{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/64147e75d7071d0011436d2f/6abbd0ee8ec4e79ce6514470?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"(513) Ashley Wheater on Joffrey Ballet at Performing Arts Houston with Alexander Ekman's Midsummer Night's Dream","description":"<p>Access upcoming BONUS episodes plus listen ad-free when you join our Patreon page. Membership starts as low as $3 a month and every dollar helps support the future of the podcast. Thank you for your support. <a href=\"https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.patreon.com/cw/conversationsondance</a></p><p><br></p><p>Conversations on Dance hosts Rebecca King Ferraro and Michael Sean Breeden welcome back Ashley Wheater, Artistic Director of The Joffrey Ballet, to discuss the company’s upcoming tour to Houston (<a href=\"https://performingartshouston.org/events/the-joffrey-ballet-ekmans-midsummer-nights-dream-2026-10-23-730-pm/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Performing Arts Houston, Oct. 23–24) </a>with Alexander Ekman’s Midsummer Night’s Dream and preparations for the season. </p><p><br></p><p>He explains Joffrey’s marketing approach, long-range planning and budgeting through 2029, and balancing risk with audience draws like Christopher Wheeldon’s streamlined Sleeping Beauty. Wheater details Ekman’s Swedish Midsummer concept, hay-covered stage, surreal dinner party structure, and commissioned music featuring singer Anna von Hausswolff, and reflects on 20 years building Joffrey’s artistic identity, finances, community ties, and dancer wellness support.</p><p><br></p><p>If you are in the Houston area, don&#39;t miss the Joffrey Ballet at Performing Arts Houston. Tickets available <a href=\"https://performingartshouston.org/events/the-joffrey-ballet-ekmans-midsummer-nights-dream-2026-10-23-730-pm/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">here</a>.</p>","author_name":"Michael Sean Breeden & Rebecca King Ferraro"}