It is the end of an era. But it also is the first page of the next chapter in the remarkable history of the Joffrey Ballet -- one of the great American dance institutions.
April 13, 2007 (Press Release) --
Effective July 1, Gerald Arpino, a co-founder, choreographer and artistic director of the Joffrey Ballet, will be named artistic director emeritus of the company he established 50 years ago with Robert Joffrey. A major international search for his successor is now under way.
"We were two young Americans with an American dream," said Arpino, who at 84 still revels in watching his dancers rehearse and perform, and in advising them on the finer points of their technique. "We proved that if you have the talent, and the lifelong commitment to your art that is essential, you can accomplish great things."
The transition from a founding father to the next generation comes at a crucial moment for the Joffrey. Twelve years after its move from New York to Chicago, construction on its new permanent home in a condominium tower at State and Randolph is heading toward completion. More than $19 million has been raised in a $35 million capital campaign. And in recent weeks, Adam Sklute and Mark Goldweber -- two of the four-person team now at the helm of the Joffrey's day-to-day artistic operations -- have announced they will be leaving for Salt Lake City's Ballet West. (Staying put are Joffrey alums Cameron Basden and Chartel Arthur.)
"I think the timing is right for Gerry," said Pam Strobel, chairman of the Joffrey board's succession planning committee. "He is a unique person, for whom everyone in the company has love and respect, and this is a way of assuring his legacy and the future development of the company."
Arpino's place in the company has been assured for life. His many ballets (among them, "Viva Vivaldi!," "Kettentanz" and "Light Rain") will remain in the repertory. And he -- along with about 10 board members, executive director Jon H. Teeuwissen and two dancer representatives -- will be involved in the selection process. That process will be led by Toronto-based headhunter Dory Vanderhoof of Genovese Vanderhoof & Associates, who was instrumental in tapping Jim Vincent as founder Lou Conte's successor at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago.
As for the qualities any potential candidate must possess, Strobel explained: "Above all, a respect and understanding of the special place of the Joffrey in the ballet world, but also someone not afraid to take risks -- to do the new and different kinds of things that Joffrey and Arpino did when they started the company.
"We want someone exciting and emotional and in tune with the way this company reaches the hearts of its audience. The person must have been a dancer, and from there, either a choreographer, teacher or artistic director."
"We were two young Americans with an American dream," said Arpino, who at 84 still revels in watching his dancers rehearse and perform, and in advising them on the finer points of their technique. "We proved that if you have the talent, and the lifelong commitment to your art that is essential, you can accomplish great things."
The transition from a founding father to the next generation comes at a crucial moment for the Joffrey. Twelve years after its move from New York to Chicago, construction on its new permanent home in a condominium tower at State and Randolph is heading toward completion. More than $19 million has been raised in a $35 million capital campaign. And in recent weeks, Adam Sklute and Mark Goldweber -- two of the four-person team now at the helm of the Joffrey's day-to-day artistic operations -- have announced they will be leaving for Salt Lake City's Ballet West. (Staying put are Joffrey alums Cameron Basden and Chartel Arthur.)
"I think the timing is right for Gerry," said Pam Strobel, chairman of the Joffrey board's succession planning committee. "He is a unique person, for whom everyone in the company has love and respect, and this is a way of assuring his legacy and the future development of the company."
Arpino's place in the company has been assured for life. His many ballets (among them, "Viva Vivaldi!," "Kettentanz" and "Light Rain") will remain in the repertory. And he -- along with about 10 board members, executive director Jon H. Teeuwissen and two dancer representatives -- will be involved in the selection process. That process will be led by Toronto-based headhunter Dory Vanderhoof of Genovese Vanderhoof & Associates, who was instrumental in tapping Jim Vincent as founder Lou Conte's successor at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago.
As for the qualities any potential candidate must possess, Strobel explained: "Above all, a respect and understanding of the special place of the Joffrey in the ballet world, but also someone not afraid to take risks -- to do the new and different kinds of things that Joffrey and Arpino did when they started the company.
"We want someone exciting and emotional and in tune with the way this company reaches the hearts of its audience. The person must have been a dancer, and from there, either a choreographer, teacher or artistic director."
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