The Joffrey Ballet Chicago has collaborated with Hoop ‘Til It Hurts Foundation to support kids living in underserved communities. One of the premier dance companies in the world, The Joffrey Ballet plays a vital role as the largest dance company and dance education provider in the Midwest.
In celebration of its 25th anniversary in Chicago, we have launched a limited-edition apparel line. 20% of all proceeds will be donated to Hoop ‘Til It Hurts Foundation. This coming together of arts and sports was created to help kids benefit from all that youth basketball has to offer.
Dylan Gutierrez, Lead Dancer for The Joffrey Ballet, has collaborated with artist Cooper to create a limited-edition line of shirts and hoodies.
Dylan
Dylan Gutierrez grew up in Van Nuys, California, and received his training at the Los Angeles Ballet Academy under the direction of his mother Andrea-Paris Gutierrez. In 2006, he was awarded a full scholarship to train at The Royal Ballet School in London. A member of Joffrey since 2009, Dylan has been part of several Joffrey world premiere roles including The Great Impresario in Christopher Wheeldon’s The Nutcracker, Vronsky in Yuri Possokhov’s Anna Karenina, and most recently the role of Lennie in Cathy Marston’s Of Mice and Men, set to premiere in 2022.
Cooper
Cooper is a well-known contemporary artist who reimagines still life and brings a fresh new style in representing the beauty in nature through vibrant color combinations and patterns. He is known for his signature “Wildflower” murals that launched in Los Angeles and can now be seen on buildings throughout the country. He has also done commission work for Puma in collaboration with the late Nipsey Hussle, and has worked with several established brands including Adidas, Vans, Coach NY, Boost Mobile, and Mountain Dew. Cooper works out of his studio in Evansville, Indiana.
About The Joffrey Ballet
Celebrating 65 years of artistic excellence and 25 years as Chicago’s resident dance company in 2021. The Joffrey Ballet expresses an inclusive perspective on dance that reflects the diversity of America through its Company Artists, extensive repertoire, Academy, and Community Engagement programs. Classically trained to the highest standards, Joffery is one of the premier companies performing today.
About Hoop ‘Til It Hurts Foundation
Our Story
Michael “Skeet” Horton grew up in one of the toughest neighborhoods in Chicago. Basketball was where Skeet learned to be accountable, on and off the court. And when he played, he gave it everything he had.
Our Impact
We invest in kids who have the drive to play hard by providing them with the resources they need on and off the court. We provide grants to pay for apparel, league and travel fees as well as private academic tutors.
Donate
By donating to the Hoop ‘Til It Hurts Foundation you will be investing in kids who give it all on the court. You’re investing in families and in neighborhoods. You’re investing in the future.