Business Details
34 Years
experience
Your Premier Dance School in Milwaukee
Founded in 1992, Danceworks, Inc. has been a cornerstone of Milwaukee's arts community, dedicated to enhancing joy, health, and creativity through dance. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, we offer a wide range of classes, programs, and performances designed to engage individuals of all ages and skill levels. Our mission is rooted in the belief that dance fosters self-discipline, confidence, and a lifelong passion for the arts. With over 45 adult classes weekly, youth programs, summer camps, and community outreach initiatives, we strive to make dance accessible to everyone. Our experienced faculty includes professional dancers and educators who bring global expertise to Milwaukee.Through partnerships like the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, we create opportunities for artistic collaboration and community enrichment. Our performance companies, including Danceworks Performance MKE, showcase original works that reflect diverse cultural influences. We prioritize inclusivity through scholarships and discounted programs for underserved populations. With two locations in Milwaukee, we serve as a hub for dance education and artistic innovation. Our commitment to quality instruction and community engagement has made us a trusted leader in arts education for over three decades.
Services
Adult Dance Classes
Youth Dance Programs
Private Dance Lessons
Summer Dance Camps
Community Performances
Wedding Dance Instruction
Dance Fitness Classes
Studio Rentals
Arts Education Outreach
Performance Companies
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We offer over 45 weekly adult dance classes with experienced professional instructors
- Our youth programs include specialized training for ages 3-18 with performance opportunities
- We provide need-based scholarships through our Shining Light Studio Scholarship program
- Our faculty includes internationally recognized dancers and educators
- We partner with Milwaukee Youth Arts Center for expanded community programming
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)3 nonprofit organization
Services
Adult Dance Classes
Our adult dance program offers 45+ weekly classes in styles ranging from ballet to hip hop. Designed for all skill levels, these classes promote physical fitness while fostering artistic expression. Participants benefit from flexible scheduling options including drop-in classes and session packages. The program emphasizes community building through shared movement experiences.
Youth Dance Programs
Comprehensive youth training for ages 3-18 includes ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop. Our curriculum develops technical skills while nurturing creativity. Performance opportunities through the Youth Performance Company allow students to gain stage experience. Classes follow school-year schedules with summer intensive options available.
Private Dance Lessons
Customized one-on-one instruction available in all dance styles. Tailored for special events, auditions, or personal goals. Lessons can be scheduled with specialized instructors matching student needs. Packages available for ongoing training with flexible scheduling options.
Summer Dance Camps
Week-long summer programs combine dance with visual arts and theater. Designed for creative exploration, camps culminate in final performances. Age-specific curricula for children 5-14 include technique training and collaborative projects. Professional artists lead sessions focused on artistic development.
Community Performances
Professional dance company presenting original works through Danceworks Performance MKE. Season includes contemporary pieces blending modern, ballet, and cultural dance forms. Collaborative productions with local arts organizations showcase Milwaukee's creative talent through innovative choreography.
People
Julieane Cook
Executive Director
Doctorate in educational leadership with 25+ years in arts education. Former school principal and dance studio director. Specializes in integrating fine arts into curriculum. Leads strategic vision for community engagement programs.
Christal Wagner
Artistic Director
Award-winning choreographer and photographer with MFA from UW-Milwaukee. Former Joffrey Ballet dancer. Recipient of Jerry Awards for choreography. Co-founder of Cadance Collective. Teaches movement photography and contemporary dance.
Gabi Sustache-Turner
Studio Education Director
BFA graduate from UW-Milwaukee. Company member with Danceworks Performance MKE since 2020. Choreographer for Milwaukee Bucks halftime shows. Manages youth performance programs and community outreach initiatives.
Kim Johnson-Rockafellow
Faculty Member
Former Associate Artistic Director with 27 years of experience. Developed dance fitness programs and curriculum. Licensed massage therapist specializing in dancer wellness. Teaches virtual classes from Northern Michigan.
Alex Vanissaveth
Kpop Instructor
UW-Milwaukee graduate teaching adult Kpop classes. Founder of KASPER Dance Crew. Focuses on making Kpop dance accessible to fans. Combines cultural education with technical training in weekly classes.
Questions
What dance styles do you offer for adults?
We provide 45+ weekly classes in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and dance fitness styles including Zumba and cardio dance.
Are there programs for young children?
Yes! We offer age-appropriate classes starting at age 3, including Creative Dance, Pre-Ballet, and parent-child dance workshops.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Our Shining Light Studio Scholarship provides partial and full tuition assistance. We also offer 15% discounts for foster families.
Can I rent studio space?
Studio rentals are available for qualified applicants. Contact Executive Director Julieane Cook for current availability and requirements.
How do performances work?
Our season includes Danceworks Performance MKE shows, youth recitals, and community collaborations. Auditions are held annually for performance companies.
What safety measures are in place?
We follow current health guidelines for cleaning, ventilation, and capacity limits. Policies are updated regularly based on local regulations.
Reviews (5)
Lindsey Kelly
May 28, 2021
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Great studio. I have taken classes here in the past. I wish that they offered more in person classes. I got all the way to the studio only to find out that the class was only offered online. Really disappointed. =/
Mira Gnepper
Apr 28, 2021
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Great place! Went for thier Saturday Kpop workshop and had an absolute blast. I'm an out of shape non dancer taking my first baby steps into it all and the instructor was so nice. The class was super low pressure with an emphasis on having fun and enjoying the dance. Would definitely recommend
Melissa Henningsen
Aug 13, 2019
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Danceworks has always been my favorite dance studio I have been at. Currently a member of DYPC (Danceworks Youth Performance Company) and I love it. This is my sixth year there and it is amazing.
Ana Teran
Jul 08, 2018
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I went to the free week trial. The receptionist were amazing and informative. As a beginner the instructor went at a good tempo and was very easy to follow along. I really enjoyed it.
Lita Medinger
Jan 25, 2018
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Danceworks is one of the most life-changing places I've ever been. Their professional productions are amazing, the classes are fantastic and varied, and the staff are so friendly. I love the variety of classes they have and the occasional day of free classes so adults and kids alike can try something new and see what suits them. Danceworks has so many opportunities for children, teens, and young adults who are interested in dance, and the resources to keep that love going for adults!
