JoffreyNEXT, a debut event for The Joffrey Ballet to support aspiring young dancers. (Photo courtesy of The Joffrey Ballet)
The Women’s Board of The Joffrey Ballet debuted JoffreyNEXT, a fundraising event held on Oct. 22 at the Lyric Opera House. The event drew an enthusiastic crowd of 215 supporters and raised over $180,000 to fuel programs that bring dance education to young people across Chicago.
Joffrey Artistic Director Ashley Wheater in conversation with Houston Thomas. (Photo by Purple Photo Co.)
JoffreyNEXT showcased the remarkable talents of students in Joffrey’s Community Engagement programs and the Grainger Academy, thrilling guests with powerful performances that included “This Town” by Community Engagement Program Coordinator Carly Liegel, “Woman” by Teaching Artist Michelle Skiba and “For Mr. Ramsey Lewis” by Winning Works Choreographer Houston Thomas.
The Joffrey Ballet President/CEO, Greg Cameron, with Joffrey Women's Board members. (Photo Purple Photo Co.)
The program reached an inspirational high point when Thomas joined The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE on stage for a conversation about his journey through Joffrey’s Community Engagement, Academy and Company pathways.
Longtime dancer supporter and former dancer, Patti Eylar, with Ashley Wheater. (Purple Photo Co. photo)
Throughout the evening, attendees enjoyed a lively reception with cocktails and appetizers by Jewell Catering, luxe raffle prizes and exquisite décor by Kehoe Designs, all set to the elegant backdrop of Lyric Opera House.
Leading the charge for JoffreyNEXT were event co-chairs Anna Assenmacher and Kyoko Crawford, alongside Women’s Board President Farissa Knox, all dedicated to enhancing Joffrey’s community impact and fulfill its mission to create pathways into dance for future generations.
Proceeds from this debut event, JoffreyNEXT, will directly benefit programs that nurture young dancers and provide scholarships, access and a creative community.
(The event was made possible by Producing Sponsors Make it Better Foundation, D. Elizabeth Price and Robert’s Pizza and Dough Company.)
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.