The Gerald Arpino Foundation, a national organization based in Chicago, announces its production of the Arpino Dance Festival, presented by The Joyce Theater. The programs feature a rousing array of visionary choreographer Gerald Arpino’s signature works, some unseen in New York for more than three decades, performed by an outstanding lineup of companies and artists. Performances are September 30–October 12, 2025 at The Joyce, 175 8th Avenue, New York.
Arpino, with Robert Joffrey, created a ballet company and a body of work that left a singular and enduring impact on American ballet. Throughout his 50-year career, Arpino created nearly 50 ballets for The Joffrey Ballet. He was a masterful artist and entertainer whose work brought audiences to their feet time and again, and he was “a distinctly American choreographer” with “seemingly unstoppable creativity” (New York Times). The Arpino Dance Festival honors the choreographer’s distinct legacy and also marks an ambitious collaboration of major U.S. companies united by the enduring impact of his vision.
Two vibrant programs honoring the enduring legacy of choreographer Gerald Arpino will captivate audiences with a diverse array of works, showcasing his innovative artistry. Performed by renowned dance companies and guest artists, these programs highlight Arpino’s signature blend of classical technique, emotional depth, and contemporary flair.
Program A, running from September 30 to October 5, 2025, presents a rich tapestry of Arpino’s choreography. AVID: Artistic Ventures in Dance performs Confetti (1970), a joyful piece for three couples, enlivened by spirited tambourine flourishes and set to the exuberant Semiramide overture by Rossini. Next, San Francisco Ballet Principal Misa Kuranaga and Houston Ballet Principal Angelo Greco bring elegance to L’Air D’Esprit (1978), a classical pas de deux honoring Russian ballerina Olga Spessivtzeva, set to a rare excerpt from Adolphe Adam’s Giselle. The Joffrey Ballet then presents Round of Angels (1983), a poignant ballet depicting a couple facing separation, encircled by five male angels with broken wings, with Gustav Mahler’s evocative score amplifying its emotional intensity. Closing the program, Oklahoma City Ballet performs Birthday Variations (1986), a refined divertissement for five women and one man, showcasing classical nuance through a vibrant selection of Verdi’s music.
Program B, running from October 7 to October 12, 2025, offers an equally compelling showcase of Arpino’s vision. AVID: Artistic Ventures in Dance returns with Confetti (1970), delivering its lively energy and Rossini’s Semiramide overture. Guest artists Fabrice Calmels and Emily Speed perform Valentine (1971), a witty battle-of-the-sexes duet set in a boxing ring, brought to life by a solo double bassist playing Jacob Druckman’s bold, chaotic score. Dance Theatre of Harlem presents Sea Shadow (1962), a romantic ode to the myth of Ondine, where a young man on a beach is enchanted by a mysterious sea shadow, accompanied by Ravel’s lush music. Finally, Ballet West performs Light Rain (1981), Arpino’s most celebrated work, a dynamic fusion of contemporary energy and invention, set to the “East-West fusion” score by Douglas Adams and Russ Gauthier.
The Arpino Dance Festival will be at The Joyce Theater September 30 – October 12. Tickets are $17-82 (including fees) and go on sale June 19 at joyce.org/performances.
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