One of the crown jewels of Chicago’s cultural realm, the Joffrey Ballet is celebrating it’s 20th year in the city in style.
Make It Better invited several of their graceful and talented dancers, draped in the most exquisite and unique jewels, to bring extra sparkle to this holiday season.
Though the company has been performing on tour in Chicago since 1957, it wasn’t until 1995 that former Artistic Director Gerald Arpino decided to relocate from New York City. At that point, Chicago had no major ballet company of its own, but Arpino recognized the possibility for success in a place with such a rich dance heritage.
Throughout the past two decades, the Joffrey has flourished into an integral part of the performing arts scene. For this anniversary season, storytelling is the focus of every production. Whether through iconic music, reimagining a familiar fantasy or portraying human relationships in a fresh way, each story is conveyed in an innovative manner.
“The Joffrey Ballet celebrates 20 years in the city of Chicago with a series of programs exploring the expressive power of dance,” says Ashley Wheater, Joffrey’s Artistic Director. “By telling stories drawn from diverse sources, by embracing our history and our future, we celebrate the voice and spirit of this great American city,”
This December, the Joffrey carries on one of Chicago’s most popular holiday traditions with the return of “The Nutcracker.” The fantastical ballet will take the stage at the historic Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University for two-dozen performances from December 5–28.
As winter draws to a close, the Joffrey will present a contemporary program, Unique Voices, featuring three company premieres from February 11–22: James Kudelka’s “The Man in Black” set to the music of Johnny Cash; Stanton Welch’s “Maninya;” and Alexander Ekman’s humorous “Tulle.” The season concludes with new works, including the Chicago premiere of New York City Ballet soloist Justin Peck’s “In Creases,” and “Evenfall” from the Joffrey’s own Ballet Master, Nicolas Blanc, shown from April 22 to May 3.
- On Brooke: white round and pear-shaped diamond Gypsy earrings, white round diamond Galaxy necklace, white round diamond Bombe ring, white round diamond three-row bangle, white round and marquise-cut diamond bracelet
- On Lucas: 45mm GraffStar Grand Date watch
- On Anastacia: white marquise cut and round diamond necklace in hair, white round diamond and round sap- phire Infinity necklace, white round diamond Infinity drop earrings, white round diamond eternity ring, BabyGraff Trilogy watch, white round diamond art deco bracelet with pear-shape diamonds
All prices upon request, Courtesy of Graff Diamonds.
On Christine: pearl and diamond bracelet in 18K white gold, price upon request; Paraiba tourmaline and sliced diamond necklace in 18K white gold and anchored by a 19 mm South Seas pearl, price upon request; diamond and 13mm South Seas pearl earrings in 18K white gold, price upon request; 18K white gold bracelet featuring six rows of diamonds, price upon request; jewelry provided by M.J. Miller & Co.; black tutu provided by Allegro Dance Boutique, Evanston and Barrington
- On Anastacia: Nanis 18K yellow gold and diamond rutilated quartz Ipanema Collection earrings, $3,859; Nanis diamond and rutilated quartz Ipanema Collection necklace set in 18K yellow gold, $8,114; Nanis diamond and rutilated quartz Ipanema Collection bracelet set in 18K yellow gold, price upon request
- On Lucas: David Yurman sterling silver exotic stone tag necklace with black onyx, $670; Rolex Explorer II watch, $8,100; David Yurman sterling silver pavé signet ring with black diamonds, $1,750
Jewelry provided by Razny Jewelers
- On Brooke: Graduated tanzanite necklace in 18K white gold, price upon request; Tanzanite bracelet, price upon request; 18K white gold and diamond earrings, price upon request; Pavé diamond ring, $9,895; jewelry provided by M.J. Miller & Co.
- On Miguel: David Yurman streamline tag necklace in black titanium and 18K yellow gold, $2,065; Breitling Bentley GMT Midnight with carbon black dial and black rubber strap, price upon request; David Yurman chevron cuff bracelet in sterling silver with 18K yellow gold accents, $1,350; David Yurman silver and onyx spiritual bead bracelet, $495; David Yurman chevron and sterling silver triple- wrap bracelet, $350; fewelry provided by Razny Jewelers
- On Dara: floral sapphire and diamond bracelet in 18K white gold, price upon request; floral diamond necklace in 18K white gold, price upon request; pearl-shaped diamond earrings, price upon request; twisted sapphire and diamond ring in 18K white gold, price upon request
- On Miguel: Seiko Astron GPS Solar watch, $3,400; 14K yellow gold and carbon fiber wedding band featuring a .05 carat diamond, price upon request; 18K yellow gold and platinum bracelet, price upon request
Jewelry provided by M.J. Miller & Co.
Hair and makeup stylists from Andreas Hogue Salon: Carla Makowski and Regina Fracasso
Photography: John Reilly Photography
With special thanks to Joffrey Ballet; Sarah Fiala, Marketing Director; Gerard Charles, Ballet Master; and dancers Miguel Blanco, Anastacia Holden, Dara Holmes, Brooke Linford, Christine Rocas, Lucas Segovia
