Final answer:
The Joffrey Ballet was founded in 1956 and is known for its innovative blend of classical and modern dance. Choreographic works like "Astarte" and the reconstruction of Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" solidified their contemporary image. They continue to influence the evolution of ballet with their diverse repertoire.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Joffrey Ballet has a rich history as a pioneering contemporary ballet company. Founded in 1956 by Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, the Joffrey Ballet embraced both classical ballet and modern dance, and was known for its innovative and diverse repertoire. Their early work included revivals of forgotten ballets alongside cutting-edge, new pieces, which were often set to contemporary music.
One of the standout choreographic projects that contributed to their contemporary image was the "Astarte" in 1967, a multimedia ballet that infused rock music, film, and light projections, capturing the spirit of the counter-culture era. Later, in 1987, the company moved from New York to Chicago, further cementing their presence in the landscape of American dance with bold works that addressed social issues and utilized multimedia, echoing the innovative spirit of companies like DV8 Physical Theatre Company.
The Joffrey Ballet also caused a stir in the dance world with their reconstruction of the original version of Igor Stravinsky's "The Rite of Spring" for its 75th anniversary in 1987, showcasing their commitment to historical ballets as well as contemporary creations. Their adoption of modern and varied choreographic styles has established the Joffrey Ballet as a significant force in the evolution of ballet into the modern era.