Ashley Wheater Named New Joffrey Ballet Artistic Director
Ashley Wheater Named New Joffrey Ballet Artistic Director San Francisco Ballet Veteran and Former Joffrey Ballet Dancer to Helm Company
Following a five-month international search, the Joffrey Ballet announces that Ashley Wheater, long-time ballet master of the San Francisco Ballet and former member of both the Joffrey Ballet and the Royal Ballet companies, has been named artistic director of the Joffrey Ballet. Of historical significance, Wheater becomes the Company's first artistic director after Gerald Arpino and the late Robert Joffrey, who co-founded The Joffrey in 1956. Mr. Arpino became artistic director emeritus in July 2007.
Said Mr. Arpino, "I personally invited Ashley Wheater to join the Joffrey in 1984. His work has been known to me for years and he brings a very dedicated commitment to the art of ballet. I am delighted that Ashley has been selected to carry on the traditions of the Joffrey Ballet."
"It is a huge honor to be asked to take over the Joffrey Ballet from Mr. Arpino. This company is dear to my heart and is responsible for bringing me to America 24 years ago," said Wheater. "I have wonderful memories of Chicago, including performing as a guest artist in Ruth Page's production of "The Nutcracker" at Arie Crown Theatre from 1995-1997. Chicago is truly one of America's greatest cities and it has always been gracious to me. I look forward to making my home here."
The search for a new artistic director of the Joffrey Ballet was launched April 16th with the help of a consultant and a succession committee comprised of members of the Joffrey Board of Directors, Jon H.Teeuwissen, Maestro Leslie B. Dunner, Joffrey dancers, and Gerald Arpino, the one constant over the first 51 years of The Joffrey. Arpino had a significant voice in the succession planning.