The Ballet Economy: Looking Up?
Good news for the ballet world: The Joffrey just added three new dancers to its roster for the 2012-13 season, bringing its total number of company members up to 45. South Carolina native Cara Marie Gary joins after dancing with ABT II and as an apprentice with Orlando Ballet, Guillaume Basso comes from Houston Ballet II and Yoshihisa Arai previously danced as a demi-soloist with Tulsa Ballet.
Unfortunately, financial aftershocks of the recession continue to challenge most ballet organizations. But the growth of Chicago’s beloved company is a solid sign that things may be looking up not only for The Joffrey, but for any troupe that relies on the support of their audience, community and donors. Our culture seems to be growing interested in dance again, which will hopefully bring with it some much-needed investment in the art.