FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Joffrey Concert Group Celebrates 45 Years of Artistic Excellence in 2026
New York, NY – July 14, 2025 – The Joffrey Ballet School proudly announces the upcoming 45th Anniversary of the Joffrey Concert Group, a milestone celebration honoring nearly five decades of performance, education, and innovation in concert dance. Founded in the early 1970s and incorporated as a not-for-profit in 1981, the Joffrey Concert Group has become one of the foremost pre-professional dance companies in the United States, bridging the gap between intensive dance training and professional performance careers.
Under the artistic leadership of Bradley Shelver, the Joffrey Concert Group serves as the resident dance company of the Joffrey Ballet School. Comprised of dancers from the School’s prestigious year-round Trainee Program, the company provides a rigorous and immersive professional experience—mirroring the demands of a professional company and preparing dancers to meet them with confidence and artistry.
“For 45 years, the Joffrey Concert Group has embodied the values of artistic curiosity, versatility, and excellence” said Frank Lee Merwin, Executive Director of the Joffrey Ballet School. “This anniversary is not just a celebration of our past, it is an opportunity to define our future. We can’t wait to continue expanding our story, deepening our impact, and inspiring the next generation of concert dance artists.”
Throughout its history, the Joffrey Concert Group has performed an acclaimed repertory that spans the classical and contemporary works. Notable works include Gerald Arpino’s Birthday Variations and Light Rain, George Balanchine’s Serenade, Robert Battle’s Battlefield, and new commissions by Bradley Shelver, Dwight Rhoden, Omar Román De Jesús, Ken Ossola, and many more. The ensemble has toured nationally and internationally, and its alumni have gone on to join leading companies such as Miami City Ballet, Boston Ballet, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, the Forsythe Company, Martha Graham Dance Company, Dance Theatre of Harlem, and the Joffrey Ballet.
The Joffrey Concert Group continues its mission to support the next generation of professional dancers and choreographers through a dynamic blend of performance, education, and community engagement. With a strong focus on emerging voices and collaborative growth, the company continues to offer two cornerstone initiatives: the Creative Movers Choreographic Initiative (CMCI) and the ICONS Dance Festival.
Held annually, the Creative Movers Choreographic Initiative is an open call for choreographers to develop original work in a professional setting. Selected artists are awarded a $2,500 stipend, access to rehearsal space, a 40-hour creative residency, and the unique opportunity to set their work on the 20 versatile and highly trained dancers of the Joffrey Concert Group. The program culminates in a performance that provides valuable exposure and fosters creative risk-taking in a supportive environment.
The Joffrey Concert Group also produces the annual ICONS Dance Festival, a vibrant weekend of performances and masterclasses featuring some of New York’s most esteemed and historic dance companies. Since its inception in 2022, the Joffrey Concert Group has shared the stage with iconic institutions such as Ballet Hispánico and Limón2. ICONS Dance Festival is not only a celebration of dance—it is an opportunity for dancers to learn from each other, explore diverse movement traditions, and build lasting communities through collaboration.
As part of its ongoing commitment to education and community engagement, the Joffrey Concert Group actively cultivates partnerships with schools and arts organizations across the country. The company presents annual lecture-demonstrations at Newark Arts High School, offering students direct exposure to professional dance training and performance. It also collaborates with students at The University of Akron through masterclasses and joint performance opportunities that foster artistic exchange and mentorship.
In addition, the company’s dedication to accessibility and collaboration extends beyond the studio and stage. The Joffrey Concert Group partners with a range of innovative arts organizations and institutions—including Vildwerk, ArtBath, Earl Mosley’s Diversity of Dance, and Bryant Park—to expand access to dance and support emerging voices in the field. These partnerships create meaningful opportunities for dialogue, performance, and education, furthering the company’s impact within the broader arts ecosystem.
Through these initiatives and more, the Joffrey Concert Group reaffirms its role as a vital force in the development of emerging artists and the continued evolution of the dance field.
“As we look toward our 45th year, I am filled with excitement and gratitude,” said Bradley Shelver, Artistic Director of the Joffrey Concert Group. “Each generation of dancers brings something new to the stage—passion, vision, and commitment. 2026 will be a transformative year for us as we celebrate our legacy and push toward new creative horizons.”
For updates and more information, visit: www.joffreyconcertgroupnyc.com
Media Contact:
Joffrey Concert Group NYC
info@joffreyconcertgroupnyc.com
Publicity:
Audrey Ross
audreyrosspub@aol.com
