Jennifer Archibald, hailing from Toronto, is a significant figure in the world of contemporary Ballet Dance. As the founder and Artistic Director of the Arch Dance Company and Program Director of ArchCore40 Dance Intensives, Archibald’s influence spans performance, choreography, and dance education. Her innovative approach and dedication have positioned her as a leading voice in shaping modern ballet.
Archibald’s choreographic portfolio is remarkably extensive, encompassing collaborations with esteemed ballet companies such as Ailey II, Atlanta Ballet, Ballet West, and Kansas City Ballet. Her dynamic and expressive style has been sought after by Oregon Ballet Theatre, Pittsburgh Ballet, Sacramento Ballet, Tulsa Ballet, and BalletX, showcasing her versatility and appeal within the ballet dance community. Beyond traditional ballet, Archibald has also lent her choreographic talents to commercial projects for prominent brands like NIKE, MAC Cosmetics, and Tommy Hilfiger, as well as collaborations with popular music artists, demonstrating her broad reach and impact. Her return to the Crypto Arena to choreograph the opening for KCON’s annual conference further exemplifies her diverse and high-profile career.
In a historic appointment, Jennifer Archibald became the first female Resident Choreographer in Cincinnati Ballet’s celebrated 40-year history. This milestone underscores her significant contribution and leadership within ballet dance. Looking ahead, Archibald is commissioned to create new works for BalletMet, Grand Rapids Ballet, BalletX, The Washington Ballet, Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre, and the Kennedy Centre’s Pathways to Performance program in 2025, indicating her continued prominence and demand in the field. Her expertise extends beyond choreography to movement direction, evidenced by her role as acting Movement Director for Michael Kahn’s production of The Oresteia at the Shakespeare Theatre Company. Archibald’s directorial debut with WeAight was recognized as an Official Selection of the 2022 Dance on Camera Festival, highlighting her multifaceted artistic abilities.
A hallmark of Archibald’s work is her development of the “Documentary Ballet” format. This unique approach integrates historical narratives into dance, fostering community engagement and dialogue. Her documentary ballets are more than stage performances; they are immersive theatrical experiences that prioritize historical education as a core element of the creative process. Notable examples include Breakin’Bricks, a tribute to the Black Wall Street community, produced by Tulsa Ballet; Sounds of the Sun, honoring the life of dancer Florence Waren and her experiences during the Holocaust, created for the Pittsburgh Ballet; and Seven, a biographical piece about Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee, commissioned by MADCO Dance Company. These works exemplify Archibald’s commitment to using ballet dance as a medium for storytelling and historical reflection.
Archibald’s choreographies have graced prestigious venues, including Aaron Davis Hall, Central Park’s Summerstage Mainstage, Jacob’s Pillow Inside|Out Stage, Lincoln Center, New York’s City Center, and The Kennedy Center. She was honored as a Choreographic Fellow for Ailey’s New Directions Choreography Lab under Robert Battle’s direction and received the Joffrey Ballet Winning Works Choreographic Competition award. Her commissioned piece “DIRT” was notably presented at a TED Talk by MADCO Dance Company, further amplifying her innovative contributions to ballet. Arch Dance Company’s Chasing Shadows was restaged for Dallas Black Dance Theater, and Archibald was recognized as a 2018-19 recipient of the City of New York Dance Initiative, solidifying her position as a leading choreographer in ballet and contemporary dance.
Currently serving as an Acting Lecturer at the Yale School of Drama, Jennifer Archibald also developed the Hip Hop dance curriculum as a Guest Faculty Lecturer at Columbia/Barnard College, showcasing her diverse expertise across dance genres. She frequently shares her knowledge and experience as a guest artist at numerous universities, including Boston Conservatory, Columbia College Chicago, and Princeton. Her ongoing relationship as a returning guest choreographer for the School at Jacob’s Pillow reinforces her commitment to dance education and mentorship within the ballet dance world. Jennifer Archibald’s website www.Jennniferarchibald.com provides further insight into her impactful career and ongoing projects in ballet dance.
