The Joffrey School.

THE JOFFREY SCHOOL has bestowed its first awards on its illustrious alumni. At its gala in February, it honored Arlene Shuler for business, Lawrence Rhodes in education, Francesca Corkle for service, Gary Chryst for lifetime achievement in the arts, and Margo Sappington for choreography. Shuler talked about her career coming full circle, now that she is president and CEO of New York City Center, where she performed with the Joffrey decades ago. Kevin McKenzie, artistic director of American Ballet Theatre, introduced Gary Chrsyt, saying that, as a performer, he defined the word "riveting." Chryst said he put all his faith in Joffrey. "Where else would a skinny kid with big feet be able to become a dancer?" Melissa Hayden presented the award to Francesca Corkle, who has taught at The Joffrey School for more than 20 years. Margo Sappington recalled her awe of Mr. Joffrey, and how, even after she started choreographing musicals, he gave her the opportunity to do her first ballet. Finis Jhung made an eloquent presentation to Lawrence Rhodes, who now directs the Juilliard Dance Division. Many speakers recalled Robert Joffrey as an excellent teacher and a man of great charm. The performances included Gerald Arpino's duet RUTH, Ricordi Per Due, danced stunningly by Maia Wilkins and Willy Shives of The Joffrey Ballet, and the current generation of students in excerpts from Surrender 2 Love, a flamenco-tinged piece by Eli Lazar for the Joffrey Ensemble Dancers. The evening, held at the Fashion Institute of Technology, was directed by faculty member Maurice Brandon Curry.