Business Details
45 Years
experience
Your Premier Ballet Company in Madison, WI
Madison Ballet stands as a beacon of artistic excellence and community engagement in Wisconsin's cultural landscape. As the state's second-largest dance organization and resident ballet company of the Overture Center for the Arts, we have dedicated ourselves to making ballet accessible to all since our founding in 1981. Our dual mission of artistic innovation and community enrichment manifests through three pillars: the professional Madison Ballet Company, the acclaimed School of Madison Ballet (established in 2005), and comprehensive outreach initiatives that touch over 20,000 lives annually. With a vision to evolve ballet into an inclusive art form, we prioritize diversity both on stage and behind the scenes, fostering new voices from marginalized communities while maintaining classical technique as our foundation. Our faculty combines technical mastery with passionate instruction, delivering a curriculum enhanced by live piano accompaniment that develops discipline, confidence, and life skills in students from early childhood through pre-professional training.Through innovative programs like our Expression Through Dance curriculum and Dream Camp, we bridge social-emotional learning with artistic expression, creating tailored experiences that connect with diverse audiences across age, gender, and racial identities. Financial accessibility remains central to our mission, with tuition assistance available for 15% of students, ensuring socioeconomic status never limits access to dance education. As we enter our 44th season, our commitment to boundary-breaking performances and community transformation continues to redefine what ballet can achieve in the modern era.
Services
Ballet Performances
Dance Education
Community Outreach
Youth Programs
Adult Classes
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We train over 200 students annually through our Overture Center-affiliated school
- Our outreach programs connect with 20,000+ community members yearly
- We offer tuition assistance to 15% of dance students
- Our faculty combines technical mastery with passionate instruction
- We present four groundbreaking mixed repertory performances annually
What people say
Blown away by performances
Special gift to community
Vibrant culture building
Dedicated teachers and students
Positive self-expression
Services
Ballet Performances
Our professional company presents four mixed repertory performances annually, blending classical technique with contemporary expression. Each production features innovative choreography that pushes artistic boundaries while maintaining technical excellence. Performances include collaborations with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra and showcase diverse voices in modern ballet.
Dance Education
The School of Madison Ballet offers progressive training from early childhood through pre-professional levels. Our curriculum combines classical technique with live musical accompaniment, developing discipline and artistry in students. Programs include children's divisions, trainee programs, and adult drop-in classes for all skill levels.
Community Outreach
We deliver tailored programs that make ballet accessible to diverse populations through partnerships and educational initiatives. Services include sensory-friendly performances, school workshops, and special programs like Dream Camp that integrate cultural exploration with dance education for underserved communities.
Youth Programs
Our Children's Division introduces ages 5-7 to ballet fundamentals through creative movement and music. The curriculum builds foundational skills while fostering joy in dance. Special programs like Petite Dancer develop confidence and healthy practices through age-appropriate ballet instruction and social-emotional learning.
Adult Classes
Drop-in classes cater to adult learners from beginner to intermediate levels. The Open Division maintains professional training standards while offering flexible scheduling. Programs include Ballet 101 for newcomers and advanced classes that challenge experienced dancers seeking technical refinement.
People
JaMalik
Artistic Director & Interim CEO
Leading Madison Ballet since 2022, JaMalik brings visionary leadership to both artistic and administrative operations. With extensive experience in dance education and performance, he guides the company's creative direction while expanding community engagement initiatives.
Jonathan Gramling
Interim CEO
Serving as interim CEO, Jonathan oversees organizational operations while maintaining strong community partnerships. His leadership focuses on financial sustainability and expanding access to ballet through strategic programming and donor relations.
Questions
What makes Madison Ballet unique?
We combine professional performances with community outreach and education, making ballet accessible to all through tailored programs and financial assistance.
Do you offer dance classes for adults?
Yes, our Open Division provides drop-in ballet classes for adults from beginner to intermediate levels with flexible scheduling options.
How can I support Madison Ballet?
Support through donations, volunteering, or partnerships helps sustain our programs. Contributions fund tuition assistance, outreach initiatives, and professional productions.
Are performances accessible for all audiences?
Yes, we offer sensory-friendly performances with accommodations like audio descriptions and sensory kits for inclusive dance experiences.
What youth programs are available?
We offer age-specific training from early childhood through pre-professional levels, including specialized programs like Dream Camp and Petite Dancer.
How do you promote diversity in ballet?
We prioritize diverse voices through new works, inclusive casting, and outreach programs that engage underrepresented communities in dance education.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Yana Puckett
Jan 21, 2020
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Put my 3 year old in wrong class with 5 year olds which could hurt her joints and ligaments then switched to another one with only two other toddlers. Cant seem to fill their classes. Very awkward. Teacher seemed not to be able to connect with the toddlers. Switch teachers weekly which is confusing for kids.
Dina A.
Sep 15, 2018
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So greatful my daughter was able to attend this school (would continue to do so if not relocating to another state) The teachers are top notch! I can tell how much my daughter has improved her skills within just 2 years! You all are absolutely amazing
Jamie Frisch
Feb 07, 2018
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Teachers are great! Miss Alyssa and miss Annika! Our daughter loves it here and we love that professional dancers teach and we love going to see the teachers perform.
Dusty Hackbart
Jan 02, 2018
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We have been involved with Madison Ballet for 9 years and have a current student at SMB: It has the best ballet curriculum and focused program in the Midwest.
Rachel Klimczyk
Oct 20, 2017
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I've really enjoyed being a student here at the School of Madison Ballet! The teachers are very supportive, and help the students grow technically through each level. There are many fun opportunities, including outreach performances, master classes, and the Nutcracker! From watching the company perform, to learning new choreography and classical variations, it's been a well rounded and great experience!
Angela Babler
Aug 30, 2017
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The beauty of the School of Madison Ballet goes way beyond dance. Everyone involved in this program from the Artist Director to the volunteer parent, cares passionately about each students/performers growth as an individual dancer and as member of the organization. Those who teach, including company members, go out of their way to make sure that each student receives feedback on what they need to work on and celebrations on how they've improved. This organization works deeply to ensure that each dancer reaches their potential. During Summer intensive students are exposed to encore classes in Ballet
