FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Joffrey Ballet School Launches Joffrey Midwest Under the Visionary Leadership of Meg Paul

New York, NY – Nov 18, 2024 – The Joffrey Ballet School, located in New York City, is proud to announce the launch of Joffrey Midwest, a dynamic and immersive summer intensive blending Contemporary Ballet, and Jazz & Contemporary genres. Last held in 2008–2009, this celebrated program returns after more than a decade to Detroit, Michigan, from June 16–27, 2025, under the visionary leadership of newly appointed Artistic Director Meg Paul.

We are thrilled to announce the addition of Meg Paul to our esteemed lineup of Artistic Directors at the Joffrey Ballet School. A distinguished dancer, choreographer, and educator, Meg Paul brings decades of experience and innovation to Joffrey Midwest. Known for her signature style, Ballet Kontemp, Paul fuses classical ballet and contemporary techniques to inspire, challenge, and empower dancers. Her work has received national recognition, and she has cultivated a reputation as a dedicated mentor and leader in the dance world.

 “We are excited to bring Joffrey Midwest back to life, offering a renewed opportunity for young dancers to grow and evolve in this vibrant artistic environment,” said Meg Paul, Artistic Director. “This program honors the rich legacy of Joffrey Ballet School while embracing a fresh, innovative approach through Ballet Kontemp and collaboration with world-class faculty. I look forward to seeing the artistry that emerges this summer.”

Designed for dancers ages 10–22, Joffrey Midwest provides students with the opportunity to concentrate on one of two tracks:

Ballet Kontemp Concentration:

Features classes in Pointe Kontemp, Master Classes, and Ballet Kontemp Repertory.  

Jazz and Contemporary Concentration:  

Features Jazz and Contemporary classes, Master Classes, and Jazz and Contemporary Repertory.

All students will also experience the electrifying Rooted Jazz: The Diasporic Encounter Method masterclass, led by the incomparable Joffrey Midwest guest artist Monique Haley, offering a deep dive into the rich cultural and historical roots of Jazz dance.

The intensive will culminate in a theater performance, where students will showcase their artistry and technique in breathtaking works of Ballet Kontemp and Jazz & Contemporary Repertory, leaving audiences inspired and captivated. 

At the Joffrey Ballet School, we are committed to providing students with world-class training in a creative, high-energy environment that encourages artistic exploration and technical excellence. This program is designed to inspire dancers to push their boundaries and expand their horizons, all while being mentored by renowned faculty members who are dedicated to nurturing their individual potential. To learn more about this intensive please visit https://www.joffreyballetschool.com/summer-intensives/joffrey-midwest/

About Meg Paul

Meg Paul is a celebrated figure in the dance community, having performed as a principal dancer with the Joffrey Ballet and Complexions Contemporary Ballet. She has choreographed and staged works for renowned companies and institutions and is a recipient of the prestigious Princess Grace Award. Paul’s educational work includes mentoring aspiring dancers and creating programs that bridge classical and contemporary techniques. Her innovative approach to dance education continues to shape the future of the art form.

About Joffrey Ballet School:                                                                                                   

 The Joffrey Ballet School is a renowned dance institution based in New York City. Dance visionaries Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino founded the school in 1953, offering a world-class training program that celebrates boundary-breaking performances and commitment to artistic excellence. The Joffrey Ballet School continues to shape the future of dance through innovative training programs that prepare students to confidently pursue a career in dance throughout the worlds of concert and commercial dance.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Joffrey Ballet School, Maria Zamri, marketing@joffreyballetschool.com