FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Joffrey Ballet School Forms Partnership with Orza Brand, Makers of the Patented Orza Pro™ Ballet Shoe, Enhancing Wellness, Support, and Training Resources for Dancers
New York, NY – Dec 3, 2025 – The Joffrey Ballet School of New York City is proud to announce a new partnership with Orza Brand, a leader in innovative dance footwear and performance technology. At the Joffrey Ballet School, we believe that dancers deserve tools that honor both the body and the art. As training becomes more demanding and movement grows more athletic, footwear can support alignment, ease impact, and protect the dancer beneath the choreography. Our partnership with Orza Brand reflects our commitment to nurturing dancers with resources that sustain their growth, their health, and their future in the studio and on stage.
“This partnership reflects our ongoing dedication to supporting dancers with tools that protect their bodies. I have always found it shocking that while footwear technology generally has evolved dramatically over the past several decades, to protect the wearer and improve performance, ballet shoes have remained virtually unchanged for over a century,” said Frank Lee Merwin, Executive Director of the Joffrey Ballet School. “Orza’s commitment to innovation aligns beautifully with our mission, and we are thrilled to welcome them into the Joffrey Ballet School family.”
As part of this partnership, Joffrey Concert Group company members will wear Orza Pro™ shoes for their 2025–2026 season, gifted during this holiday period—an investment in both performance and dancer well-being.
“Our dancers rehearse and perform with exceptional athletic intensity, and the right footwear can make a meaningful difference in how they sustain their training each day. Orza offers a level of support that strengthens the work we do in the studio and on stage, and we are pleased to introduce a resource that aligns with our commitment to excellence and care.” said Bradley Shelver, Artistic Director of the Joffrey Concert Group.
Beginning Summer 2026, Orza Brand will host pop-up fittings and product activations at all 24 Joffrey Ballet School Summer Intensives worldwide, bringing access, education, and expert fitting guidance directly to students. In addition, exclusive Orza discount codes will be available at all Joffrey Ballet School audition locations across 150+ cities worldwide starting January of 2026, as well as at the monthly flagship audition pop-ups at the Joffrey Ballet School Manhattan studios.
Why Orza Matters for Joffrey Ballet School Dancers
The Orza Pro™ ballet shoe offers our dancers support, softness in impact, and a sense of stability that echoes the care we place in their training and well being. The design blends the timeless look of a traditional ballet slipper with thoughtful technology that helps distribute force, encourage alignment, and honor the body as it learns, rehearses, and performs. This partnership reflects our belief that dancers deserve tools that protect their strength while nurturing their artistry, allowing them to grow with confidence throughout their study and into their careers.
This partnership offers our dancers the opportunity to explore Orza Pro™ footwear and related resources as part of the Joffrey Ballet School’s ongoing commitment to wellness, education, and thoughtful training support. Dancers, students, and company members may choose what best suits their technique, comfort, and personal needs, and this partnership will not replace existing footwear preferences or traditions. Our intention is to expand access, not expectation, and to welcome innovation in a way that honors individuality and the many paths a dancer may take.
Beginning Spring 2026, the Joffrey Ballet School Health and Wellness Office will also offer educational support, resources, and integration guidance for dancers transitioning into Orza footwear.
“Injury prevention and smart training tools are essential to dancer longevity,” said Karla Beltchenko, Director of Health and Wellness at the Joffrey Ballet School. “We are excited to share information about Orza products so dancers can make informed decisions that sustain their training and career.”
About Orza Brand
Engineered by former Principal Dancer Seth Orza who experienced first hand the need for better, smarter dance equipment, Orza Pro™ ballet shoes are designed to meet the fit, style, and performance requirements of today’s dancers. The Orza Pro™ 2.0 utilizes patented technology to create a multi-layered cushioning system to evenly distribute shock force, while a TPU injected heel counter provides stability without compromising flexibility. Orza Pro™ shoes preserve the timeless aesthetic of traditional slippers while incorporating patented sneaker technology, redefining dance footwear for the modern era.
Learn more: www.orzabrand.com
