Last updated on October 13th, 2025 at 10:52 am

Saturday, Oct 11, 2025

With deepest love and remembrance.

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved Jo Matos, Artistic Director of our Children’s and Youth Ballet Programs, leader of many of our Summer Intensives, and an irreplaceable part of our Joffrey Ballet School family.

Jo was not only a guiding light in the studio but also a dear friend, mentor, and cherished member of our leadership team. She nurtured generations of young dancers with patience, grace, and love. For decades, she devoted her heart to dance and serving others. Her devotion to dance was really a devotion to people, to lifting them, guiding them, and filling their lives with light.

Even in her final days, Jo showed us the same strength, dignity, and quiet resilience she carried throughout her life; always inspiring us with her courage. Surrounded by her “tribe” of family and friends, she found peace in the sounds of the birds by her balcony, the comfort of classic films, and the sharing of treasured memories. She leaves behind a devoted family who were her greatest pride and joy.

As Martha Graham once said, “Dance is the hidden language of the soul.” Jo’s soul spoke volumes through every class she taught, every child she encouraged, and every moment of kindness she gave so freely. She leaves behind a legacy that will forever live in the hearts of those she touched.

Her absence leaves an ache in our hearts, but her strong spirit will forever guide us. We will carry Jo with us always, honoring her by continuing the work she loved and by leading with the same courage, joy, and generosity she brought into every part of our school.
In keeping with Jo’s wishes, and at the request of her family, we invite those who would like to honor her memory to consider contributing to the Jo Matos Scholarship Fund. This fund reflects Jo’s deepest belief that dance should be accessible to every child whose heart longs for it. By giving in her name, you help continue the work that defined her life: opening doors, nurturing growth, and ensuring that the dancers with the deepest ardor have the opportunity to shine.

The Joffrey Ballet School family

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The Jo Matos Scholarship Fund
Support the Jo Matos Scholarship Fund, created in memory of our beloved Artistic Director, to help dancers who show the deepest passion and desire to grow.

The Jo Matos Scholarship Fund celebrates Jo’s lifelong belief that dance is for every child who dreams of it. Created in her honor, this fund supports students whose passion, dedication, and love for dance shine from within. This scholarship seeks to support dancers who lack either the means or opportunity to pursue the high quality intensive training their passion for dance deserves. More than recognizing talent, it uplifts the dancer with dreams, ensuring Jo’s spirit of encouragement, opportunity, and joy continues to inspire generations of young artists.

“For the dancer who dreams the most.” Jo Matos

Click here to donate: https://bit.ly/thejomatos-scholarshipfund