2025 Winning Works | Keelan Whitmore's 'Sea Change'

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'Sea Change' | A World Premiere by Keelan Whitmore

Transformation, one of the most intriguing elements in the Hero's journey, is at the heart of this new work. "Sea Change"—a term meaning a profound or notable transformation—reimagines themes of family dynamics and personal resilience as a microcosm to explore how society undergoes transformation or resists change. Inspired by Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis, "Sea Change" draws on the novel’s striking imagery and emotional vulnerability as inspiration for this collaboration. Creating this piece for the Winning Works Choreographic Competition has been a wonderful opportunity to delve into these ideas and work alongside the next generation of artists.

A Glimpse into Rehearsal

Students in the Grainger Academy of The Joffrey Ballet's Studio Company, Ballet Trainee, and Contemporary Ballet Trainee programs had the pleasure of working with Keelan during his two-week residency in early January.

  

  

See this work premiere March 14-23 at MCA Chicago. Purchase tickets at joffrey.org/winningworks.