Choreographer

Witness the daring and enduring spirit that defines The Joffrey's maverick legacy.

Hancher’s favorite dance company returns to Iowa City for the first time in 10 years! American Icons celebrates dynamic works by four trailblazing artists of the 20th century: The Joffrey Ballet co-founders Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, Joffrey alum Glen Tetley, and prolific dance pioneer Martha Graham. The Joffrey dancers will also work with University of Iowa dance students while in Iowa City. Help us welcome a beloved company back to the Hancher stage.

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The Joffrey Ballet

University of Iowa

Get ready for an electrifying finale as we celebrate State Street Ballet’s 30th anniversary with The Brilliance Program. Experience contemporary innovation and classical elegance with George Balanchine’s “Who Cares?” and “Birthday Variations” by Joffrey Ballet’s Gerald Arpino. Plus, be the first to witness a world premiere by the visionary Kassandra Taylor Newberry, a choreographer known for pushing artistic boundaries through audience favorites such as Fold and (con)version. Join us for an unforgettable evening of passion and brilliance that will leave you longing for more.

The Brilliance Program

Lobero Theatre

Dance is love in motion. Winter Mix: Love Songs/Love Stories explores the complexities of love through three pieces, including a performance of Gerald Arpino's renowned classical work Birthday Variations set to the music of Giuseppe Verdi. Short Trip Home, by director and choreographer Garrett Ammon, features music composed by Edgar Meyer and Joshua Bell performed by bluegrass musicians Sam Bush and Mike Marshall. It is a story of family dynamics, marriage, parenthood and witnessing children find new love as they create their own place in the world. Finally, Marcus Jarrell Willis, currently the Resident Choreographer from Ballet Cymru in Newport, Wales, has imagined an exciting new work to premiere at Winter Mix with a very carefully curated song list focusing on love and relationships. Don't miss it!

Choreographer

Gerald Arpino

Events

Past events

Mar 7, 2026

The Joffrey Ballet · University of Iowa School of Music

9 - 10 May, 2025

The Brilliance Program · Lobero Theatre

About

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