The Grainger Academy of The Joffrey Ballet’s 15th annual Winning Works Choreographic Competition is set to showcase five world premieres that are guaranteed to stir things up. This annual event, which highlights ALAANA (African, Latinx, Asian, Arab, and Native American) choreographers, gives a fresh platform to voices that are shaping the future of ballet. With a diverse lineup of choreographers, each bringing their own cultural and creative vision, this competition promises to be a thrilling evening of movement, music, and innovation.
This year’s roster of choreographers includes Karley Childress, Roderick George (who’s been awarded the Zach Lazar Winning Works Fellowship), Shota Miyoshi, Alejandro Perez, and Keelan Whitmore—each an artist with a unique perspective. The pieces they’re creating for this year’s competition promise to challenge expectations, stretch the boundaries of ballet, and leave you thinking long after the curtain falls.
Karley Childress: I’m excited to see what Childress brings to the table. Known for her ability to blend expressive movement with innovative storytelling, her piece will surely offer a fresh take on contemporary ballet. Expect a performance that pushes boundaries and feels completely new.
Roderick George: Soul Cry is a deeply personal piece, and with George’s talent for emotional storytelling, I’m eager to see how he brings themes of freedom and struggle to life. The haunting score—featuring strings that will no doubt tug at your heart—will only elevate the raw emotion George is known for.
Shota Miyoshi: Miyoshi’s choreography is always a treat to watch. He has this incredible ability to weave narrative into his movement, blending his cultural heritage with modern dance in a way that feels both intimate and expansive. I’m expecting a piece that’s not just visually stunning but full of meaning.
- Alejandro Perez: LUSI promises to be a high-energy piece that strikes a perfect balance between music and movement. With a commissioned score by Cody W. Perkins, Perez’s work is bound to be a visual feast that engages the audience from start to finish. I’m looking forward to the interaction between the dancers and the music—it’s bound to be electrifying.
Keelan Whitmore: Sea Change caught my attention right away. Whitmore’s exploration of nature’s cycles through dance feels like it could be something truly transformative. The fluidity of his movement paired with themes of renewal and change makes me think this could be a showstopper.
Each choreographer’s work will be performed by the talented dancers of The Grainger Academy of The Joffrey Ballet Conservatory, Trainees, and Joffrey Studio Company, bringing their vision to life with the full force of their training and skill. The commissioned scores are an exciting addition, as they create a fusion of dance and music that feels completely fresh.
It’s clear that Winning Works isn’t just about showcasing talent—it’s about giving these emerging choreographers the space to experiment, innovate, and take risks. The diversity of voices and experiences represented here makes this year’s competition an unmissable opportunity to see ballet evolve before your eyes.
Performances run from March 14 to March 23, 2025, at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago’s Edlis Neeson Theater, before moving to the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek for performances June 1–29. If you’re looking for something that challenges the norms and offers a glimpse of the future of ballet, this is definitely the show to catch.
