Winning Works is The Joffrey Ballet’s annual choreographic competition for emerging artists. A mission-driven, access-oriented initiative, Winning Works upholds The Joffrey Ballet’s core values of Joffrey for All, providing opportunities for everyone, regardless of background, to experience, support, and participate in dance.

The award recognizes talented emerging choreographers whose unique perspectives inspire creativity through original works of dance. Through Winning Works, The Joffrey aims to broaden access for artists who have been historically excluded from the art form and empower them to help shape the future of dance.

Each year, five choreographers—including one Chicago-based emerging artist—are selected to create new works in collaboration with dancers from the Grainger Academy of The Joffrey Ballet. Selected artists receive a $5,000 stipend, a minimum of 30 rehearsal hours, and travel and accommodations for the duration of their residency.

ELIGIBILITY:

The Joffrey Ballet is looking for talented choreographers with 2+ years of experience setting work on classically trained dancers. Applicants must be 21 years of age or older and living in the U.S. or be able to cover travel expenses to the U.S., including visa application fees. Choreographers who have previously been selected for and participated in Winning Works are not eligible. Choreographers who have previously applied but were not selected or were selected but ultimately could not participate are encouraged to re-apply.

DEADLINE: July 31, 2026