Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance

Directed by Bob Hercules and released in 2012, Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance tells the captivating story of the Joffrey Ballet, one of America's pioneering dance companies, which revolutionized ballet by daringly combining modern dance with traditional ballet technique, integrating pop and rock music scores, and challenging established norms about performing art. The narration of Tony Award-winning actor Mandy Patinkin draws the viewer deeper into the fascinating saga.

The movie features interviews with notable figures such as dance critic Sasha Anawalt, Joffrey Ballet co-founder Gerald Arpino, and former company dancer Charthel Arthur, all of whom provide valuable insights into the exceptional world of the Joffrey Ballet. Through these interviews and a treasure trove of rare archival footage, the film paints a vivid picture of not only the entire company's history but also the unique and rich throwback to American dance culture, covering the wild creativity of the 1960s and the near extinction of the company during the 1990s.

Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance traces the vision and achievements of the company's two founders - Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino. We learn how this dynamic duo, whose matchless joint talent left an indelible mark on the dance world, created a groundbreaking dance institution that still stands strong today. Their innovative sensibilities guided the company to debut original ballets, often controversial, that challenged the status quo, thus shaping the trailblazers known for their extraordinary dedication to fostering creativity and nurturing talent, as well as their commitment to showcasing a novel and modern repertoire that confronted societal issues and themes.

Robert Joffrey's passionate immersion in dance history and Arpino's daredevil approach to choreography brought the company to the forefront of international attention. Their devotion to aesthetic perfection and artistic freedom allowed the Joffrey Ballet to attract world-class talent and frequently commission new work, advancing the art form in a way few other companies of the time were able to.

Illustrated by anecdotes from the protagonists themselves, the film also sheds light on some of the company's landmark productions, such as "Astarte", a psychedelic multimedia ballet that embraced the spirit of the late 1960s, and "Billboards", set to music by Prince, which became one of the biggest hits in the company's history.

However, it wasn't always smooth sailing for the Joffrey Ballet. The documentary also recounts the difficulties encountered by the company, such as financial struggles and internal conflicts that threatened its survival at certain stages. It depicts how these obstacles were met with resilience and courage, reflecting the same bold spirit that fuelled the company's creative endeavours.

An essential theme in this narrative is the importance of fostering diversity, something the Joffrey Ballet diligently championed, hosting a varied repertoire that reflected the multicultural society of American life in the past and present. This commitment to diversity also extended to the dancers themselves, with Joffrey and Arpino cultivating a company that welcomed a range of backgrounds, styles, and perspectives, earning it the reputation as 'America's Company of Firsts.'

The film explores not only the company's intrinsic link to contemporary American history and larger cultural trends but also the personal heartbeats of the individuals who have called The Joffrey Ballet their home. It serves as a chronicle, not only of a legendary dance company’s development but also of the challenges, victories, and power of art in society.

Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance is an inspirational homage to the world of ballet, delivering much more than just the history of the Joffrey Ballet. It's a compelling look at a groundbreaking dance company that dared to go against the grain, an examination of the power of art to challenge society, and a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who dance. Perfect for ballet devotees and newcomers alike, this film is a must-see for anyone interested in dance, culture, history, or the passion it takes to keep a dream alive.