Baumgartner Center for Dance

Hello, Wisconsin! If you're a dance enthusiast, an aspiring artist, or simply someone looking to experience the beauty and athleticism of ballet, you must know about the **Baumgartner Center for Dance** in Milwaukee. This magnificent facility is not just a building; it's the vibrant home of the internationally renowned Milwaukee Ballet, serving as a hub for both professional dance training and community engagement. Since its opening in 2019, marking the Milwaukee Ballet's 50th anniversary, the Baumgartner Center for Dance has become a cornerstone of the arts in our state, attracting talent and audiences from across the region and beyond.

The Baumgartner Center for Dance embodies the Milwaukee Ballet's mission to transform lives and connect communities through inspiring performance, education, and training. It's a place where "talented young artists" hone their craft, supported by a "great deal of effort by the teachers and mentors." The commitment to excellence is palpable, fostering an environment where discipline, artistry, and passion converge. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Michael Pink, Milwaukee Ballet has earned a world-renowned reputation for presenting bold new interpretations of story ballets and cutting-edge contemporary works. This dedication to innovation and quality extends to every aspect of the Baumgartner Center for Dance, making it a truly exceptional destination for anyone interested in the art form.

The Baumgartner Center for Dance is prominently located at **128 N Jackson St, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA**. This prime address places it squarely in Milwaukee's historic Third Ward, a thriving cultural district known for its art galleries, boutiques, and vibrant atmosphere. Its location along Lake Michigan further enhances its appeal, offering a beautiful backdrop to this artistic hub. For those traveling by car, there is often 2-hour limited street parking available on surrounding streets like Corcoran and Jackson. Additionally, a large surface lot operated by Interstate Parking is located immediately north of the building (owned by the Italian Community Center), with convenient pedestrian access to the center's front entrance. While parking rates may vary, this offers a reliable option. The Third Ward is also well-served by public transportation, making it easily accessible for residents across Milwaukee and other parts of Wisconsin. Its integration into such a dynamic neighborhood underscores its role as a key cultural landmark.

The Baumgartner Center for Dance, as the primary branch of the Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy, offers a wide range of services and programs designed to cater to various ages, skill levels, and interests in dance. These offerings include:

• **Professional Dance Training:** Home to the rehearsal studios for the Artists of Milwaukee Ballet Company and Milwaukee Ballet II Second Company.
• **Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy (MBSA) Programs:**
  • **Children and Student Divisions:** Classes for younger dancers at their downtown branch, focusing on foundational techniques.
  • **Academy and Pre-Professional Divisions:** Audition-only programs offering daily intensive training to prepare young dancers (typically ages 15-21) for a career in professional dance, including ballet technique, pointe, variations, repertoire, and style classes (e.g., flamenco, hip hop, musical theater).
• **Adult Dance and Fitness Classes:**
  • **Beginning Ballet, Intermediate Ballet, Advanced Ballet:** Catering to adults with varying levels of ballet experience, focusing on positions, steps, and combinations.
  • **Silver Slippers:** A ballet class specifically designed for individuals aged 50 and older, emphasizing gentle movements, coordination, balance, and grace.
  • **Barre:** High-intensity, low-impact classes derived from classical ballet techniques, focusing on flexibility, posture, alignment, and strength.
  • **Dance Fitness:** A fusion of Pilates, Yoga, Barre, and resistance work, using easy-to-follow dance forms for a full-body workout.
  • **Gentle Stretch & Strengthen:** Designed for students seeking a less intense exercise class, incorporating mind-body principles and small props.
• **Performance Studio:** The We Energies Foundation Performance Studio, a black box theater with seating for 200 guests, hosts school performances, intimate productions (like "MKE Mix"), and showcases for the Pre-Professional Program and Milwaukee Ballet II.
• **Community Engagement Programs:** Various outreach initiatives designed to break down barriers to ballet and bring the art form to a broader audience throughout Greater Milwaukee.

The Baumgartner Center for Dance boasts several exceptional features and highlights that solidify its position as a premier dance institution in Wisconsin:

• **State-of-the-Art 52,000-Square-Foot Facility:** Opened in 2019, this impressive building was conceived as a gathering place for dancers and dance lovers, allowing Milwaukee Ballet to grow and better serve the community.
• **Accredited Dance School:** The Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy is the only dance school in the Midwest accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance, a testament to its high standards of training and education.
• **World-Class Professional Training:** Its Pre-Professional Program has a proven track record of success, with many alumni joining Milwaukee Ballet II, the main company, or other esteemed ballet companies globally, as well as pursuing collegiate and commercial dance avenues.
• **Intimate Performance Studio:** The We Energies Foundation Performance Studio offers an "up-close experience" for audiences, allowing them to truly appreciate the artistry and athleticism of the dancers.
• **Holistic Dancer Development:** Beyond technical training, the Pre-Professional Program includes classes in dance history, nutrition, career seminars, and mental health workshops, preparing dancers comprehensively for professional life.
• **Convenient Urban Location:** For professional dancers in the Pre-Professional Program, the neighborhood surrounding the center offers convenient access to everything they need within walking distance, fostering a supportive living environment.
• **Exceptional Teaching Staff:** As highlighted in reviews, the "teachers and mentors" put "a great deal of effort" into nurturing "talented young artists," fostering a supportive and rigorous learning environment.
• **Diverse Class Offerings for All:** From professional training to adult fitness classes, the center provides opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to engage with dance, promoting physical activity, grace, and coordination.

For more information, to inquire about classes, or to purchase tickets for performances, you can contact the Baumgartner Center for Dance:

Address: 128 N Jackson St, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA

Phone: (414) 902-2100

For locals in Milwaukee and across Wisconsin, the Baumgartner Center for Dance is an unparalleled resource for engaging with the art of dance. Its suitability for locals stems from its dual role: it serves as a beacon of world-class professional ballet training while also offering accessible and engaging programs for community members of all ages and abilities. Whether you have a child aspiring to a professional dance career, you're an adult looking to try ballet for the first time, or you're an active senior seeking a gentle yet effective fitness class, the Baumgartner Center has something valuable to offer. Its prime location in the vibrant Third Ward, coupled with its state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated instructors, makes it a true gem. By providing exceptional training, fostering artistic talent, and offering diverse opportunities for physical and mental well-being, the Baumgartner Center for Dance enriches the lives of countless Wisconsin residents, making it a beloved and highly recommended institution in our community.

Baumgartner Center for Dance

128 N Jackson St, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA