Las Vegas, NV – Mar 24, 2026 — The Joffrey Ballet School in New York City is proud to announce the continuation of its Artistic Collaboration with Cirque du Soleil Casting (CDS), now entering its 8th year as part of the School’s Las Vegas Summer Intensives. This unique artistic collaboration connects students with one of the world’s most influential live entertainment companies, offering unparalleled exposure to the artistry, athleticism, and creative innovation that define Cirque du Soleil.
Originally developed through the Joffrey Cirque Arts Summer Intensive, the artistic collaboration now expands across the School’s Las Vegas Ballet, Jazz & Contemporary, and Cirque Arts Intensives, allowing a broader community of dancers to experience the creative ecosystem of the Las Vegas performance industry.
Throughout the summer, students will engage with the artistic world of Cirque du Soleil through exclusive experiences tied to three of the company’s celebrated Las Vegas productions: Mystère, KÀ, and Michael Jackson ONE.
During Week One (July 6–10), Ballet Program students will attend a live performance of Mystère by Cirque du Soleil and participate in behind-the-scenes experiences including backstage access and opportunities to meet members of the cast.
In Week Two (July 13–17), students from the Ballet, Jazz & Contemporary, and Cirque Arts programs will attend a performance of KÀ, one of Cirque du Soleil’s most technically ambitious productions. Cirque Arts students will also have the opportunity to observe professional training sessions, gaining insight into the physical preparation and rehearsal processes that support the company’s world-class productions. Faculty and guest artists for the Cirque Arts program include Tiffany Baker, Hanifa Jackson, Grégoire Pennes, Alio Fan, Kerren McKeeman, Phillip Kismartoni, and Masashi Kitamura, several of whom are current or former Cirque du Soleil artists, providing students with direct insight into the training and performance standards of the company.
During Week Three (July 20–24), Jazz & Contemporary students will attend Michael Jackson ONE, an electrifying production blending dance, acrobatics, and immersive visual storytelling. Participants will take part in cast meet-and-greet opportunities and gain insight into the training and performance demands of commercial dance within large-scale theatrical productions. Faculty for the Jazz & Contemporary program include Allison Burke, Tiffany Baker, Jose Suarez, Tyrese Parker, and Justin S.M. Bryant, several of whom are current or former Cirque du Soleil artists performing in Michael Jackson ONE.
“This artistic collaboration represents an extraordinary opportunity for our students,” said Maximilien Baud, Co-Artistic Director of the Joffrey Ballet School Las Vegas Intensives. “Las Vegas is the entertainment capital of the world, and there is no better place to bridge the worlds of concert dance, commercial dance, and the breathtaking, high-flying artistry of circus arts. Working alongside the creative vision of Cirque du Soleil allows young performers to see firsthand how classical training, contemporary movement, acrobatics, and theatrical storytelling merge in today’s global entertainment landscape — all grounded in the historical legacy and artistic backbone of the Joffrey Ballet School. It expands their understanding of what a professional performance career can truly look like.”
The Joffrey Cirque Arts Summer Intensive, led by Artistic Directors Matthew Prescott and Maximilien Baud, remains a cornerstone of the School’s summer programming in Las Vegas. By extending this artistic collaboration across multiple Las Vegas programs, the Joffrey Ballet School continues to broaden pathways for emerging artists, connecting rigorous training with real-world industry experiences.
Learn more about the Las Vegas Summer Intensives:
- Joffrey Cirque Arts Intensive: https://www.joffreyballetschool.com/summer-intensives/joffrey-cirque-arts-las-vegas
- Joffrey Las Vegas Ballet: https://www.joffreyballetschool.com/summer-intensives/joffrey-las-vegas-ballet
- Joffrey Las Vegas Jazz & Contemporary: https://www.joffreyballetschool.com/summer-intensives/joffrey-las-vegas-jazz-and-contemporary
About Cirque du Soleil Casting
Cirque du Soleil Casting is responsible for identifying, recruiting, and supporting the exceptional talent that brings Cirque du Soleil productions to life. Working globally, the Casting team scouts and evaluates performers across multiple backgrounds including circus arts, sport, dance, music, singing, and acting. Through a network of scouts, auditions, partnerships, and talent development initiatives, Casting connects world class performers with the artistic teams creating and operating Cirque du Soleil’s shows. By sourcing talent from diverse communities around the world, the department helps ensure that each production reflects the creativity, excellence, and innovation that define Cirque du Soleil.
About Joffrey Ballet School:
The Joffrey Ballet School is a renowned dance institution based in New York City. Dance visionaries Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino founded the school in 1953, offering a world-class training program that celebrates boundary-breaking performances and commitment to artistic excellence. The Joffrey Ballet School continues to shape the future of dance through innovative training programs that prepare students to confidently pursue a career in dance throughout the worlds of concert and commercial dance.
Each summer, the Joffrey Ballet School welcomes dancers from around the world to its Summer Intensives held in New York City and Las Vegas. These immersive training programs offer students the opportunity to study a wide range of disciplines including ballet, jazz and contemporary, hip hop, musical theater, tap, and cirque arts. Through collaborations with leading industry professionals and performance organizations, students gain valuable insight into the evolving landscape of professional dance and live entertainment.
Media Contact:
Joffrey Ballet School, Maria Zamri, marketing@joffreyballetschool.com
