The Joffrey Ballet
Michelle Skiba is a dedicated dance educator and performer with extensive experience in community engagement and arts facilitation. Currently serving as a Community Engagement Teaching Artist at The Joffrey Ballet since August 2016, Michelle delivers dance instruction to students in various settings, emphasizing teamwork and inclusivity. In addition, Michelle has held roles as a dancer and facilitator with the Little Fire Artist Collective, contributing to performances and community programming. Michelle's choreography experience spans multiple sessions with After School Matters, where original works were created for advanced apprenticeship programs. With a background as a company dancer at Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre and Niko8, Michelle has collaborated closely with choreographers and musicians. Additional experience includes assisting in physical therapy at Athletico and serving as an undergraduate teaching assistant at Northwestern University. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Health Communications Certificate from Northwestern University and completed the Hubbard Street Dance Chicago Professional Program.
The Joffrey Ballet
The Joffrey is a world-class, Chicago-based ballet company and dance education organization committed to artistic excellence and innovation, presenting a unique repertoire encompassing masterpieces of the past and cutting-edge works. The Joffrey is committed to providing arts education and accessible dance training through its Joffrey Academy of Dance and Community Engagement programs. Classically trained to the highest standards, The Joffrey Ballet expresses a unique, inclusive perspective on dance, proudly reflecting the diversity of America with its company and audiences and repertoire which includes major story ballets, reconstructions of masterpieces and contemporary works. Founded by visionary teacher Robert Joffrey in 1956, guided by celebrated choreographer Gerald Arpino from 1988 until 2007, The Joffrey Ballet continues to thrive under internationally renowned Artistic Director Ashley Wheater. The Joffrey Ballet has become one of the most revered and recognizable arts organizations in America and one of the top dance companies in the world.