Joffrey Ballet artistic director to resign
By TARA BURGHART Associated Press Writer
Article Launched: 04/12/2007 10:02:28 PM PDT


CHICAGO- Gerald Arpino plans to step down as artistic director of the Joffrey Ballet this summer—more than 50 years after he helped get the company started by touring the country in a rented station wagon.
Arpino, 84, co-founded the troupe with its namesake, the late Robert Joffrey.

He will take the title of artistic director emeritus July 1 when the company, based in Chicago since 1995, wraps up a two-year celebration of its 50th anniversary. The change is to be officially announced Friday.