In honor of their 70th anniversary, the beloved Joffrey Ballet revisits Northrop with American Icons, a tribute to four dance legends. Featuring iconic works that have shaped the history of American dance, the soaring program is brought to life with live orchestra, including a stirring piece played by Northrop Organist Greg Zelek that highlights our glorious Aeolian Skinner Op. 892. Witness the daring and enduring spirit that defines the Joffrey's maverick legacy. American Icons celebrates dynamic works by four trailblazing 20th-century artists: Joffrey co-founders Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, prolific dance pioneer Martha Graham, and Joffrey alum Glen Tetley.
Remembrances: Choreography by Robert Joffrey | Music by Richard Wagner
In this intimate duet by Robert Joffrey, visionary founder of The Joffrey Ballet, a woman sings of past love, while another views a dance-reenactment of the memory.
Kettentanz: Choreography by Gerald Arpino | Music by Johann Strauss Sr., Johann Mayer
Inspired by classical Viennese balls and gardens, Kettentanz is highly regarded as one of Arpino's signature works.
Secular Games: Choreography by Martha Graham | Music by Robert Starer
Secular Games presents a playful exploration of human nature and the lengths to which we go to impress one another.
Voluntaries: Choreography by Glen Tetley | Music by Francis Poulenc
A masterpiece of emotional depth and soaring movement set to Poulenc's Concerto in G Minor for Organ, Strings, and Timpani, Tetley's Voluntaries is a tribute to the late John Cranko.
Top image: Glen Tetley's Voluntaries. Photo © Erik Berg.
Articles & More
“The Joffrey Ballet continues to surprise audiences with innovation and superior technical prowess.”—Third Coast Review
“[Gerald Arpino] moved people, he gave them beauty, he gave them excitement. He allowed people to go to the ballet and not be intimidated by it.”—Variety
To Help You Decide
Create Your Own Package
Our flexible Create Your Own package lets you choose your experiences from any three or more in-person events from the 2025–26 Northrop Season! Subscribers enjoy:
- Savings of 15%—when you buy three+ 2025–26 Northrop Season events
- Best seats—be among the first to choose
- Partial payment plans
- Early prepaid parking reservations—order when you purchase tickets
- Invites to exclusive, behind-the-scenes events
- Flexibility at no extra cost—get unlimited free ticket exchanges
- Our appreciation for supporting Northrop programming and Centennial Commissions! Your purchase helps make a difference.
You might enjoy this performance if you love(d):
- The Joffrey Ballet
- American Ballet Theatre
- Dance Theatre of Harlem
- The State Ballet of Georgia
- BalletMet
This will be Joffrey’s 16th performance at Northrop; the last was in Mar 2023.
Related Event(s)
Know Before You Go
Event Information
- Seating: Ticket Required
- Performance Begins: 7:30 pm
- Pick 3 or More Events and Save
If you need assistance, please call 612-624-2345, email umntix@umn.edu.
Planning Your Visit
Acknowledgments
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
