On March 13, 2026, The Grainger Academy of The Joffrey Ballet will present five world premieres as part of their Winning Works Choreographic Competition.
The winners will choreograph an original work to be presented at the Edlis Neeson Theater of the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago across nine performances. This year’s winners are Fran Diaz, Julie Feldman, DaYoung Jung, Daniel Ojeda, and Alexandra Schooling.
“Each year, I’m drawn to choreographers whose work evokes a genuine artistic and emotional response; qualities I know will resonate just as powerfully for our audiences,” says academy Director Suzanne Lopez in a press release. “This year’s cohort offers an especially inspiring mix of perspectives, including three talented women—a first for Winning Works. I can already envision how Fran, Julia, DaYoung, Daniel, and Alexandra’s ideas will challenge and expand our dancers’ artistry and versatility, preparing them for the demands of professional careers while advancing their creative collaboration. It’s the kind of growth that makes this program so rewarding for everyone involved.”
Tickets and performance dates can be found on the company’s website.