THE JOFFREY BALLET Returns to the Van Wezel, 3/29

The Joffrey Ballet's long list of "firsts" includes being the first dance company to perform at the White House at Jacqueline Kennedy's invitation, the first to appear on television, the first American company to visit Russia, the first classical dance company to go multi-media, the first to commission a rock 'n' roll ballet, the first and only dance company to appear on the cover of Time magazine, and the first company to have had a major motion picture based on it, Robert Altman's The Company.  Catch one of today's leading ballet companies at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Thurs. March 29, 2012 at 8 PM.

Classically trained to the highest standards, The Joffrey Ballet expresses a unique, inclusive perspective on dance, proudly reflecting the diversity of America with its company and audiences and repertoire which includes major story ballets, reconstructions of masterpieces and contemporary works, press notes state. Founded by teacher Robert Joffrey in 1956, guided by celebrated choreographer Gerald Arpino from 1988 until 2007, The Joffrey Ballet continues to thrive underArtistic Director Ashley C. Wheater and Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conway. The Van Wezel Program will include:

Night

Choreography: Julia Adam

Music: Matthew Pierce

After the Rain

Choreography:  Christopher Wheeldon

Music: Arvo Pärt

Pretty Ballet

Choreography: James Kudelka

Music: Bohislav Martinu

Ticket prices range from $30-$65. For more information and to buy tickets, contact the Van Wezel Box office at (941)953-3368 or log onto www.vanwezel.org. Sponsored by Van Wezel Foundation & WSMR 89.1