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This March, one of the world’s foremost dance companies will call Columbia its temporary home as the University of South Carolina’s Betsy Blackmon Dance Program embarks on an unprecedented partnership with the world-renowned Joffrey Ballet.

Beginning March 17, the Joffrey will be in residence at the USC dance studios, where they will prepare a brand-new work by choreographer and Joffrey Rehearsal Director Nicolas Blanc and set classic Joffrey repertory on USC’s Betsy Blackmon Dance Company.  The three-week residency will culminate on April 5 at the Koger Center for the Arts in a special Joffrey performance featuring student dancers and accompaniment by the USC Symphony Orchestra. 

Celebrating 69 years of artistic excellence and classically trained to the highest standards, The Joffrey Ballet is one of the premier dance companies in the world today, with a reputation for boundary-breaking performances. The Joffrey repertoire is an extensive collection of all-time classics, modern masterpieces, and original works. Their reputation as a “Company of Firsts” is well-earned, as they were the first dance company to appear on TV, the first to perform at the White House, and the first classical dance company to utilize rock music and multi-media.

“The Joffrey pushes the boundaries of what classical ballet looks like,” says Jennifer Deckert, Director of USC’s Betsy Blackmon Dance Program. “Co-founder Robert Joffrey said, ‘Classical ballet is our core, but it is not our circumference.’ I feel like that also defines our program in how we feel classical ballet can serve our dancers and support them in the future.” 

Working alongside professionals isn’t new for USC’s dance program – in the last several years they have hosted the acclaimed Complexions Contemporary Ballet, the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company, and guest artists from the New York City Ballet. However, none have matched the scope of the Joffrey partnership. 

“What’s really unique this year is we have an entire company coming,” says Stephanie Milling, Chair of the USC Department of Theatre and Dance.  “And not just dancers, but the artistic director, rehearsal directors, stage managers, plus costume and technical staff. Additionally, their music director will come to work with USC’s School of Music and the USC Symphony Orchestra. Our students will be getting a glimpse into what it's like to be performing and working at the highest level.”

 

Community Engagement

The Joffrey’s activities will also extend beyond the University, with Joffrey Community Engagement leaders hosting a variety of free classes around the state.  Select offerings open to the public include:  

• “Dancing With Parkinson’s” class at Lexington Medical Center (March 24, 1-2:30pm)
• Open classes for intermediate and advanced-level dancers aged 12 and up at USC’s dance studios (March 22, 10am – 12:30pm; March 29, 5pm – 7pm)
• “Plié on the Plaza” on the Columbia Museum of Art’s Boyd Plaza, featuring short movement classes for persons of all ages and abilities (March 29, 10am – 1pm during Soda City Market).

A complete Community Engagement schedule with details and registration information is available online.

Gala Fundraiser / Concert Information

A gala fundraiser presented by the USC Board of Dance will accompany the April 5 performance. Gala ticket holders will enjoy pre-show cocktails and a post-show party featuring delicious cuisine and dancing to the music of the Reggie Sullivan Band. Gala guests will also receive complimentary valet parking and preferred seating during the concert. Proceeds benefit USC’s Betsy Blackmon Dance Program. 

The residency, concert and gala are made possible in part by generous support from USC and Presenting Sponsor Jim Hudson Cadillac.  

Show time for the concert is 6:30pm. Tickets range from $45 - $75 with gala tickets priced at $175, and are available at kogercenterforthearts.com or by calling 803-251-2222. Ticket fees may apply. The Koger Center for the Arts is located at 1051 Greene St.

For more information on the Joffrey Ballet residency and performance, or the Betsy Blackmon Dance Program, contact Kevin Bush by phone at 803-777-9353 or via email at bushk@mailbox.sc.edu.