Choreographer Stephanie Martinez Find Bliss In New Work

WDCB’s Gary Zidek talks to choreographer Stephanie Martinez about her career and BLISS!

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WDCB's Gary Zidek talks to choreographer Stephanie Martinez.

“I know a lot of Stravinsky’s work, but I wasn’t familiar with this particular score. So, I did a lot of research into historically where did this music come from and why is it important now.” - Stephanie Martinez talking about choreographing to Igor Stravinsky’s DUMBARTON OAKS concerto.

Stephanie Martinez

Joffrey Ballet’s winter program, THE TIMES ARE RACING, features works from four acclaimed choreographers. The mixed repertory program features a spectrum of styles and themes, ranging from a contemporary “sneaker ballet” to a work inspired by a philanthropic couple who left their mark on the arts.  The later work, titled BLISS!, comes from Chicago-based choreographer Stephanie Martinez.

Robert & Mildred Bliss

Robert and Mildred Bliss commissioned Igor Stravinsky to compose a chamber concerto in celebration of their thirtieth wedding anniversary. The result was the Concerto in E-flat, which Mrs. Bliss requested be subtitled Dumbarton Oaks 8-v-38 in honor of the place and date (1938) of its premier. 

Evan Boersma, Brooke Linford and Stefan Goncalvez. Photo credit: Cheryl Mann

Martinez’s BLISS! made its world premiere at Orchestra Hall last spring as part of a special collaboration between the Joffrey Ballet and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Now it’s part of Joffrey’s THE TIMES ARE RACING program which also includes works from acclaimed choreographers Justin Peck, Christopher Wheeldon and Itzik Galili.

Joffrey Ballet’s THE TIMES ARE RACING continues at the Auditorium Theatre through February 23. You can find more information at joffrey.org