The Joffrey Ballet’s Commitment to Mental Health: A Model for the Dance World

At The Joffrey Ballet, the pursuit of excellence doesn’t stop at the edge of the stage — it extends to the well-being of the artists and staff. Renowned globally for innovative productions, extraordinary talent, and premier dance education, the Joffrey is also setting a new standard in an often-overlooked area: mental health.

Now in its second year, the Joffrey’s pioneering Mental Health Program is redefining artist support. As one of the few dance companies in the world offering on-site, confidential psychotherapy services, the Joffrey is leading the charge in recognizing mental health as integral to a dancer’s professional journey.

“Mental health is essential to our community’s well-being,” says Sarah Venuti Yates, the Joffrey’s Director of Human Resources. “We care deeply about supporting our colleagues, not solely in their performance but in their overall health and happiness. Prioritizing mental well-being helps prevent injuries, sustain long careers, and, most importantly, make sure they feel supported every step of the way.” 

Many dancers seeking mental health support within the workplace traditionally turn to rehearsal directors, company managers, or HR. While these roles are crucial for fostering a positive company culture, they are not substitutes for professional mental health care. This is where the Joffrey’s on-site services are a game-changer.

Building on its existing partnership with RUSH Health for physical health services, the Joffrey expanded this collaboration to include mental health support. With the expertise of RUSH’s Department of Psychiatry, licensed clinical social worker Erika Owen now provides direct mental health services at Joffrey Tower.

Owen’s approach reaches beyond traditional talk therapy. As a specialist in case management, she connects individuals to resources, offers practical support, and ensures continuous care through regular follow-ups. She addresses a wide range of challenges, from coping with career-threatening injuries to managing food insecurity, through problem-solving and behavior-based interventions.

Spending six hours a week at Joffrey Tower while maintaining her full-time role at RUSH, Owen's presence at Joffrey guarantees mental health support is readily accessible. Her presence normalizes the idea that mental health is as critical as physical conditioning for dancers, eliminating common barriers to care.

Since its summer 2023 launch, the program has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from Joffrey artists and staff. Recognizing its success, the Joffrey and RUSH presented their model at the 34th Annual Conference of the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science (IADMS) in Rimini, Italy, in fall 2024.

IADMS, a leading organization dedicated to advancing dance medicine and science, convenes professionals worldwide to discuss innovations promoting dancers’ health and well-being. The Joffrey’s presentation highlighted the program’s measurable benefits and the cultural shift it has fostered within the company.

“Our program is flourishing, but we recognize that many organizations face significant challenges,” says Venuti Yates. “Financial, environmental, and organizational barriers are real—but not insurmountable. The key is to start small. Our partnership with RUSH was a natural next step in building a comprehensive support system for our staff. While not every dance company has a partnership like this, many have connections within the healthcare system. Bringing in a licensed social worker can be a simple yet powerful way to get started.”

The Joffrey’s mental health program is an internal success story and a valuable blueprint for the broader dance community. In an industry often characterized by stoicism and perfectionism, the program challenges outdated stigmas surrounding mental health. It demonstrates that meaningful change is possible through open-minded collaboration and a holistic approach to artist care.

For many professional dancers, mental health struggles are endured in silence. The Joffrey’s model sends a powerful message: no one should navigate these challenges alone.

A forward-thinking company culture creates an environment where artists can thrive both on and off stage. Through open-minded collaboration, progressive health programming can be implemented and ultimately drive positive change.

As The Joffrey Ballet continues to inspire companies worldwide, it reinforces that mental health is not a luxury in the performing arts — it is a necessity. With programs like this, the dance world is finally catching up.