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 ĚÇĐÄÓ°ĘÓ. “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 ĚÇĐÄÓ°ĘÓ. “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 ĚÇĐÄÓ°ĘÓ 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:

ĚÇĐÄÓ°ĘÓ, Maria Zamri, marketing@joffreyballetschool.com

With Mr. Dijkwel’s departure, we are delighted to welcome Mr. Ozsoy back into the role of Artistic Director. Having previously held this position, Mr. Ozsoy is deeply committed to providing students with an exceptional environment for their artistic training. He will work closely with the faculty and staff to ensure that the Texas Trainee Program continues to thrive, fostering the next generation of dancers.

Frank Lee Merwin, Executive Director of the Joffrey Ballet School, shared his thoughts on the appointment: “I have known Ceyhun Ozsoy for over two decades as a passionate contributor to the Joffrey Ballet School and I’m looking forward to working with him as the Artistic Director for the Texas Trainee Program. With his previous experience and unwavering dedication to our students, we are confident that the program will flourish and inspire under Ceyhun’s leadership. We extend our deepest gratitude to Jan Dijkwel for his contributions and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. ”

In addition to Mr. Ozsoy’s return, the Joffrey Ballet School is pleased to announce the continued involvement of all faculty and administrative staff for the upcoming school year. Kaili Bright will continue as Associate Artistic Director, mentoring Jazz & Contemporary dancers. Natalie Newman will serve as Senior Program Manager supported by Gracyn Womeldorph as the Program & Residence Life Coordinator. Jaclyn Sartore will join as the new Health & Wellness Coordinator, and Haley Whitman will step in as a Resident Advisor. The team is committed to ensuring a smooth transition and fostering a stable, creative, and professional environment for the 2024/2025 year.

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.

Media Contact:

ĚÇĐÄÓ°ĘÓ, Maria Zamri, marketing@joffreyballetschool.com

The Joffrey Ballet School is proud to announce that Bradley Shelver has been appointed as the Acting Artistic Director of the NYC Jazz and Contemporary Trainee Program. Shelver will take on this leadership role while current Artistic Director Angelica Stiskin pursues her master’s degree at Harvard University.

In addition to his role as the Artistic Director of the Joffrey Concert Group, Shelver brings a wealth of experience as a dancer, choreographer, and educator to his new position. “It is a privilege to join this talented team and support the development of our young artists,” said Shelver. “I am committed to building on the strong foundations Angelica has created and am eager to contribute to the continued growth and success of our students. I look forward to working closely with each student and fostering an environment of collaboration and excellence.”

Frank Lee Merwin, Executive Director of the ĚÇĐÄÓ°ĘÓ, expressed his confidence in Shelver’s leadership, saying, “We are thrilled to have Bradley Shelver step into this important role. His artistic vision and commitment to education align perfectly with our mission. Bradley’s experience and passion make him the ideal leader to continue advancing the NYC Jazz & Contemporary Trainee Program, building on the incredible work that Angelica has done.”

Angelica Stiskin, who will continue her involvement with the school as Artistic Director At-Large and Principal Faculty, will continue to invest in the vision and development of the NYC Jazz & Contemporary Trainee Program, and will remain part of the programming as a Principal Faculty member and mentor for the Joffrey Ballet School community. She expressed her unwavering support for Bradley’s new role, and stated her enthusiasm for the “collaboration with Bradley and our administration team.” and her commitment “ to assist in the pursuit of our mission for all students, families and faculty of ĚÇĐÄÓ°ĘÓ.”

The Joffrey Ballet School is excited about this new chapter and looks forward to the continued growth and success of the NYC Jazz & Contemporary Trainee Program under Shelver’s direction.

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.

Media Contact:

ĚÇĐÄÓ°ĘÓ, Maria Zamri, marketing@joffreyballetschool.com

Stacy Caddell’s distinguished career began at the School of American Ballet and flourished as she became a member of the New York City Ballet under the direction of George Balanchine. Caddell’s talent and dedication earned her principal roles in many of Balanchine’s most iconic works. She later expanded her horizons, working with renowned companies including Twyla Tharp Dance and American Ballet Theatre, where she contributed both as a performer and a repetiteur. She has been a vital part of the Joffrey Ballet School faculty for several years, where her passion for teaching and dedication to the art form have left an indelible mark on her students.

As the new Associate Artistic Director, Caddell will work closely with Era Jouravlev, the NYC Ballet Trainee Artistic Director, to further develop the program’s curriculum and provide students with unparalleled training opportunities. Her role will also include staging and choreographing new works, mentoring students, and helping to guide the artistic vision of the NYC Ballet Trainee Program.

“We are honored to welcome Stacy Caddell to the Joffrey Ballet School as our new Associate Artistic Director of the NYC Ballet Trainee Program. Stacy’s extensive experience as a performer and educator, combined with her deep commitment to fostering the growth of young artists, makes her an invaluable addition to our team. We look forward to seeing the incredible impact she will have on our students and the future of ballet.” — Frank Lee Merwin, Executive Director, ĚÇĐÄÓ°ĘÓ

“Stacy Caddell has been an invaluable member of our team, and I am delighted to have her join me as Associate Artistic Director. Her depth of knowledge and understanding of both classical and contemporary ballet is unmatched. Stacy’s dedication to her craft and to her students is evident in everything she does. I look forward to working closely with her to continue shaping the future of our Ballet Trainee Program and to inspire our students to achieve greatness.” — Era Jouravlev, Ballet Trainee Artistic Director, ĚÇĐÄÓ°ĘÓ

Stacy Caddell’s appointment as Associate Artistic Director marks an exciting new chapter for the Ballet Trainee Program at the ĚÇĐÄÓ°ĘÓ. The entire Joffrey community eagerly anticipates the inspiration and leadership she will bring to our studios.

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.

Media Contact:

ĚÇĐÄÓ°ĘÓ, Maria Zamri, marketing@joffreyballetschool.com