Artist Stories | Christine Rocas
After a remarkable twenty-year career as a Company Artist with The Joffrey Ballet, Christine Rocas is stepping into a new role—this time, off the stage. Following a year as Interim Rehearsal Director, Rocas has officially been appointed to the position full-time.
She plans to utilize her unique perspective and deep connection to the Company’s repertoire to foster an environment of trust and collaboration, while remaining committed to inspiring, coaching, and elevating the next generation of artists.
We spoke with Christine about her journey with the Joffrey, how she envisions this new chapter, and her aspirations as she transitions into ballet life behind the scenes.
1. What is your favorite memory of dancing in the Company?
Honestly, it's hard to choose just one. There are the obvious highlights, performing dream roles like Giselle, Juliet, and the title role in a brand-new full-length creation, Anna Karenina; dancing ballets I long admired, like In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated by William Forsythe, Forgotten Land by Jiří Kylián, and Serenade and Prodigal Son by George Balanchine; and working with dream choreographers like Yuri Possokhov, Christopher Wheeldon, Krzysztof Pastor, and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. I also cherish the collaborations with incredible orchestras such as the Chicago Symphony and the Cleveland Orchestra.
But what stays with me are the moments when The Joffrey Ballet artists came together as a team. I'll never forget this field trip we took around Chicago, dancing phrases from Alexander Ekman's Episode 31 flash-mob style, filmed as part of the piece. There's an electric energy when everyone dives into a shared creative goal, experimenting, trusting each other, and giving everything as a team. Those moments of discovery and connection are what I treasure most.
2. How has your relationship with dance grown and changed throughout your transition into the role of rehearsal director?
Becoming a Rehearsal Director has made me fall in love with dance in a whole new way. As a performer, I lived inside the work. It's felt deeply personal, even selfish at times, which I've openly said about myself as an artist. Performing is also incredibly physical. Now, stepping back, I see the larger picture: how the whole piece breathes, how each theatrical component is a piece to a much larger puzzle, how to nurture dancers in ways that meet both their potential and their personal ambition, and how to support the choreographer's vision while creating space for an artist's interpretation.
Before, when the curtain rose, I only worried about my own performance. Now, I feel connected to the entire production, and when the curtain falls, the pride I feel runs even deeper. This role has deepened my respect for the entire art form, especially for the people: the administrative staff, the production team, our supporters, the community we serve, and, of course, the Company Artists who bring it all to life.
3. How has your experience as a Joffrey Company Artist informed your role as a rehearsal director?
My experience as a Joffrey Company Artist has been integral to my role as a Rehearsal Director. I spent 19 years dancing with the Company and experienced firsthand how it has evolved into what it is today. I understand the Company's priorities: a commitment to innovation, performing relevant work and stories, preserving tradition, and fostering a supportive environment.
Having performed many of the roles still in the repertoire, I can share my knowledge and experience to help maintain the integrity of those works. I'm excited to continue contributing to the Joffrey's legacy in this new capacity.
4. You've transitioned from an artistic peer in the rehearsal room to a leadership figure. What were the challenges? Were there unexpected moments?
It was definitely a learning curve! Balancing the familiarity I had with the dancers with the need to be both approachable and responsible has been a daily practice. I'm incredibly grateful to the dancers and my colleagues for their patience and support during this transition.
5. What are you most looking forward to in this new chapter? Do you have specific goals that you are hoping to achieve?
The Joffrey Ballet is at an all-time high, producing bold, relevant ballets that resonate with today's audiences. The scale of our productions is ambitious, which is inspiring. I'm eager to continue helping build on that success, pushing the boundaries of what's possible. The Company's potential is limitless, and I'm honored to play a role in making that vision a reality.
Learn more about Christine here.
