The Gerald Arpino Foundation

10/10/2026

THE STORY BEHIND // FOOTNOTES FOR RJ

Footnotes for RJ premiered on this day in 1998, but its story began 15 years earlier.

In 1983, Gerald Arpino created Quarter-Tones for Mr. B as an homage to George Balanchine. In the original program notes, Mr. Arpino wrote that he and the dancers had “flavored the ballet with dance motifs relevant to Mr. Balanchine’s unique style.”

Fifteen years later, Mr. Arpino returned to the work and the music of Teo Macero, reworking the ballet as Footnotes for RJ and dedicating it to Robert Joffrey, who greatly admired Balanchine.
From an homage to Mr. B to a dedication to Mr. Joffrey. ❤️

28 years later, we’re looking back at Footnotes for RJ.

Pictured:
Trinity Hamilton, dancer with The Joffrey Ballet
Photo by Herbert Migdoll.

10/09/2026

FROM THE ARCHIVES // FANFARITA

58 years of Fanfarita! ❤️

Gerald Arpino’s Fanfarita premiered on October 9, 1968.

Today, we’re looking back at some of the dancers who brought Fanfarita to life through the years. A little glimpse into the artists, movement, and history behind the work.

Happy premiere day, Fanfarita!

Pictured:
Photo 1: Denise Jackson, The Joffrey Ballet
Photo 2: Luis Fuente and Susan Magno. Photo by Herbert Migdoll.
Photo 3: Ann Marie DeAngelo, The Joffrey Ballet
Photo 4: Luis Fuente, Zelma Bustillo, and Pamara Perry. Top photo by Herbert Migdoll.

09/28/2026

FROM THE ARCHIVES // SEA SHADOW

On this day in 1962, Gerald Arpino’s Sea Shadow premiered.

A romantic ode to Ondine, Sea Shadow offers an early glimpse into the lyricism of Mr. Arpino’s choreography.

As we look back on Sea Shadow today, this archival footage feels especially meaningful. In memory of Lisa Bradley, we are sharing a glimpse of her dancing alongside Paul Sutherland in 1964.

We are grateful to have moments like these preserved, allowing us to remember not only the ballets, but the remarkable artists who brought them to life. ❤️

Pictured:
Victoria Jaiani & Temur Suluashvili in Sea Shadow
Photo by Herbert Migdoll

Archival Film:
Sea Shadow, 1964
Lisa Bradley & Paul Sutherland

09/20/2026

FROM THE ARCHIVES // ASTARTE

On this day in 1967, Robert Joffrey’s Astarte premiered.

Part ballet, part film, part rock concert, Astarte brought together dance, film, projections, and rock music in a way audiences had never quite seen before.

In an excerpt from the PBS American Masters documentary Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance, Trinette Singleton recalls the process of creating Astarte and the mystery surrounding the ballet during its early rehearsals.

Take a look back at the making of a work that became a defining moment in Joffrey history.

Watch the excerpt here, and find the full PBS American Masters video linked below.

https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/joffrey-film-excerpt-the-making-of-joffreys-astarte/2395/

Video excerpt: PBS American Masters, Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance

09/18/2026

ARPINO ON STAGE // L’AIR D’ESPRIT

NYC friends, Arpino is coming to City Center!

Skylar Brandt and Aran Bell will perform Gerald Arpino’s L’Air D’Esprit as part of Fall for Dance on September 22 & 23.

Staged by Ann Marie DeAngelo.

September 22 + 23 | 7:30 PM
New York City Center

This clip features Brandt and Bell performing L’Air D’Esprit at Spring for Dance in St. Louis earlier this year.

Come see L’Air D’Esprit on stage in NYC! ❤️

09/10/2026

FROM THE ARCHIVES // VIVA VIVALDI

61 years ago today, Viva Vivaldi premiered.

Set to the music of Antonio Vivaldi, the ballet was created to showcase the dancers, with speed, musicality, and plenty of opportunities for individual brilliance.

Writing about The Joffrey Ballet’s 1976 performance, The New York Times’ Anna Kisselgoff said Viva Vivaldi “gleams, sparkles and glows.”

Take a look back through the archives and swipe to the end to see snippets of the piece in motion. ❤️

Pictured:
Photo 1: Trinette Singleton in Viva Vivaldi
Photo 2: Viva Vivaldi in performance
Photo 3: April Daly and Erica Lynette Edwards in Viva Vivaldi. Photo by Herbert Migdoll.

09/07/2026

FROM THE ARCHIVES // KETTENTANZ

On this day in 1971, Gerald Arpino’s Kettentanz premiered with The Joffrey Ballet.

Inspired by the music and energy of old Vienna, Kettentanz has remained a favorite across generations—and returned to The Joffrey Ballet stage earlier this year as part of American Icons.

55 years and still dancing. ✨

Pictured:
Photos 1, 3 & 4: Kettentanz, The Joffrey Ballet Ensemble © Cheryl Mann, 2026
Photo 2: Allison Walsh in Kettentanz. Photo by Herbert Migdoll.

09/03/2026

IN THE STUDIO // REFLECTIONS

Reflections is back in the studio!

Cameron Basden spent a week at BYU staging Gerald Arpino’s Reflections, working with the dancers six hours each day. She began with variations from the ballet before going back to the beginning and putting the work together.

With its neoclassical movement, contractions, and meticulous footwork, Reflections doesn’t tell a story, but it certainly has a feeling.

A little look inside the process and at a new group of dancers stepping into the work. ❤️

BYU will bring Reflections to the stage April 8, 9, & 10. More to come!

07/17/2026

Today's Feature Friday is Arpino's L'Air D'Esprit with the phenomenal dancers, Misa Kuranaga and Angelo Greco. L'Air is a virtuoso pas de deux inspired by the ballerina Olga Spessivtseva. The delicacy of footwork combined with the bravura jumps and partnering makes this an audience favorite.

06/28/2026

So saddened by this news. Sally Bliss was a devoted supporter of Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino. Thank you, Sally, for all your years of teaching and mentoring so many dancers. Rest in peace.

Bliss was in turn a dancer, teacher and administrator. Most of all, Bliss was a notable booster for dance, both in St. Louis and in the wider world.