2026 Winning Works | Choreographer Daniel Ojeda
A glimpse into @dochoreography ’s new work, ‘Visitors’, set on @graingeracademyjoffrey Studio Company, Contemporary Ballet Trainees, & Ballet Trainees.
See Winning Work March 13-22 at MCA Chicago’s Edlis Neeson Theater. Purchase tickets at joffrey.org/winningworks.
Video by @big_foot_media
First piece of music by @gideon.broshy
𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘 𝗞𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗥 is a dance theatre work where the characters of a sitcom television series are stuck on a perpetual rerun. When one of the characters discovers a note from the outside world hidden in their own pocket, they become unglued, no longer adhering to the script. As the show begins to fall apart, the remaining characters within it struggle to maintain their consistent existence. Despite efforts to save the show by bringing in a guest star, the series is forever changed.⠀
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𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘 𝗞𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗥 explores the comfort of nostalgia and found family, the struggle of moving on, anger in complacency, and the fear that once you leave, you may not have anything to come back to. ⠀
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This incredible video was shot by my good friend Taylor Robert Hawkins on MiniDV Tape. ⠀
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Choreography by @dochoreography in collaboration with the dancers⠀
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Performed by Cydney Covert, Annika Barlow, Jessica Fisher, Izzy Urbano, & Flynn Ericson⠀
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Videography by @shamblinghistorytapes
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Moments from creating last week in Vail.
NY audiences have one more opportunity to step inside the studio with @dochoreography and learn more about how he creates and what it’s like to collaborate with double bassist and composer @kontrabasskeb
IN PROCESS// Choreography & Composers
7:30-9pm April 14th, at Ballet Hispánico
Seating is limited, advanced RSVP recommended
Finished our first weekend of Winning Works
here’s a moment from the end of Daniel Ojeda’s “Visitors” @dochoreography
so grateful to have this experience onstage with this incredible group of dancers
📸 @cassidyballerina 🖤
It’s always been of great importance to me to collaborate with other artists, especially those that I have become close friends with. @gideon.broshy and I met in high school when we both played together in a band led by @lamemontgomery — we became fast friends, bonding over books, music, and movies. After high school, we both left the city, but would sporadically keep in touch every time we were back in town for the holidays. Through these conversations, Gideon told me about developing a love for dance, specifically noting a Crystal Pite piece he saw featuring a large ensemble cast. Fast forward several years to 2025 and I am heading to a theater in Ridgewood to see Gideon perform his debut album “Nest”. I was immediately taken by his compositions and asked him that evening if he’d ever consider composing an original score for dance. A few months later, after receiving news I had won the @graingeracademyjoffrey Winning Works competition, I immediately texted Gideon.⠀
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I am so proud of what we made and incredibly excited to premiere this piece in March! If you want to know more about Gideon and his music, there is a link in the comments below.
Meet our next 2026 choreographer, @dochoreography .
Daniel (he/him) is creating a new piece for AVID: Artistic Ventures In Dance, which will premier this summer. To get a sneak peak into his choreographic process, come and join us for our open rehearsal on February 25th.
Details and sign up link in bio
Photo by John Keon
Bought a new film camera. Still getting used to it but splurged on a Canon AE-1 and clearly I’ve yet to figure out to use the thing. Round 1 of a few that kind of turned out from my time in Chicago with the @graingeracademyjoffrey ⠀
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What a special group of artists. So excited to get back to Chicago in March and equally excited for all the other pieces that will be a part of Winning Works!⠀
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Tagged as many of y’all as I’m allowed so feel free to add in the comments.
Winning Works | Inside the Studio with @dochoreography@graingeracademyjoffrey Ballet and Contemporary Ballet Trainees and Joffrey Studio Company dancers had an incredible experience working with Daniel Ojeda. His piece, built on Grainger Academy students, features the largest cast in Winning Works history.
See his work March 13-22 at @mcachicago ’s Edlis Neeson Theater. Purchase tickets at joffrey.org/winningworks.
📸 Carolyn McCabe
Students in our Joffrey Studio Company and Ballet and Contemporary Ballet Trainee Programs finished their second Winning Works residency this past weekend with choreographer Daniel Ojeda. It was a quick two weeks and we are looking forward to Daniel’s return in March!
Learn more about our Winning Works choreographers and tickets by visiting Joffrey.org/winningworks.
Looking back on rehearsals for Daniel Ojeda’s (@dochoreography ) ‘Persona’.
This piece made its New York premiere in 2024 and was part of our Colorado BOUNDLESS tour this past summer.
Video by @nic.bier
