Madison Ballet

For over four decades, Madison Ballet has been a cornerstone of artistic expression and a beloved cultural institution for residents of Madison, Wisconsin, and the entire South-Central region. Far more than just a dance company, Madison Ballet, located at 6734 Odana Rd, Madison, WI, is a vibrant non-profit organization deeply committed to promoting the appreciation and accessibility of dance through three core pillars: innovative performances, a professional-caliber school, and engaging educational programs. It's a place where the artistry of classical ballet comes alive, inspiring audiences and nurturing the next generation of dancers and art enthusiasts in our community.

Founded in 1981 (originally as the Wisconsin Dance Ensemble), Madison Ballet has grown to become one of the most highly-respected regional ballet companies in the Midwest. Under the artistic direction of Ja' Malik, the company brings vivid life to a diverse repertoire, from timeless classical stories to contemporary original works. Their annual production of "The Nutcracker" is a true highlight of Madison's holiday season, drawing over 12,000 adoring audience members each year and featuring a professional cast alongside over 100 community members and live music from the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra.

Beyond the captivating performances, The School of Madison Ballet (SMB) provides comprehensive dance education for all ages and skill levels. Unlike many for-profit schools, SMB operates with a generous scholarship program, ensuring that no student is ever turned away due to inability to pay. This commitment to accessibility and excellence is evident in the glowing testimonials from parents, who speak of their children gaining "more self-confidence," developing "excellent training," and even receiving "full merit scholarships for additional summer training at ballet schools across the country." Madison Ballet is truly a community treasure, touching the lives of over 20,000 individuals in Wisconsin each year through its unwavering dedication to dance.

Madison Ballet is centrally located at 6734 Odana Rd, Madison, WI 53719, USA. This accessible address places the organization and its School of Madison Ballet within convenient reach for families and individuals residing in Madison and the surrounding communities, including Middleton, Verona, Fitchburg, and Sun Prairie. Odana Road is a major artery in Madison, facilitating easy navigation by car. The presence of a dedicated physical address for both the business office and The School of Madison Ballet indicates a professional and established facility. While specific parking details are not always explicitly mentioned, locations on major roads in suburban commercial areas typically offer ample parking options, which is a significant convenience for students being dropped off and picked up, and for audience members attending events or classes. The strategic placement of Madison Ballet ensures that high-quality ballet instruction and professional performances are readily accessible to a wide demographic across South-Central Wisconsin, allowing community members to easily engage with and benefit from its programs and artistry.

• Professional Ballet Company Performances: Madison Ballet presents a full season of innovative performances, including:
  • Annual production of "The Nutcracker," featuring professional dancers and community cast members with live orchestral accompaniment.
  • Mixed repertory performances (e.g., RE:DEFINE season), showcasing classical, contemporary, and original works.
  • Site-specific performances and other unique dance experiences.
• The School of Madison Ballet (SMB): Provides a comprehensive, progressive curriculum rooted in classical ballet for dancers of all ages and abilities.
  • Children's Division (Up to Age 7): Includes "Me & My Parent" (ages 18 mo - 3), "Creative Movement" (ages 4-5), and "Pre-Ballet" (ages 6-7). Focuses on fundamentals, rhythm, coordination, and creative expression in a supportive environment.
  • School Division (Ages 7-18, placement required): Differentiated levels of structured training to increase technical skills, stamina, and discipline in classical ballet. Includes a dedicated class for boys.
  • Trainee Program (Ages 18+, audition only): Advanced, rigorous program designed to prepare students for a professional dance career, focusing on mastering advanced technical skills, consistency, musicality, and expression.
  • Open Division (Ages 12+): Flexible ballet classes for young adult and mature adult dancers of all experience levels, including "Ballet 101" (a progressive four-class program for beginners) and drop-in options for Beginner, Intermediate, and Intermediate/Advanced levels.
  • Summer Programs: Summer intensives and workshops for various divisions to enhance year-round training.
• Discover Dance Outreach Programs: A series of community engagement initiatives aimed at enriching the community through dance.
  • Partnerships with over 33 community organizations (libraries, schools, senior living facilities, neighborhood centers).
  • "ACCESS: Dance for ALL" special free performances with accommodations like sensory kits and audio descriptions.
  • "Dream Camp": A three-day program for children exploring musical styles and cultures through dance.
  • "Expression through Dance": Curriculum guiding students in positive self-expression through physicality, using social-emotional learning tenets.
  • "Movement in Your World": Creative movement workshops for various groups.
  • "OffStage & Personal": Programs showcasing advanced students in interactive ballet experiences.
  • "Petite Dancer Program": Introduces young dancers to ballet while encouraging positivity and healthy practices.
• Scholarship Program: A generous scholarship program for SMB ensures that no student is turned away due to financial inability, promoting accessibility to dance education.
• Performance Opportunities for Students: Students, especially in the School Division, have opportunities to perform in professional productions like "The Nutcracker," gaining invaluable stage experience.
• Live Piano Accompaniment: Many ballet technique classes at SMB feature live piano accompaniment, enhancing musicality and providing a direct connection between movement and music.

• Comprehensive Ballet Ecosystem: Madison Ballet offers a unique three-tiered approach: a professional performing company, a top-tier ballet school (SMB), and extensive community outreach. This holistic model provides unparalleled opportunities for performance, training, and community engagement.
• Decades of Artistic Excellence: With over 40 years of history, Madison Ballet has established itself as one of the Midwest's most respected regional ballet companies, known for its "unparalleled athleticism and artistry."
• Renowned "Nutcracker" Production: Their annual "Nutcracker" is a beloved Madison holiday tradition, attracting over 12,000 attendees and showcasing the synergy between professional dancers and community members, often with live orchestral music.
• High-Quality Training at SMB: The School of Madison Ballet is praised for its "experienced dancers" as instructors, who are "great teachers" providing an "environment for success." This dedication leads to "excellent training," with students receiving "full merit scholarships for additional summer training at ballet schools across the country."
• Focus on Holistic Student Development: Beyond technique, SMB fosters personal growth, helping students gain "more self-confidence" and encouraging their "love of ballet and expression through dance." This emphasizes development as both dancers and individuals.
• Accessibility and Inclusivity (Non-Profit Status & Scholarships): As a non-profit organization, Madison Ballet is deeply committed to "increasing accessibility to dance for all." Their generous scholarship program ensures "no student is ever turned away for the inability to pay," making quality ballet education available to diverse backgrounds.
• Engaging Community Outreach: The "Discover Dance" series and various outreach programs (like "ACCESS: Dance for ALL" and "Dream Camp") demonstrate a strong commitment to connecting with and enriching all corners of the South-Central Wisconsin community, bridging gaps and fostering arts appreciation.
• Professional and Supportive Staff: Testimonials consistently highlight the "awesome" teachers and staff who provide a nurturing and encouraging environment for students' success. The Artistic Director, Ja' Malik, brings a strong background in advocating for Black artists and creating pathways for young Black men in dance.
• Performance-Based Curriculum: SMB utilizes a "performance-based curriculum," emphasizing strong classical technique and flow of movement, while also providing numerous opportunities for students to perform, including in professional company productions.
• Live Accompaniment: A unique feature for many ballet technique classes is the inclusion of live piano accompaniment, which enhances musicality and provides a direct, dynamic connection for students between movement and music.

Address: 6734 Odana Rd, Madison, WI 53719, USA

Phone: (608) 278-7990

For residents of Madison, Wisconsin, and indeed throughout South-Central Wisconsin, Madison Ballet is an indispensable and highly suitable local resource for engaging with the art of dance. Its convenient location at 6734 Odana Rd makes it easily accessible for classes, rehearsals, and performances, fitting seamlessly into the lives of busy families and individuals in the area.

What makes Madison Ballet particularly suitable for locals is its multi-faceted approach to dance. It’s not just a professional company that puts on breathtaking shows; it's also home to The School of Madison Ballet (SMB), a highly acclaimed training institution. Parents consistently laud SMB for its "experienced dancers" as instructors who are "great teachers," fostering not only exceptional "technique" but also building "self-confidence" and encouraging a profound "love of ballet and expression through dance." The fact that both children of one reviewer "ask if they can participate in The School of Madison Ballet's Nutcracker every year" speaks volumes about the joy and engagement the program inspires.

Furthermore, Madison Ballet's commitment to accessibility and community engagement sets it apart. As a non-profit, its generous scholarship program ensures that high-quality ballet education is available to all, regardless of financial background. Their "Discover Dance" outreach programs actively bring the joy of dance to various corners of the community, truly enriching the lives of over 20,000 individuals annually. Whether you're a budding young dancer dreaming of the stage, an adult looking to rediscover a passion for movement, or simply an arts enthusiast seeking world-class performances, Madison Ballet offers a vibrant, supportive, and deeply rooted artistic home right here in the heart of Wisconsin. It's a place where artistic excellence meets community spirit, making it a true gem for locals.

Madison Ballet

6734 Odana Rd, Madison, WI 53719, USA