Suzanne Lopez, previously an Artist and Rehearsal Director at the Joffrey Ballet, has been chosen as the Abbott Academy Director of the Joffrey Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet.
Lopez, who has been a part of the Chicago-based institution for over three decades, will assume the role of overseeing the advancement and progress of the Academy as a distinguished establishment for dance instruction, integrating Robert Joffrey’s original principles into the educational framework.
About Suzanne Lopez
- Ashley Wheater MBE, The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director of The Joffrey Ballet:
“Suzanne brings her profound amount of experience and unique perspective to the Academy. Trained under Robert Joffrey and steeped in his traditions and methodology, her inspiration is fueled by everything she has absorbed as a student, dancer, rehearsal director, and teacher. Her leadership, knowledge, and vision for the Academy will bring a new era of excellence to a future generation of artists.”
Lopez will be responsible for managing all areas of the Academy which encompasses the development of educational content and creative activities for individuals of various age groups and divisions including the:
- Children’s, Youth and Adult Divisions
- Summer Camps and Summer Intensives
- Pre-Professional and Trainee, and
- Adaptive Programs.
With a focus on upholding the values and methodology of Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, Lopez will lead a team of 67 faculty members and 16 accompanists. Additionally, she will oversee approximately 1,790 students who enroll in classes each term.
“The Joffrey Academy of Dance is a pillar of our organization. Suzanne, who already has the great respect of our students, teachers, and Company, is the perfect person to drive it forward.
Since its founding, the Academy has reached several milestones, including opening the Academy’s South Loop studios, which increases accessibility for students from the city’s south and west sides, and the launch of our Contemporary Ballet Trainee Program.
Suzanne, whose history with the organization personifies the Joffrey mission to create avenues for all dancers, is committed to making our Academy even more available to students, families, and faculty, embodying our “Joffrey for All” philosophy.” – Greg Cameron, President and CEO of The Joffrey Ballet
Featured Photo of Suzanne Lopez courtesy of The Joffrey Ballet.
