Joffrey Ballet documentary explores ‘Winning Works’ program

A new PBS documentary, ‘Joffrey Ballet: The Next Movement’, explores the ‘Winning Works’ program, which provides opportunities for emerging artists who have been historically excluded from the ballet industry.

Produced by Kartemquin Films and directed by Cam Be, the film follows five choreographers as they prepare world premiere works featuring students from the Joffrey’s Grainger Academy. The documentary highlights the personal stories and dedication of BIPOC artists, including Manoela Gonçalves, Jainil Mehta, Martha Nichols, Xavier Núñez, and Houston Thomas, as they navigate the intense pressure of staging professional performances.

The film captures the creative process and the personal experiences of these artists, aiming to showcase the human element behind the discipline of ballet.