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Herbert Migdoll, Iconic Photographer Behind the Joffrey Ballet’s Visual Legacy, Passes Away at 90

Renowned for his compelling photography and graphic design, Herbert Migdoll shaped the artistic identity of the Chicago-based Joffrey Ballet for nearly five decades, also contributing as a painter and art director for Dance Magazine.

Fatima Ahmed
Published • Updated June 02, 2025 • 3 MIN READ
Herbert Migdoll, Iconic Photographer Behind the Joffrey Ballet’s Visual Legacy, Passes Away at 90
Herbert Migdoll captured in an undated photograph. The Joffrey Ballet honored him as an exceptional artist whose vision and photography chronicled the company’s evolution over more than fifty years.

Herbert Migdoll, who served as the principal photographer and graphic designer for the Joffrey Ballet for nearly fifty years and was celebrated for immortalizing the dancers’ movements through his camera, passed away on April 19 in the Bronx at the age of 90.

His passing was initially shared by the Joffrey Ballet on social media and later confirmed by his longtime assistant, Joseph Rivera.

Joining the Chicago-based ballet company in 1968, Migdoll’s striking imagery played a pivotal role in establishing its artistic prominence. Over time, he expanded his contributions as the company’s graphics director, designing posters and sets for notable productions such as the 1993 ballet "Billboards," which featured music by Prince.

In addition to his work with the Joffrey Ballet, Migdoll was the art director for Dance Magazine from the 1970s through the 1990s, overseeing numerous cover designs. The publication recognized him as a visionary in a tribute shared on its social media channels.

The Joffrey Ballet commemorated Migdoll as an extraordinary artist whose visionary photography documented the company’s journey over more than five decades. His work also appeared in prestigious outlets including Life magazine and various major newspapers.

Fatima Ahmed
Fatima Ahmed

Fatima explores digital entertainment trends, including streaming services, video games, and the evolving online media landscape.

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