Continuing its 70th anniversary programming, The Joffrey Ballet presents American Icons, a program of dynamic works by four trailblazing artists of the 20th century: The Joffrey Ballet co-founders Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, founding Joffrey alum Glen Tetley, and prolific dance pioneer Martha Graham. Witness the daring and enduring spirit that defines the Joffrey's maverick legacy for ten performances only at the historic Lyric Opera House, 20 North Upper Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago, from February 19 through March 1, 2026.
American Icons is a celebration of dance legends featuring iconic works that have shaped the history of American dance. With live music performed by the Lyric Opera Orchestra, conducted by Scott Speck, Music Director of The Joffrey Ballet, the full program is as follows:
Kettentanz
Choreography: Gerald Arpino | Music: Johann Strauss Sr., Johann Mayer
Inspired by classical Viennese balls and gardens, Kettentanz is highly regarded as one of Arpino's signature works. Described in the New York Post as a "youthful zest that belongs to all time" and as "his loveliest ballet…a suite of tender miniatures" by Dance Magazine, Kettentanz showcases the diversity of this Joffrey legend’s technique in nine sections.
Secular Games
Choreography: Martha Graham | Music: Robert Starer
Secular Games presents a playful exploration of human nature and the lengths to which we go to impress one another. Hailed as the "Dancer of the Century" by Time, Graham's choreography pushed the boundaries of technique, challenging dancers with bold, powerful movements. Premiered in 1962, Secular Games is a testament to Graham’s ingenuity, forever transforming the athleticism and endurance of the art form.
Artists of the Martha Graham Dance Company. Photographer unknown.
Postcards*
Choreography: Robert Joffrey | Music: Erik Satie
Created by Robert Joffrey, visionary founder of The Joffrey Ballet, Postcards offers a lively collage of early 1900s Paris through vignettes of fleeting encounters and whimsical memories. In this commanding pas de deux excerpt, Postcards pairs luscious movement with rigorous technique, showcasing Joffrey's artistic genius and ability to draw remarkable range from classical form.
Voluntaries
Choreography: Glen Tetley | Music: Francis Poulenc
Voluntaries invites audiences to experience dance that transcends the stage, embodying the beauty of flight, rebirth, freedom, and desire. A masterpiece of emotional depth and soaring movement set to Poulenc's Concerto in G Minor for Organ, Strings, and Timpani, Tetley's Voluntaries, created in 1973 as a heartfelt tribute to the late John Cranko, celebrates the resilience of the human spirit.
With gratitude to American Icons Major Sponsor Mr. and Mrs. Ronald V. Waters III, and Production Sponsor Jeanette Stevens.
*Postcards replaces Robert Joffrey’s Remembrances from the 2025-26 season announcement issued on February 24, 2025.
Title: The Joffrey Ballet presents American Icons
Dates: Thursday, February 19–Sunday, March 1, 2026
-
Thursday, February 19 at 7:30PM;
-
Friday, February 20 at 7:30PM;
-
Saturday, February 21 at 2:00PM and 7:30PM;
-
Sunday, February 22 at 2:00PM;
-
Thursday, February 26 at 7:30PM;
-
Friday, February 27 at 7:30PM;
-
Saturday, February 28 at 2:00PM and 7:30PM;
-
Sunday, March 1 at 2:00PM.
Location: Lyric Opera House
20 North Upper Wacker Drive
Box Office: The Joffrey Ballet is the only official seller with the best prices. Be aware of ticket re-sellers offering overpriced or invalid tickets. Tickets are available for purchase at the Lyric Opera Box Office, located at 20 N. Upper Wacker Dr., by telephone at 312.386.8905, or online at www.joffrey.org.
About The Joffrey Ballet
The Joffrey Ballet is one of the premier dance companies in the world today, with a reputation for boundary-breaking performances for 70 years. The Joffrey repertoire is an extensive collection of all-time classics, modern masterpieces, and original works.
Founded in 1956 by pioneers Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, the Joffrey remains dedicated to artistic expression, innovation, and first-rate education and engagement programming. The Joffrey Ballet continues to thrive under The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE and President and CEO Greg Cameron.
The Joffrey Ballet is grateful for the support of its 2025–2026 70th Anniversary Season Sponsors: The Abbott Fund, Alphawood Foundation Chicago, Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation, Gallagher, The Florian Fund, Anne L. Kaplan, and Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation.
Live Music Sponsors Sandy and Roger Deromedi, Sage Foundation, and The Marina and Arnold Tatar Fund for Live Music. The Joffrey also acknowledges our Season Partners: ATHLETICO and Chicago Athletic Clubs.
For more information on The Joffrey Ballet and its programs, visit www.joffrey.org. Connect with the Joffrey on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.