Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Ballet Company in Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee Ballet stands as a world-renowned institution with over 50 years of excellence, dedicated to transforming lives and connecting communities through inspiring performances, education, and community engagement. Founded in 1970, we have grown into a premier ballet company featuring international artists, a nationally accredited school, and innovative outreach programs. Our mission is realized through the collaborative efforts of celebrated dancers, choreographers, educators, and artisans who bring ballet to life on stage and in the community. The company's artistic leadership, under Artistic Director Michael Pink for two decades, has elevated Milwaukee Ballet to one of the top 12 ballet companies in the nation. Our School & Academy provides exceptional dance training to students of all ages across three convenient locations in Milwaukee, Brookfield, and Fox Point.Through initiatives like Ballet Beat and Tour de Force, we break down traditional barriers to make ballet accessible to diverse audiences. The 2019 opening of the Baumgartner Center for Dance marked a new era of expanded programming and community impact. Despite challenges like the 2020 pandemic, we continue to innovate with virtual programming and condensed performances while maintaining our commitment to artistic excellence. Our annual performances, including the beloved Nutcracker production, attract over 70,000 patrons annually, demonstrating our deep roots in Milwaukee's cultural landscape.
Services
Ballet Performances
Dance Education
Community Outreach
Summer Intensive Programs
Pre-Professional Training
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- 50+ years of excellence in ballet performance and education
- Internationally acclaimed artists and award-winning artistic director
- Nationally accredited school with three convenient locations
- Innovative community programs serving diverse audiences
- State-of-the-art Baumgartner Center for Dance facility
Associations and certifications
- National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD)
What people say
World-class performances
Dedicated instructors
Inclusive programs
Beautiful facility
Transformative experiences
Services
Ballet Performances
Milwaukee Ballet presents world-class ballet performances featuring international artists. Our season includes classic productions like The Nutcracker and innovative contemporary works. Each performance showcases technical excellence and artistic storytelling for audiences of all ages.
Dance Education
Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy offers comprehensive dance education for students ages 4 to adult. Our accredited programs include recreational classes, pre-professional training, and summer intensives. Expert faculty develops technical skill, artistic expression, and lifelong discipline.
Community Outreach
Our community engagement initiatives bring ballet to diverse audiences through free performances, adaptive programs, and educational workshops. Initiatives like Ballet Beat and Tour de Force make dance accessible to underserved populations across southeastern Wisconsin.
Summer Intensive Programs
Six-week summer programs provide immersive ballet training for serious students. Participants receive daily instruction from renowned faculty and perform in full productions. The program attracts talented dancers from across the country to Milwaukee's dance community.
Pre-Professional Training
The Rolando Yanes Pre-Professional Program prepares advanced students for ballet careers. Training includes company class participation, performance opportunities, and mentorship from professional artists. Graduates have joined companies worldwide.
People
Michael Pink
Artistic Director
Internationally acclaimed choreographer and director with 20 years leading Milwaukee Ballet. Recognized for innovative productions that blend storytelling with technical excellence. Former principal dancer with major international companies.
Roberta Boorse
Founder
Visionary founder who established Milwaukee Ballet in 1970. Pioneered the company's early growth through strategic partnerships and guest artist collaborations. Laid foundation for Milwaukee's premier ballet institution.
Questions
What types of ballet performances does Milwaukee Ballet offer?
We present classical masterpieces, contemporary works, and family-friendly productions. Our season includes 4 major productions with both full-length ballets and mixed repertory programs.
How can students enroll in Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy?
Students can register through our website for classes ranging from recreational to pre-professional levels. Placement evaluations ensure appropriate class levels for all students.
Are there community programs for non-dancers?
Yes! We offer free public performances, adaptive programs for special needs populations, and educational workshops for schools. All programs emphasize accessibility and community engagement.
How can I support Milwaukee Ballet?
Support through donations, sponsorships, or volunteering helps sustain our programs. Contributions fund scholarships, community initiatives, and artistic productions that benefit thousands annually.
What is the Baumgartner Center for Dance?
Our $26 million state-of-the-art facility opened in 2019. It houses multiple studios, performance spaces, and administrative offices, serving as the permanent home for all our programs.
How does Milwaukee Ballet engage with local schools?
We partner with Milwaukee Public Schools through our Identify Youth for Dance program, providing scholarships and dance education opportunities to underserved students across the district.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Ryan Landowski
Nov 20, 2021
Report
My daughter who was born with Spina Bifida takes an adaptive Ballet class. She loves and adores everyone who teaches the class as well the friends she made in the past few years. 5 all the way . Thank you Milwaukee Ballet for thinking about the ones who may not be able to walk ... or that aren't verbal. Thank you for making my daughter feel like everyone else even if it's for a few weeks out of the year !!!!!!!!!!
Cristiano Caiado De Acioli
Oct 02, 2019
Report
Krikaoli recommends it! It is a must-go place! Every tourist and native inhabitant should have this great experience. The building is very modern, with substantial, large spaces, comfortable and clean. The staff is very gentle and professional. I went here to see the Nutcracker and it was a remarkable show.
Mary Boyle
Sep 21, 2019
Report
Beautiful new studio. If you're serious about learning dance, this is the school, and their performances are exquisite.
Linda Carter
Jun 19, 2019
Report
Wonderful instruction. The grace and dignity she displays is contagious. I will miss the cream city brick when they move to the new studio.
