Robert Joffrey

Robert Joffrey was a transformative figure in the world of American dance. He served as a dancer, teacher, producer, and choreographer. Most notably, he was a co-founder of the Joffrey Ballet. He was famous for creating highly imaginative modern ballets. His work helped bridge the gap between different styles of movement. This allowed dance to reach new audiences and express new ideas.

Joffrey developed a unique method of choreography by blending two distinct styles. He was one of the first choreographers to study both ballet and modern dance. His technique combined the precision and grace of classical ballet with modern elements. He utilized the intricate footwork found in ballet alongside modern floorwork. He also incorporated upper body dexterity and deep emotion into his pieces. This hybrid style is now a very common way to perform dance.

His career was marked by bold and experimental performances. In 1954, he formed his own company and premiered *Le bal masqué*. This piece featured music by the French composer Francis Poulenc. In 1955, he presented *Pierrot Lunaire* with music by Arnold Schoenberg. Other works included *Gamelan* in 1962 and *Astarte* in 1967. *Astarte* was particularly unique because it used rock music. It also featured special lighting and motion-picture effects to enhance the experience.

Joffrey's life began in Seattle, Washington, in 1930. He was born Anver Bey Abdullah Jaffa Khan to a Pashtun father from Afghanistan and an Italian mother. At age nine, he began dance training under Mary Anne Wells. He used dance as a remedy for his asthma. He later moved to New York City to further his studies. In 1949, he made his professional debut in Paris with Roland Petit. By 1950, he was teaching at the New York High School for the Performing Arts.

His company was known for its incredible mobility and reach. In 1956, the Robert Joffrey Studio Dancers embarked on a massive tour. Six dancers traveled across the country in a station wagon. They performed twenty-three shows across eleven different states. This success led to international performances in India and the Middle East. The group also traveled to the Soviet Union and performed at the White House. The company eventually moved from New York City to Los Angeles in 1982. It later moved to Chicago in 1995.

Joffrey also changed the social structure of dance companies. Most traditional ballet companies use a strict ranking system for their dancers. In those systems, a dancer's rank determines the caliber of roles they receive. Joffrey rejected this model in favor of an ensemble group. This allowed dancers to change in and out of leading roles easily. He believed this approach created a stronger sense of unity among the performers. His company's repertoire remained diverse and dynamic throughout his leadership.

Beyond his own choreography, Joffrey championed many other artists. He brought modern dance choreographers like Alvin Ailey and Twyla Tharp to ballet audiences. He also restaged classic Ballets Russes works. His company was the first American group to perform the work of August Bournonville. Joffrey's influence extended to international leadership as well. He served as co-president of the International Dance Committee with Yuri Grigorovich. He was also a member of the National Council of the Arts.

Robert Joffrey passed away in New York City on March 25, 1988. He died of HIV/AIDS at the age of 57. At the time, some obituaries listed his cause of death as organ failure to protect his company's reputation. He is interred at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. In 2000, he was inducted into the National Museum of Dance's Hall of Fame. His legacy continues through the Joffrey Ballet and the many dancers he inspired.