NEW YORK, NY – June 4, 2026 – HEAT Convention & Competition and Joffrey Ballet School�� are proud to announce THE FORUM: A Symposium for the Integrity of Dance Education, a new two-day professional development experience taking place November 19–20, 2026, in San Diego, California.

Curated and directed by Angelica Stiskin and presented by HEAT in affiliation with Joffrey Ballet School, THE FORUM brings together studio owners, educators, choreographers, and dance leaders for thoughtful dialogue, collaborative learning, and practical reflection on the future of dance education.

Built upon a shared belief that dance education extends beyond technical training, THE FORUM will explore the values, responsibilities, and educational practices that shape the next generation of artists. Through keynote conversations, panel discussions, embodied learning experiences, and community engagement, attendees will examine topics including wellness, ethical pedagogy, representation, studio leadership, educational integrity, and the evolving role of competition within a dancer’s training journey.

The initiative marks an exciting expansion of the growing relationship between HEAT Convention & Competition and Joffrey Ballet School, connecting the convention community with a broader conversation about educational standards, studio leadership, and the responsibility of training environments that shape young artists.

At the center of the initiative is Angelica Stiskin, Artistic Director of Joffrey Ballet School’s Pre-Professional Trainee Program in the Jazz & Contemporary concentration, along with its flagship summer intensives in New York City. A Harvard University graduate with a Master’s in Education Leadership, Stiskin’s work bridges concert and commercial dance while advancing standards-based, reflective, and ethically grounded approaches to pre-professional training.

“THE FORUM grows directly out of my work in dance education, including the standards-based research I developed during my graduate studies at Harvard,” said Angelica Stiskin, Curator and Director of THE FORUM and Artistic Director of Joffrey Ballet School’s Pre-Professional Jazz & Contemporary Trainee Program. “For-profit studios are often the first schools young dancers enter, whether or not we name them that way. That means our responsibility as educators extends far beyond steps, awards, or performances. We are building learning environments that shape people and futures. My mission has always been to bridge the concert and commercial dance worlds without diminishing either, because today’s dancers are entering a field with a wide spectrum of possibilities. If we want to prepare them honestly, studio leaders and teachers need spaces where they can think critically about pedagogy, wellness, ethics, representation, competition, and professional readiness. My hope is that THE FORUM gives educators language, tools, and community to place education back at the center of dance training.”

For Joffrey Ballet School, this collaboration further expands opportunities to connect with educators, studio leaders, and dancers across the country while providing greater visibility into the school’s educational philosophy and year-round training programs. Through Angelica’s leadership and presence within the HEAT community, students and teachers alike will gain deeper exposure to one of the industry’s leading pre-professional training environments.

THE FORUM also reflects HEAT’s longstanding commitment to education, mentorship, and creating positive training experiences for dancers and educators alike. Founded by Kobi Rozenfeld and Jonathan Shamos, HEAT was built on the belief that dance is about more than steps and performances. Through its mission to Hear, Educate, Advocate, and Train, the organization continues to foster environments where dancers feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow both as artists and individuals.

“When we created HEAT, our goal was to build a community where dancers felt they belonged and where education remained at the center of everything we do,” said Kobi Rozenfeld, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of HEAT Convention & Competition. “THE FORUM is a natural extension of that mission. By bringing together passionate educators and leaders, we have an opportunity to strengthen our industry, support meaningful growth, and continue shaping the future of dance education in a positive and impactful way.”

Meg Paul, Dean of ����Ӱ��, added, “The future of dance depends not only on artistic excellence, but on educational excellence. Through THE FORUM, educators will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations that strengthen teaching practices, support healthy learning environments, and ultimately benefit the next generation of artists. We are proud to collaborate with HEAT and support Angelica’s vision for this important initiative.”

Topics explored throughout THE FORUM will include:

• The Studio as School — mission, leadership, curriculum, and educational responsibility
• The Whole Artist — wellness, injury prevention, mental health, and sustainable training
• Ethical Pedagogy — consent, boundaries, feedback, faculty culture, and safe practice
• Critical Culture — representation, belonging, access, and culturally responsive teaching
• Competition Reframed — competition as a tool for learning, reflection, and growth
• Future Practice — professional readiness, career pathways, and the evolving dance field

Additional faculty, panelists, registration details, and event programming will be announced in the coming months.

About HEAT Convention & Competition

HEAT Convention & Competition is dedicated to highlighting the artistry of dance through inspiring education, meaningful mentorship, and positive training experiences. Built upon the principles of Hearing, Educating, Advocating, and Training, HEAT provides dancers, educators, and studios with opportunities for artistic growth while fostering an environment of belonging, accessibility, and excellence.

Learn more:

About ����Ӱ��

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.

Learn more:

Press Inquiries
HEAT Convention & Competition
info@heatconvention.com

����Ӱ��
Maria Zamri, marketing@joffreyballetschool.com

New York, NY – June 2, 2026 –The Joffrey Concert Group and the Joffrey Ballet Center are proud to announce the launch of the 5th Season of the Creative Movers Choreographic Initiative (CMCI), culminating in the premiere of new works as part of the Company’s February 2027 New York City performance season, In My Art.

Now entering its fifth season, CMCI continues to serve as a powerful platform for discovering and championing the next generation of dance makers. Since its inception, the initiative has provided emerging choreographers with the rare opportunity to create original works on a professional company while receiving the resources, mentorship, and artistic support necessary to develop their creative voices.

Two choreographers from New York City and the surrounding Tri-State area will be selected to create world premiere works for the 14-member Joffrey Concert Group. Through an intensive creative residency, selected artists will collaborate closely with the company, exploring new ideas and pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance and contemporary ballet.

More than a commissioning opportunity, CMCI represents Joffrey Concert Group’s ongoing commitment to artistic innovation, creative risk-taking, and the cultivation of future leaders in choreography. By investing directly in emerging artists, the initiative helps shape the future landscape of concert dance while providing audiences with the opportunity to experience bold new voices and original works on the New York stage.

Selected choreographers will receive:

• A $2,500 commissioning stipend
• Up to 40 hours of rehearsal time over a four-week creative process
• Access to the professional dancers of Joffrey Concert Group
• A fully produced world premiere presented during the Company’s February 2027 New York City season performance

Commissioned works should be 12 to 17 minutes in length and created for the full company.

Application Deadline: July 17, 2026
Notification Date: July 24, 2026

Creative Residency Schedule

Session One
October 5 to October 28, 2026
Monday through Thursday (6:00 PM to 8:30 PM)
In-Studio Showing: October 29, 2026

Session Two
November 2 to November 24, 2026
Additional Rehearsals: November 30, December 1 and December 2, 2026
Monday through Thursday (6:00 PM to 8:30 PM)
In-Studio Showing: December 3, 2026

Choreographers working in contemporary dance and contemporary ballet are encouraged to apply.

Join us as we continue to invest in the artists who will shape the future of dance and bring new creative voices to the stage.

Apply Here: ��

About the Joffrey Concert Group

The Joffrey Concert Group was founded in the early 1970s and incorporated as a not-for-profit in 1981, and is currently led by Artistic Director Bradley Shelver. As the resident dance company of the Joffrey Ballet School, this pre-professional performing ensemble provides young artists from the School’s year-round Trainee Program the opportunity to experience life as a professional dancer.��

In the years since its inception, Concert Group dancers have toured domestically and internationally, performing some of the most celebrated classical and contemporary repertoire. This includes the works of Gerald Arpino (Birthday Variations, Light Rain), Robert Battle (Battlefield), George Balanchine (Serenade), August Bournonville (La Ventana), Dwight Rhoden (New Work), Africa Guzman (The Stolen Path), Bradley Shelver, Eric Trope, Lindsay Grimes, Vernard J. Gilmore, Eryn Renee Young, Thang Da, Tsai Hsi Hung, Omar Ramon de Jesus, and Ken Ossola.

Email: info@joffreyconcertgroupnyc.com
Phone: 732-852-5739

New York City, New York – May 30, 2026 – Joffrey Ballet School in New York City and are proud to announce an exciting new partnership with the launch of the JBS x UBC Midwest Pre-Professional Ballet Summer Intensive, a dynamic new training experience for aspiring young ballet artists ages 10–19.

Taking place July 19–31, 2027 in Iowa City, Iowa, the immersive two-week intensive will be directed by renowned educators and artistic leaders Lissette Lucas and David Lucas, bringing together the educational excellence, mentorship, and artistic vision of both organizations into one transformative summer experience.

Designed for dedicated dancers seeking high-level pre-professional training, the intensive will offer an expansive curriculum including ballet technique, pointe, variations, contemporary, contemporary pointe, improvisation, and repertoire. Students will train with distinguished faculty from both Joffrey Ballet School and Universal Ballet Competition, gaining direct access to the expertise, mentorship, and artistic perspectives of both organizations within one unified program experience.

As an inaugural partnership program, enrollment will remain intentionally limited to create a focused and personalized pre-professional training environment for dedicated young artists. Through this exclusive first–annual partnership, dancers will gain access to world-class training, individualized mentorship, and artistic opportunities unique to both institutions.

As part of the partnership, select dancers participating in the 2026 Universal Ballet Competition Grand Prix Finals will receive exclusive invitation certificates and scholarship opportunities to attend the JBS x UBC Midwest Pre-Professional Ballet Summer Intensive.

The partnership will also expand to South Florida in Summer 2027, as Lissette Lucas and David Lucas will additionally lead the JBS x UBC Miami Ballet Summer Intensive, further bringing the partnership between Universal Ballet Competition and Joffrey Ballet School to the Miami dance community.

Lissette Lucas’ continued leadership within the Joffrey Ballet School family through this new partnership carries special significance, as she herself is part of the Joffrey legacy, having trained as a student within the organization before going on to become an accomplished educator, director, performer and longtime member of the Joffrey community. Her artistic journey, professional excellence, and longstanding dedication to mentorship reflect the continued evolution and expansion of the partnership between Joffrey Ballet School and Universal Ballet Competition, bringing a wealth of experience, leadership, and artistic excellence to both organizations and the next generation of dancers.

“The launch of this program represents a meaningful collaboration rooted in artistic excellence, mentorship, and opportunity,” said Lissette Lucas, Artistic Director of the JBS x UBC Midwest Pre-Professional Ballet Summer Intensive and Legacy Member of ����Ӱ��. “The Joffrey Ballet School played an important role in my own artistic journey, and it is incredibly special to now help create an experience that gives young dancers access to the same level of inspiration, training, and encouragement that shaped me as an artist. Through this partnership, we hope to cultivate an environment where dancers feel challenged, supported, and empowered to grow both technically and personally.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Universal Ballet Competition on this exciting new initiative,” said Meg Paul, Dean of ����Ӱ��. “At Joffrey Ballet School, we believe in nurturing the whole artist through rigorous training, artistic exploration, and meaningful mentorship. Lissette and David Lucas bring tremendous passion, experience, and vision to this program, and we are excited to expand opportunities for young dancers through this collaboration.”

We are excited to continue expanding opportunities for young artists through this partnership with Universal Ballet Competition,” said Frank Lee Merwin, Executive Director of ����Ӱ��. “Lissette and David Lucas bring an incredible level of artistry, mentorship, and leadership to these programs, and the addition of both the Iowa and Miami intensives reflects our shared commitment to providing dancers with access to exceptional training experiences and faculty from both organizations.”

Program Details | JBS x UBC Midwest Pre-Professional Ballet Summer Intensive��

Dates: July 19–31, 2027
Location: Iowa City, Iowa
Ages: 10–19
Artistic Directors: Lissette Lucas and David Lucas

Learn more: /summer-intensives/jbs-x-ubc-midwest-pre-professional-ballet

Program Details | JBS x UBC Miami Ballet Summer Intensive

Dates: July 5–16, 2027
Location: Miami, Florida
Artistic Directors: Lissette Lucas and David Lucas

Learn more: /summer-intensives/jbs-x-ubc-miami-ballet/

About Universal Ballet Competition��

Universal Ballet Competition (UBC) is a premier student ballet competition, which has expanded across the US due to its growing popularity among dancers, studio directors, and the ballet community. UBC is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines competition, education, scouting opportunities scholarships and more. Founding members, Lissette Salgado and David Lucas, former principal ballet dancers at the Joffrey Ballet Company and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Company, have illustrious careers. Their combined list of professional contacts allows them the privilege to recruit globally renowned dancers, company directors, and ballet school directors to judge, mentor, and teach the master classes during each UBC competition. Since its first season, UBC has hosted and mentored countless dancers and awarded millions of dollars in scholarships.��

Learn more:

About Lissette Lucas

Founder/President of Universal Ballet Competition

Born in Miami, Florida, LISSETTE evolved her passion for dance while studying with Liana Navarro, Judith Reece Newman and Marianna Alvarez. In 1988, She joined the Joffrey Ballet and danced with the company for seven years.�� Some of Lissette’s roles included: Balanchine’s Tarantella, Frederick Ashton’s Les Patinuers and La Fille Mal Gardee, Kurt Jooss’s The Green Table, John Cranko’s Romeo and Juliet, Jiri Kylian’s Return to Strange Land, Gerald Arpino’s Light Rain and Viva Vivaldi, and Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. In 1995, Lissette joined the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and danced lead roles in: Bengt Jorgens’s Swedish Song and Anthony Tudor’s Leaves are Fading. She was recognized for her role as Odette/Odile in Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, Juliet in Rudi van Dantzig’s Romeo and Juliet, Beauty and Butterfly in David�� Nixon’s Beauty and the Beast and Butterfly, Lucy in Mark Godden’s Dracula, the principal role in Mikhail Fokine’s Les Sylphides, Paquita in Petipa’s Paquita, and Kitri in Petipa’s Don Quixote. Lissette is a renowned, international guest artist who has performed with the Daring Project under the direction of Margo Sappington and Valentina Kozlova. She also performed her role of Juliet in Florence, Italy with Teatro de Maggio Dance Company and was a guest artist with the ‘Stars of Canadian Ballet’ Company, touring throughout Canada and performing in the Pan Am Summer Games Closing Ceremonies. Lissette has taught at the North Carolina School of the Arts, South Carolina Governor’s School of the Arts and Dillard High School for the Performing Arts, and is the Founder/President of Shake The Ground, The Ultimate Dance Competition, her extensive professional experience and relationships with professionals in the industry allow Shake The Ground to expand on a national platform.Since 2015 Lissette has Co-directed along with her husband David the Joffrey Ballet School Summer of Hip-Hop Program in New York City. In 2020 they will add and direct the Joffrey Ballet School Summer of Hip Hop in New York City and Tampa, FL�� They are also be the directors of the Joffrey Ballet/Contemporary program�� held for 2 weeks in Tampa, Florida.

About David Lucas

Founder/Director of Universal Ballet Competition

Born in Chorley, England, and raised in Kelowna, B.C., Canada, DAVID unveiled his passion for dance at age nine. The Canadian School of Ballet is where he began training under the direction of Betty Farrally, the co founder of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Company. He later trained in Toronto and graduated from the National Ballet School and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. David joined the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Company in 1988 and danced for 14 years before retiring in 2000. He danced many lead roles such as: Balanchine’s Allegro Brillante and Tarantella, David Nixon’s Beauty and the Beast, Butterfly, Mark Godden’s Dracula, Paquita, Don Quixote’s Pas de Deux and Brian McDonald’s Pas D’Action. It was with the RWB that he met his lovely wife, Lissette Salgado, and was honored to partner and perform many lead roles with her throughout his career. David has also performed in five made for television dance movies as well as the popular Children’s TV show “The Toy Castle,” where he played the Strongman. He has also been invited as a guest artist to perform in Japan with the Reiko Yamamoto Ballet Company. David was also the Artistic Director for the Canadian School of Ballet Summer program, which he and his wife, Lissette, directed for four years. David and Lissette choreographed and staged performances each year for the students. David later founded ‘The Stars of Canadian Ballet’ Company, which brought together the best artists in Canada from the National Ballet Company, The Alberta Ballet Company, and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Company. This renowned group toured in Canada and performed in the closing ceremonies for the Pan Am Games in 1999. In 2012, David co-founded Shake The Ground with his wife, Lissette, and in 2013, Universal Ballet Competition. Both competitions offer over $200,000 in scholarships to inspiring young dancers, annually, to assist each of them in reaching their remarkable potential, catapulting them to the next level of their dance careers.

With an extensive background as both a professional performer and educator, Jennifer Howard joins Joffrey Ballet School to lead and inspire dancers across all levels of training from foundational youth programs to advanced levels of ballet. Her appointment marks an exciting new chapter for the Children’s and Youth Ballet Program, while continuing the legacy of excellence, care, and artistic integrity that has shaped generations of young dancers at ����Ӱ��.

The Children’s and Youth Ballet Program at Joffrey Ballet School serves as an essential foundation for students beginning their dance education, introducing them to the discipline, artistry, musicality, and joy of ballet within a nurturing conservatory environment. Designed to support dancers during critical stages of development, the program builds strong technical fundamentals while encouraging confidence, creativity, and a lifelong connection to the arts. As one of the School’s core training programs, it also serves as an important pathway for students pursuing advanced pre-professional training.

About Jennifer Howard

Howard began her training at Boston Ballet, earned her Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance (ARAD), and received her BFA from The Juilliard School. Her professional performing career included work with celebrated companies and artists including Mikhail Baryshnikov’s White Oak Dance Project, Twyla Tharp Dance, Eliot Feld Ballet, Lucinda Childs Dance Company, Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, Liz Gerring Dance Company, and Sarah Michelson.

Throughout her career, Howard performed nationally and internationally at renowned venues and festivals including Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, Sadler’s Wells, Jacob’s Pillow, the Venice Biennale, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

In addition to her performance career, Howard has dedicated herself to arts education, mentoring young dancers and preparing pre-professional artists through leadership roles and teaching positions at institutions including Colorado Ballet, Next Generation Ballet, St. Paul’s School in Concord, NH, National Dance Institute, and Denver School of the Arts. Her students have gone on to dance professionally with companies including Houston Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Kansas City Ballet and Staatsballett Berlin.

“Jennifer brings an exceptional blend of professional accomplishment, artistic insight, and genuine dedication to the development of young dancers,” said Meg Paul, Dean of ����Ӱ��. “Her extensive experience as both a performer and educator aligns beautifully with the vision and values at the heart of our school. Her leadership will support our mission to educate the whole artist, and we are thrilled to welcome her into this role as she helps inspire and guide the next generation of dancers.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer Howard to Joffrey Ballet School,” said Frank Lee Merwin, Executive Director of ����Ӱ��. “The Children’s and Youth Ballet Program is one of the most important pillars of our institution, shaping the earliest experiences of so many young dancers. Jennifer’s leadership, professionalism, and commitment to artistic development make her an exceptional addition to our school as we continue building toward the future.”

“I am honored to join Joffrey Ballet School and to work with dancers at every stage of their artistic journey, from students discovering ballet for the first time to those preparing for professional careers. I look forward to building upon the incredible foundation of the Children’s and Youth Ballet Program while helping students discover confidence, discipline, creativity, and a lasting love for dance,” said Jennifer Howard.

For decades, the Children’s and Youth Ballet Program has served as the first artistic home for countless young dancers, introducing students not only to ballet technique, but to confidence, discipline, creativity, and community. Under Howard’s leadership, the School looks forward to continuing that tradition while expanding opportunities for artistic growth and mentorship for a new generation of dancers.

This appointment also honors and continues the lasting vision of the late Artistic Director Jo Matos, whose dedication to young dancers helped shape the Children’s and Youth Ballet Program for many years. Her impact on the School’s culture, students, and families remains deeply felt throughout the Joffrey community. As the program enters this new chapter, Joffrey Ballet School remains committed to carrying forward the spirit of mentorship, accessibility, and artistic excellence that Jo so passionately championed.

Learn more about our programs:

Children’s Ballet program:

• Manhattan: /childrens-ballet/manhattan/��
• Long Island City: /childrens-ballet/long-island-city/��

Youth Ballet Program:

• Manhattan: /youth-ballet/��

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.

For media inquiries, please contact: Joffrey Ballet School, Maria Zamri, marketing@joffreyballetschool.com��

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: �Ѳ����è����, ��À, and Michael Jackson ONE.

During Week One (July 6–10), Ballet Program students will attend a live performance of �Ѳ����è���� 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 ��À, 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 ����Ӱ��. 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: /summer-intensives/joffrey-cirque-arts-las-vegas
• Joffrey Las Vegas Ballet: /summer-intensives/joffrey-las-vegas-ballet
• Joffrey Las Vegas Jazz & Contemporary: /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:

����Ӱ��, Maria Zamri, marketing@joffreyballetschool.com��

This summer, the collaboration continues as Casie “Tynee” Goshow, Associate Choreographer of & Juliet, returns to the Joffrey Ballet School as Guest Faculty for the Musical Theater Summer Intensive in New York City. Goshow will join the program for two weeks, working directly with students and sharing choreography and insights from the Broadway production.

The expanded collaboration reflects the strong response from students during the Winter Workshop in December, where dancers had the opportunity to learn original repertoire from the show and engage with Goshow in a professional training environment. Read previous press release

Casie “Tynee” Goshow with students during the NYC Musical Theater Winter Workshop. Photo by Layla Shoobridge

“Bringing artists from Broadway directly into our studios gives our students a meaningful connection to the professional world they aspire to enter,” said Maximilien Baud, Co Artistic Director of the Musical Theater Program at the ����Ӱ��. “The response to Tynee’s workshop this winter was incredible. We are thrilled to welcome her back this summer and continue building this relationship with & Juliet.”

“It’s a unique opportunity that can only happen in New York City where young performers get to work directly with Broadway artists.” added Matthew Prescott, Co Artistic Director of the Musical Theater Program at the ����Ӱ��.��

Casie “Tynee” Goshow. Photo by Layla Shoobridge

As part of this collaboration, two outstanding performers from the program will receive complimentary tickets to experience & Juliet live on Broadway, further connecting their training experience to the professional stage.

The ����Ӱ�� Musical Theater Summer Intensive offers dancers ages 10 to 25 a comprehensive training experience designed for performers pursuing musical theater and stage careers. Held in New York City, the program brings students into direct contact with Broadway artists, choreographers, and educators through daily classes in dance, acting, and musical theater repertoire. Participants refine their performance skills while developing the versatility, artistry, and stage presence required for today’s musical theater industry.��

Dates: June 8, 2026 – July 10, 2026

Across all programs, the ����Ӱ�� Summer Intensives welcome dancers from around the world for immersive training in a wide range of disciplines including ballet, jazz and contemporary, hip hop, musical theater, tap, and more. Collaborations with industry professionals and leading performing arts organizations give students meaningful insight into the evolving landscape of professional performance.

Click here to learn more about the NYC Musical Theater Intensive: /summer-intensives/new-york-city-musical-theater/��

About & Juliet

& Juliet flips the script on the greatest love story ever told, imagining what would happen next if Juliet hadn’t ended it all over Romeo, and got a second chance at life and love – on her terms. Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name. Nominated for 9 Tony Awards including Best Musical, & Juliet is created by David West Read, the Emmy-winning writer from “Schitt’s Creek” and features an iconic playlist of Pop hits from the legendary writer/producer Max Martin, including “Since U Been Gone,” “Roar,” “I Want It That Way,” “Confident,” and more.

& Juliet has played in nine countries and on four continents since its West End Premiere in 2019, including productions in the UK, Germany, Canada, and Singapore in addition to the show’s Broadway and North American touring productions. The Original Broadway Cast Recording of & Juliet was released in October 2022 on Atlantic Records and is available wherever streaming music is played.

For more information, visit.��

About Casie “Tynee” Goshow

Casie “Tynee” Goshow is a renowned hip hop choreographer and breakdancer with over 15 years of teaching experience nationwide. Originally from Pennsylvania and a graduate of Penn State University, Casie has performed and choreographed for artists including Chris Brown, PSY, French Montana, and ENHYPEN, and has been featured in campaigns for Nike, Beats, Adidas, and Vogue World: New York Fashion Week.

A Season 12 Street Finalist on So You Think You Can Dance, Casie currently serves as Associate Choreographer for both the Broadway and National Tour productions of & Juliet. Her passion for empowering young dancers extends beyond the studio through her clothing line, , a movement that encourages confidence and individuality.

As part of this evolution, the Joffrey Ballet School announces the appointment of Bradley Shelver as Artistic Director of Contemporary Ballet Studies and Director of Professional Career Development within the School’s Pre-Professional Trainee Program. These appointments mark a strategic expansion of the School’s leadership structure and further strengthen its commitment to preparing dancers for the evolving demands of the professional dance world.

Shelver will continue to serve as Artistic Director of the Joffrey Concert Group. As the resident dance company of the Joffrey Ballet School, this pre-professional performing ensemble provides young artists from the School’s year-round Trainee Program the opportunity to experience life as a professional dancer. Through the end of the current academic season, Shelver will also continue serving as Acting Artistic Director of the Jazz & Contemporary Trainee Concentration, ensuring continuity of leadership until Angelica Stiskin returns as Artistic Director in Fall 2026.

The School also extends its gratitude to Bradley Shelver for his leadership of the Jazz & Contemporary Trainee Concentration over the past two years while serving as Acting Artistic Director. During this time, Shelver provided artistic continuity and guidance for the program while supporting students and faculty through an important period of development. His dedication to the growth of the concentration has helped strengthen the program and prepare for its next chapter.

The Trainee Program and its artistic leadership operate under the direction of Dean Meg Paul, who oversees the School’s year round Pre-Professional training and educational vision.

Photo by Layla Shoobridge | From L-R: Stacy Caddell, Era Jouravlev, Bradley Shelver, Angelica Stiskin, Meg Paul

“The expansion within our leadership structure builds on Robert Joffrey’s legacy of innovation,” said Meg Paul, Dean of the ����Ӱ��. “By aligning artistic direction, training, and student support under a unified vision, we can respond with greater impact to the evolving needs of today’s dance landscape while providing our students the consistency, mentorship, and performance-ready preparation they need to thrive in their careers.”

Photo by Layla Shoobridge | Bradley Shelver

Artistic Director of Contemporary Ballet Studies

As Artistic Director of Contemporary Ballet Studies, Shelver will help shape curriculum and performance studies programming within the Trainee Program, integrating classical ballet with contemporary movement practices and the stylistic versatility required of today’s professional artists. He will collaborate with the Trainee Artistic Team on repertory development, faculty engagement, and student mentorship. Shelver’s continued leadership of the Joffrey Concert Group further strengthens the connection between conservatory training and professional performance experience.

Director of Professional Career Development

Shelver has also been appointed Director of Professional Career Development, leading a new initiative designed to support Trainees as they transition into professional careers. Working closely with the Dean, Artistic Directors and Associate Artistic Director of the Trainee Program, the program will provide individualized career advising, audition preparation, portfolio and resume development, and industry workshops for Trainees, with particular focus on students in their final years of training, while offering guidance on navigating the global dance landscape.

“Supporting dancers as they transition from training into professional life is incredibly meaningful work,” said Bradley Shelver. “Through the Trainee Program and the Joffrey Concert Group, we are able to create real bridges between the studio and the professional stage, helping young artists discover where they belong within the industry.”

Photo by Layla Shoobridge | Angelica Stiskin

Welcoming Back Angelica Stiskin

Following the completion of her graduate studies at Harvard University, Angelica Stiskin will return in Fall 2026 as Artistic Director of the Jazz & Contemporary Trainee Concentration. Over the past two years, Stiskin served as Artistic Director At-Large while pursuing her master’s degree.

“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 ����Ӱ��. “Her leadership and dedication to the development of young artists continues to strengthen the program and the broader Joffrey community.”

Stiskin shared her excitement about returning to the School.

“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.”

Trainee Program Artistic Leadership

The announcement also confirms the full artistic leadership structure of the Joffrey Ballet School’s Trainee Program. The ����Ӱ�� 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 our Trainee Program: /trainee-program

Media Contact
For media inquiries, please contact:

����Ӱ��, Maria Zamri, marketing@joffreyballetschool.com

New York City, NY – Mar 9, 2026– The Joffrey Concert Group in New York City is thrilled to announce the return of , an electrifying celebration of dance artistry, taking place at the renowned Ailey Citigroup Theater. This year’s festival will showcase extraordinary performances by the sublime dancers of the Joffrey Concert Group, ������ó��2, and BH2, with three performances happening on: April 18 at 7:30 PM and April 19 at 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM.

On day 2 of the festival, dance enthusiasts will have the rare opportunity to participate in exclusive Master Classes before the evening performance. Led by Bradley Shelver (Artistic Director of ICONS Dance Festival and the Joffrey Concert Group), Dante Puleio (Artistic Director of the Limón Dance Company), and Blanca Huertas (Director, The Ballet Hispánico School) and Rodney Hamilton (Professional Studies/BH2 Director, The Ballet Hispánico School), these sessions will take place on Sunday, April 19, from 9:00 AM to 1:15 PM. Participants will gain invaluable insight into the artistic philosophies and techniques of these three distinguished industry leaders.

The ICONS Dance Festival performance night will showcase a dynamic repertoire, featuring works by the legendary José Limón, performed by ������ó��2 dancers, as well as compelling works presented by the Joffrey Concert Group dancers. BH2, Ballet Hispánico’s second company, appears with ���dz��������í�������� by celebrated choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, alongside newly commissioned work. This fusion of classical, modern, and contemporary styles promises a captivating experience for audiences of all backgrounds.

Through this continued collaboration, the ICONS Dance Festival celebrates the enduring influence of iconic choreographers while creating space for today’s artists to expand the conversation through movement.

Festival Details
Venue: Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theater

Dates & Times:

• April 18, 2025: 7:00 PM
• April 19, 2025: 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Tickets: $35 General Admission | $15 Students

For more information please visit us at .
For tickets please visit us at .
For masterclass enrollment, visit .

Master Class Details – Open to dancers 14-25
Venue: Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theater, 405 West 55th Street, New York, NY

Date & Time:��

• April 19, 2026: 9:00 AM – 1:15 PM

Cost: $15 per class | Enroll in 2+ Master Classes and receive a ticket to the 3:00 PM Matinee performance

Schedule:

• 9:00 – 10:15 AM: Blanca Huertas and Rodney Hamilton, The Ballet Hispánico School
• 10:30 – 11:45 AM: Dante Puleio, Limón Dance Company
• 12:00 – 1:15 PM: Bradley Shelver, Joffrey Concert Group

Join us for an unforgettable weekend of dance as ICONS come to life on stage!

For tickets please visit us at ��

For masterclass enrollment, visit or contact info@joffreyconcertgroupnyc.com.

About Joffrey Concert Group:
The Joffrey Concert Group was founded in the early 1970s and incorporated as a not-for-profit in 1981, and is currently led by Artistic Director Bradley Shelver. This pre-professional performing ensemble offers young artists from the official Joffrey Ballet School’s year-round Trainee Program in New York City the opportunity to experience life as professional dancers.

In the years since its inception, the dancers of the Joffrey Concert Group have studied and performed some of the most celebrated classical and contemporary repertoire. This includes the works of Gerald Arpino (Birthday Variations, Light Rain), Robert Battle (Battlefield), George Balanchine (Serenade), August Bournonville (La Ventana), Dwight Rohden (New Work) and Africa Guzman (The Stolen Path).

The Joffrey Concert Group has toured domestically and internationally, providing dancers the experience necessary to confidently transition from student to professional.

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.

About Limón Dance Company / ������ó��2
������ó��2 is dedicated to the development of young professionals for a sustainable career and lasting contributions to the dance world. ������ó��2 also seeks to generate innovative programming and accessible community engagement.

This inaugural artistic venture brings together young talent, the iconic works of José Limón, along with today’s most exciting up and coming choreographers. The treasured spirit and humanistic legacy of José Limón lives on with ������ó��2!��

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About Ballet Hispánico and BH2
As the largest Latino cultural organization in the U.S. Ballet Hispánico uses the power of dance to celebrate Latino culture and drive meaningful change. Through our professional Company, School, and Community Arts Partnerships, we honor the richness of the Hispanic diaspora while fostering innovation and cultural dialogue. Under the visionary leadership of Artistic Director and CEO Eduardo Vilaro, Ballet Hispánico continues to amplify intersectional Latino stories, nurture emerging artists, and inspire audiences worldwide. With more than 2.5 million people reached across three continents, we remain dedicated to empowering communities and shaping the future of dance.

The talented pre-professional dancers of Ballet Hispánico’s second company BH2 are members of the Pa’lante Program and form bridges: between the School and the professional Company, Ballet Hispánico and the community, and their training and future careers in dance. Under the guidance of Professional Studies/BH2 Director, Rodney Hamilton, dancers bring Latino culture to schools, communities, and corporations. With engaging and interactive performances, BH2 leads audiences through an exciting exploration of dance influenced by Latin cultures. Each performance features choreography from the Ballet Hispánico repertoire

The Professional Studies Pa’lante Program is The Ballet Hispánico School’s full-time, daytime training program for dancers pursuing advanced study. The program includes Pa’lante Scholars, Apprentices, and Trainees.

Students train under Ballet Hispánico’s distinctive model, studying ballet and contemporary technique, learning Ballet Hispánico repertory, and performing throughout the year. Pa’lante Scholars attend tuition-free, while Apprentices and Trainees participate through a tuition-based program. Partial scholarships and tuition assistance are available.

Enrollment is limited, and the program is open to dancers of all backgrounds.

For more than fifty years, Ballet Hispánico has served as a platform for young artists pursuing professional careers in dance. As the professional division of La Academia, the Pa’lante Program offers dancers the opportunity to study full-time within Ballet Hispánico’s rigorous training environment while preparing for the demands of the field.

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For media inquiries, please contact:

����Ӱ��, Maria Zamri, marketing@joffreyballetschool.com

Through this collaboration, scholarships are awarded to the top overall scoring soloists in the Junior ages 10 to 12, Teen ages 13 to 15, and Senior ages 16 and up divisions at each city on the Amplified tour. An estimated 180 dancers nationwide will receive this recognition.

This scholarship awards $400 off tuition for a two-week Joffrey Ballet School Summer Intensive at any location within the United States, granting dancers access to our training programs, which encompass a range of genres. More information can be found at:

The partnership reflects a shared commitment between Joffrey Ballet School and Amplified to nurture emerging talent and create meaningful opportunities for dancers at pivotal stages of their training. As the tour continues through the current season, Joffrey Ballet School looks ahead with excitement to welcoming dancers from upcoming 2026 tour cities.

About Amplified
Amplified Productions is home to Adrenaline Dance Convention, Revive Dance Convention, and National Dance Honors. Hosting 60+ events annually, the Amplified network reaches thousands of dancers and dance fans across North America. Our team’s shared mission is focused on building a safe space for creators, educators, and students to come together through the art of dance. We hope to impact the next generation by providing an inspiring, educational, and motivational milestone on their journey of growth. One that will continue to influence them for a lifetime.

Learn more about Amplified events, please visit:

For media inquiries, please contact:

����Ӱ��, Maria Zamri, marketing@joffreyballetschool.com

����Ӱ�� 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 , 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 ����Ӱ��. “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 ����Ӱ��. “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: ��