Jazmín Morales Chief of Staff at The Juilliard School | Official website
Jazmín Morales Chief of Staff at The Juilliard School | Official website
The Spring Dances 2025 at Juilliard offer students the opportunity to engage with iconic dance pieces while introducing new choreography. Scheduled for March 26–29, the event provides a platform for students to delve into restaging classic works and premiering fresh compositions.
This year's program emphasizes tradition and innovation, reflecting Juilliard Dance's legacy. Students have immersed themselves in the work of José Limón, William Forsythe, and Aszure Barton throughout the spring semester. Alum Logan Kruger leads the Limón segment, while Riley Watts and Brigel Gjoka guide Forsythe's piece. The New York Times has praised Barton's creations as "full of surprise and humor, emotion and pain."
Kruger and Watts, both graduates from Juilliard's class of 2007, have returned to stage Limón’s "A Choreographic Offering" and Forsythe’s "Duo," now adapted for 14 dancers. “It’s crazy how fast time goes,” said Watts about his return to Juilliard after dancing with Forsythe’s company from 2010 to 2015. “It’s truly an honor to be part not only of dance history but also the lineage of these people who are making dance happen.”
Kruger joined Limón's company in 2009 and became its associate artistic director in 2021. She collaborated on this project with MJ Edwards ('22), a current member of Limón's company, and Risa Steinberg (BFA ’71), who has been a faculty member since 2000. Kruger expressed her sentiments: “To be able to hand down this knowledge that such a long line of dancers and the school have been part of—and now these young dancers are part of too—it’s so special.”
Alicia Graf Mack, dean and director of Juilliard’s Dance Division, commented on welcoming back Kruger and Watts: it's “especially meaningful” as it offers students “the privilege of learning from them and showcasing the possibilities of a full-circle career.”
Barton's new work "Be" is crafted specifically for Juilliard dancers. Her style combines contemporary dance with ballet elements, aligning with themes present in Spring Dances. The premiere features music by trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire performed by Juilliard jazz students.
Barton's collaboration reflects her commitment to nurturing future generations through her distinct vision.
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