Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Wheater.
Ashley, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
When I was very young, I visited my sister’s ballet class in rural England. I was hooked and began taking classes. As a ten year old, I went to the Royal Ballet School in London. I worked with amazing teachers and dancers such as Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev. It was on Rudolf’s recommendation that I gather as much experience as possible. I danced with The Royal Ballet, English Festival Ballet, Australian Ballet, The Joffrey Ballet and San Francisco Ballet. I retired from dancing following an injury and became a teacher, ballet master and now Artistic Director of The Joffrey Ballet.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not everyone is able to spend his life doing something he loves. I am very lucky. Friends and family have supported my dreams along the way. When my family was unable to pay for my ballet education, my county council stepped in.
Each stage in my career has offered its own challenges. Perhaps the largest change came with my appointment as Artistic Director of The Joffrey Ballet.
Building an excellent ballet company requires the cooperation of a very large group of people, each performing his/her own function, but each pulling in the same direction. It took several years to assemble a committed and dynamic team.
Please tell us about The Joffrey Ballet.
I was fortunate to work with founder Robert Joffrey in the 1980’s. Many people believe he created the first truly American ballet company, drawing its inspiration from the people of the country and the time in which we live. He drew from broad dance influences: classical, contemporary, avant-garde.
Joffrey dancers have always been diverse. They are not drawn from a single “type”. Rather, they share a passion for and an ability to dance. We are a non-ranked company. Dancers are selected to dance any given role based on merit and appropriateness, rather than title. The Joffrey template is unique.
I am proud of the progress we have made as a company. When I became director, some dancers commented that the work was too difficult. The work is difficult, but the rewards, physically and artistically, make it worthwhile. Amongst my responsibilities is that of curator. I try to watch as much dance as possible. I learn about my dancers and my audience, and try to fashion programming which provides an inspiration and a challenge. I am proud to champion new talent. I am pleased that we have introduced new work and are creating 21st century ballets.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I believe in an open environment. Ballet is hard work, but it should be fun.
Rather than lock myself in my office, I am engaged in most aspects of our organization. I teach the Academy and the Company. I participate in rehearsals, serving as ballet master and coach. I am open to dialogue, and I want to know what is going on in the lives of our dancers and staff. I want the Joffrey to be well-integrated: Company, Academy and Community Engagement. I am happy to nurture relationships with our audience and potential supporters. I value the hard work of our administrative staff and the leadership of our board of directors. The Joffrey should be a sanctuary for creative people. I believe in the power of our art form and I want the Joffrey to be an incubator for innovative and dynamic dance.
Contact Info:
- Address: Joffrey Tower, 10 East Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60601
- Website: joffrey.org
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