New York City, NY– Jul 6, 2026 – Joffrey Ballet School is proud to welcome back Angelica Stiskin as Artistic Director of its Jazz & Contemporary Concentration for the Pre-Professional Trainee Program beginning Fall 2026, following the completion of her graduate studies in Education Leadership at Harvard University.
A longtime leader within the Joffrey community, Stiskin returns with renewed vision to lead one of the School’s flagship pre-professional programs, continuing to cultivate versatile, innovative, and career-ready artists. Her expanded perspective in educational leadership further strengthens the School’s commitment to excellence in dance training and the future of arts education.
“Angelica has an extraordinary ability to inspire artistic exploration, confidence, and authenticity in every student she teaches,” said Meg Paul, Dean of the Joffrey Ballet School. “She creates an environment where dancers are challenged to grow not only as performers, but as thoughtful artists and collaborators. We are excited to welcome her back as she continues to shape the future of our Jazz & Contemporary Concentration in the Trainee Program.”
Photo by Layla Shoobridge
“Completing my graduate studies at Harvard has deepened my commitment to shaping not only what happens inside a training program, but what becomes possible across the broader landscape of dance education. I am thrilled to return to my role as Artistic Director to continue building the Jazz & Contemporary Trainee Concentration as a space where rigor, individuality, versatility, and humanity can coexist. My work has only sharpened my belief that if we want to strengthen the future of the art form, we must also strengthen the educational pipeline leading dancers to our doors. I return ready to expand what the Jazz & Contemporary Trainee Concentration can offer, while pushing the boundaries of how we prepare dancers for meaningful, sustainable careers. I am excited for what’s next and proud to step back into this work with renewed vision and conviction.” said Angelica Stiskin.
“Angelica has been an integral part of shaping the Jazz & Contemporary concentration and we are thrilled to welcome her back at full capacity,” said Frank Lee Merwin, Executive Director of the Joffrey Ballet School. “Her leadership and dedication to the development of young artists continues to strengthen the program and the broader Joffrey community.”
Stiskin will officially resume her role as Artistic Director in Fall 2026, leading the Trainee Program’s Jazz & Contemporary Concentration into its next chapter of artistic and educational excellence.
About Angelica Stiskin
Click here to read her full bio.
About the Pre-Professional Trainee Program
The Pre-Professional Trainee Program at Joffrey Ballet School offers an immersive, conservatory-style training experience designed to prepare the next generation of professional dance artists. Combining rigorous daily instruction with rehearsal, performance, mentorship, and cross-disciplinary study, the program develops technically accomplished, versatile, and expressive dancers equipped to meet the evolving demands of today’s dance profession. Inspired by the visionary legacy of Robert Joffrey, the program emphasizes artistic excellence, innovation, collaboration, and individual growth, providing a dynamic environment where emerging artists are challenged to refine their craft while discovering their unique artistic voice.
Trainee Program Artistic Leadership
The Joffrey Ballet School Pre-Professional Trainee Program will be led by the following artistic team beginning Fall 2026:
Dean
Meg Paul
Artistic Director, Ballet Trainee Concentration
Era Jouravlev
Artistic Director, Jazz & Contemporary Trainee Concentration
Angelica Stiskin
Associate Artistic Director, Ballet Trainee Concentration
Stacy Caddell
Artistic Director of the Joffrey Concert Group
Artistic Director of Contemporary Ballet Studies
Director of Professional Career Development
Bradley Shelver
Learn more about the Trainee Program: www.joffreyballetschool.com/become-a-trainee
