Shota, Alejandro, and Keelan offer fresh perspectives and boundless creativity. Their world premieres, crafted in collaboration with the Grainger Academy of The Joffrey Ballet Conservatory, Trainees, and Joffrey Studio Company, promise to captivate audiences with exceptional artistry in this landmark year.”
“Reflecting on the profound impact of Winning Works, it’s remarkable to see how it has shaped the careers of emerging artists globally,” shares The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE. “This program has built a reputation for nurturing the next wave of talent, empowering dancers to take charge of their careers—from the rehearsal studio to the spotlight and into leadership roles. Suzanne has curated an impressive lineup this year, featuring artists ready to push boundaries and challenge our students to explore new, creative approaches to dance. The distinctive viewpoints of these choreographers will undoubtedly drive this program forward, solidifying its role as a catalyst for innovation in dance.”
“Our commitment to creating opportunities for artists from diverse backgrounds has truly enriched our institutions and our city,” adds Joffrey Ballet President and CEO Greg Cameron. “This milestone achievement is a testament to the invaluable partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art and the unforgettable moments shared with audiences at the Edlis Neeson Theater. Our shared vision of nurturing the next generation of artists has never been stronger, and we look forward to continuing this vital work together.”
With an added performance due to popular demand, Winning Works will be presented at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago’s Edlis Neeson Theater (220 E. Chicago Avenue) in nine performances over two weekends, Friday-Sunday, March 14-16, and Thursday-Sunday, March 20-23, 2025. Tickets for Winning Works are $35 and are currently on sale at joffrey.org/winningworks.
For more information on the Grainger Academy of The Joffrey Ballet and its programs, please visit joffrey.org/academy.
