Swedish meets surreal in Joffrey's Midsummer Celebration, raising nearly $2M
Marie Rossiter, Better
As the Joffrey Ballet’s 68th season ended, the company still had one appearance left to mark the end of another year: the ballet’s annual fundraising event, Midsummer Celebration.
It only seemed fitting to plan a gala event inspired by Alexander Ekman’s Swedish take on Midsummer Night’s Dream the company’s final mainstage performance for the 2023-2024 season. Borrowing from the production’s “surreal realm of unearthly delights,” Joffrey Ballet’s Board Chair Anne Kaplan and HMR Designs’ Bill Hefferman collectively brainstormed designs and activations that fully embraced the otherworldly theme of the evening, including the food, décor, performances, fashion, and more.
Joffrey Ballet President and CEO Greg Cameron, Board Chair Anne Kaplan, and The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater.
The Swedish theme of Joffrey Ballet’s Midsummer Night’s Dream carried over into the evening’s menu, which included a smorgasbord, fish, and Swedish treats such as lingonberry and princess cakes provided by Food For Thought.
Throughout the evening, the event had many photo opportunities and Instgramable moments that showcased revelry and delight. From a man bathing in a tub full of moss and whimsical nymphs frolicking about to fish heads dressed in tuxedos serving Akvavit and a floral swing set, the Midsummer Celebration was a feast for the eyes, ears, and palate.
After guests enjoyed the evening’s sights, sounds, and food, they could dance the night away with Joffrey Company Artists to the sounds of the live band BeatMix and DJ Megan Taylor as they partied in the aura of the summer solstice.
While everyone enjoyed the evening’s fun and festivity, the event’s mission to raise money for Joffrey’s community initiatives took center stage. Midsummer Celebration raised $1.9 million to help underwrite the Joffrey For All free performance on June 16 and provide financial support to the company’s three critical pillars of impact: the Company dancers, the Academy of Dance, and Community Education Programs.
This popular event invites everyone to enjoy performances by Joffrey’s Company Artists and Academy and Community Engagement students. The 2024 Joffrey for All featured free dance movement classes for the public before the performances, with elections from various productions and original works.
The 2024-2025 Joffrey Ballet season opens on Oct. 17 with Atonement, choreographed by Cathy Marston, and music by Laura Rossi. Audiences can also buy tickets for The Nutcracker, Golden Hour, and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by visiting the official Joffrey Ballet box office website.
The Women's Board of The Joffrey Ballet.
Want to attend the next Joffrey Ballet fundraising event? Mark your calendar and purchase tickets for JoffreyNext: Supporting the Artists of Tomorrow, scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 23, at the Lyric Opera House. Guests will enjoy cocktails with Joffrey’s Women’s Board, watch inspiring dance performances, and celebrate Joffrey’s education programs.
Watch the Alexander Ekman-Directed Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony
Alexander Ekman, choreographer Midsummer Night’s Dream, will direct the staging and opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games. On August 28, the ceremony will feature thousands of Para athletes who will parade down the Champs-Elysée to the Place de la Concorde. With more than 150 dancers, including professionals with disabilities, Alexander will bring to life a choreography that is inventive and musical.
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