DanceCircus

For over four decades, DanceCircus has been a unique and compelling force in Milwaukee's vibrant arts scene. This pioneering dance-theatre company offers far more than just traditional dance performances; it's an innovative blend of movement, theatre, visual art, music, and poetry that consistently delivers thought-provoking and engaging experiences. For Wisconsin residents looking for something truly distinctive in the performing arts, DanceCircus provides an enriching and often interactive journey into stories, social issues, and environmental themes, all through the powerful medium of dance.

Founded in 1976 by Artistic Director Betty Salamun, DanceCircus draws its name from the ancient Roman word "circus," meaning "circle"—a concept that profoundly influences its inclusive and community-focused approach. The company is celebrated for creating original works that explore environmental concerns, uplift local voices, and delve into the beauty of everyday life. What truly sets DanceCircus apart is its commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration. Their performances frequently feature musicians, poets, visual artists, and, notably, community members, transforming traditional spaces into stages for reflection and transformation. As one satisfied visitor put it, they "Like the place good experience," a testament to the engaging and memorable nature of DanceCircus's offerings. Whether addressing critical issues like water conservation through their multi-year "Water Measures Project" or adapting classic literature into captivating "talk-dance" pieces, DanceCircus consistently invites audiences into a shared exploration of body, place, and purpose.

DanceCircus is based at 527 N 27th St, Milwaukee, WI 53208, USA. This central Milwaukee location places it within easy reach for residents across the city and surrounding areas of Southeastern Wisconsin. Situated in an accessible part of Milwaukee, the studio and performance spaces are generally convenient to reach via major city routes. While specific parking details may vary by event or time of day, as a well-established arts organization, DanceCircus often utilizes facilities that accommodate visitors. Its presence in Milwaukee reinforces the city's reputation as a cultural hub, making it a convenient destination for locals seeking unique and meaningful artistic experiences close to home.

DanceCircus offers a range of services and programs that extend beyond typical dance performances, demonstrating their commitment to community engagement and artistic innovation:

• Original Dance-Theatre Performances: DanceCircus creates and presents unique, interdisciplinary performances that blend dance with theatre, visual art, music, and poetry. These performances are often topical, addressing environmental concerns, social issues, and human stories with both beauty and poignancy.

• Community-Based Projects (e.g., Storycircles, Splash Dance): A core component of DanceCircus's work involves engaging the community directly. Programs like "Storycircles" help people tell their personal stories through movement, while "Splash Dance" involves public "freshwater flash dances" designed to raise awareness about water issues.

• Youth Residencies and Educational Programs: DanceCircus offers interactive programs for schools and youth groups, inspiring, educating, and entertaining young people. These eco-dance workshops and residencies address creative problem-solving and the discipline of performance, often focusing on environmental themes like "Earth, Water, and Air" for elementary students.

• Collaborations with Other Artists and Organizations: The company frequently collaborates with local and national musicians, poets, visual artists, and other dance companies, enriching their productions and fostering a vibrant artistic network within Wisconsin and beyond.

• "Talk-Dance" Performances: Artistic Director Betty Salamun developed "talk-dance," an evolving form of modern dance that integrates spoken word and audience interaction, adding a unique narrative dimension to their performances.

• Workshops and Master Classes: While primary focus is on performance and outreach, DanceCircus occasionally offers workshops for various ages and skill levels, providing opportunities for direct participation and learning from their experienced artists.

• Pioneering Interdisciplinary Artistry: Since 1976, DanceCircus has been at the forefront of blending diverse art forms—dance, theatre, visual art, music, and poetry—into cohesive and impactful performances. This innovative approach offers a truly unique cultural experience.

• Strong Environmental Focus ("Eco-Dance"): A significant and unique highlight is DanceCircus's deep commitment to environmental themes, particularly water issues (e.g., the "Water Measures Project," "Global Water Dances"). Their performances often serve as artistic calls to action for environmental stewardship.

• Community-Centric Approach: The company actively engages with Milwaukee County and Southeastern Wisconsin communities through interactive projects, community performances, and educational residencies, making art accessible and relevant to diverse audiences.

• Artistic Director Betty Salamun: Under the continuous artistic direction of Betty Salamun for over 40 years, DanceCircus has maintained a consistent vision and a distinctive artistic voice. Her development of "talk-dance" and her focus on environmental themes are defining features of the company.

• Thought-Provoking Content: DanceCircus performances are known for their ability to bring "beauty and poignancy, topical concerns and inspiration" to audiences, exploring both universal themes and local issues with depth and creativity.

• Versatility in Performance Venues: DanceCircus performs in traditional concert halls, but also adapts its work for site-specific locations, environmental parks, and community settings, showcasing its adaptability and commitment to bringing dance into everyday spaces.

• Rich Legacy and History: With a history spanning over four decades, DanceCircus has a deep root in Milwaukee's dance heritage, continually evolving its practice while maintaining its core mission of using art for connection and reflection.

Address: 527 N 27th St, Milwaukee, WI 53208, USA

Phone: (414) 277-8151

For Wisconsin residents, particularly those in the Milwaukee metropolitan area, DanceCircus offers a profoundly suitable and enriching cultural experience that goes beyond typical entertainment. Its unique blend of dance, theatre, and visual arts provides a fresh perspective on performance, making it appealing to a wide range of interests, even those new to contemporary dance. The positive sentiment from a customer, simply stating "Like the place good experience," speaks to the accessible and enjoyable nature of their productions.

What makes DanceCircus especially relevant for locals is its deep commitment to community engagement and its focus on local issues, including critical environmental concerns affecting Wisconsin. By incorporating local stories and engaging community members in their creative processes, DanceCircus builds a strong connection with its audience, transforming passive viewing into active participation and reflection. Families looking for arts programming that is both educational and entertaining will find their youth residencies and workshops invaluable. Furthermore, supporting DanceCircus means supporting an organization with a rich history of innovation and a dedicated artistic director who has shaped the Milwaukee dance landscape for over 40 years. For anyone in Wisconsin seeking impactful, original, and community-rooted performing arts, DanceCircus is a must-experience local gem that promises a truly good experience.

DanceCircus

527 N 27th St, Milwaukee, WI 53208, USA