Wild Space Dance Co

For those in Wisconsin seeking to experience contemporary dance in a truly unique and immersive way, Wild Space Dance Co in Milwaukee, WI, stands as a pioneering and acclaimed artistic institution. This isn't your traditional proscenium stage performance; Wild Space Dance Co is renowned for expanding the boundaries of dance, creating thought-provoking works that are deeply intertwined with the very fabric of Milwaukee's built and natural environments.

Established in 1986 by Founding Director Debra Loewen and now under the direction of Dan Schuchart, Wild Space Dance Co is dedicated to "expanding the audience for contemporary dance through performance and educational programs in the greater Milwaukee area and southeastern Wisconsin." Their mission is ambitious yet profoundly impactful: to "explore diverse cultural landscapes to create provocative new choreography, site-based performances, and educational opportunities." This commitment to innovation and community engagement makes them a vibrant and vital part of Wisconsin's artistic scene.

What truly distinguishes Wild Space Dance Co is their signature approach to "site-specific works." Imagine dance unfolding not in a conventional theater, but within unexpected spaces – a historic building, an urban landscape, a natural park, or even a parking lot. These performances are designed to engage audiences with dance in a "shared experience of place and community," transforming familiar locations into dynamic stages where movement and environment coalesce to tell new stories. This unique method ensures that no two Wild Space performances are exactly alike, offering a fresh perspective on both dance and the spaces we inhabit.

The company has produced over 140 original dance works, earning critical acclaim not just within Wisconsin but beyond. These creations are often "inspired by the lives and voices of Milwaukee, celebrating the city's built and natural landscape." This deep connection to their local roots allows their art to resonate profoundly with Wisconsin audiences, reflecting familiar surroundings through the lens of innovative choreography.

Wild Space Dance Co also plays a significant role in education and outreach. Their interdisciplinary outreach programs are designed to "expand students' understanding of dance, visual art, music, and physical fitness," while also enhancing "self-confidence, self-discipline, and creative thinking." As a company-in-residence at Lincoln Center Middle School of the Arts in Milwaukee, and having worked with more than 70 schools and community centers, they bring the transformative power of dance to underserved students, providing valuable school-day, after-school, and summer programs. This commitment to fostering artistic growth in the next generation is a testament to their broader impact on the community.

The collaborative spirit of Wild Space Dance Co is another key highlight. Their "artistic research is deeply rooted in process and collaboration, bringing together visual acuity and compelling interpersonal exchange." They frequently partner with local artists, musicians, and architects, creating multi-sensory experiences that blur the lines between different art forms. This spirit of innovation and partnership leads to truly groundbreaking and memorable performances that challenge perceptions and invite deeper engagement.

The simplistic yet profound reviews, "It is fun to go to space," though brief, capture the essence of what Wild Space Dance Co aims to achieve: to transport audiences to new realms of experience and perception through movement and environment. While perhaps a play on words related to "Wild Space," it hints at the unexpected joy and imaginative journey their performances offer.

For residents of Wisconsin interested in experiencing cutting-edge contemporary dance, supporting local artists, and engaging with their city's landscape in a novel way, Wild Space Dance Co offers an unparalleled opportunity. It's a company that consistently pushes artistic boundaries while remaining deeply connected to its community, providing unique and thought-provoking cultural experiences that are a testament to Milwaukee's vibrant arts scene.

Location and Accessibility

Wild Space Dance Co is centrally located at 820 E Knapp St, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA. This prime downtown Milwaukee location ensures excellent accessibility for residents throughout the city and the wider Southeastern Wisconsin region. Situated in a vibrant urban area, the studio benefits from proximity to public transportation options and major thoroughfares, simplifying travel for audiences attending performances or workshops.

Being in downtown Milwaukee places Wild Space Dance Co within a hub of cultural activity, often near other theaters, galleries, and restaurants. This convenient location enhances the overall experience for attendees, allowing them to easily integrate a performance into a broader outing. While specific parking information for this address isn't always public, downtown Milwaukee typically offers various parking structures and street parking options, further contributing to accessibility.

Services Offered

• Contemporary Dance Performances: Presenting original, provocative new choreography each season.
• Site-Specific Works: Specializing in performances created for and performed in unique, non-traditional locations within Milwaukee's built and natural landscapes.
• Artistic Collaborations: Partnering with local artists, musicians, and other creative professionals to produce interdisciplinary performances.
• Educational Outreach Programs: Offering school-day, after-school, and summer programs designed to expand students' understanding of dance and related arts.
• In-Residence Programs: Operating as a company-in-residence at institutions like Lincoln Center Middle School of the Arts in Milwaukee.
• Workshops and Residencies: Flexible programs including single workshops, multi-week residencies, and lecture demonstrations for various groups and educational settings.
• Community Engagement: Engaging audiences with dance as a shared experience of place and community.
• Exploration of Diverse Cultural Landscapes: Utilizing varied cultural perspectives as inspiration for new choreographic works.

Features / Highlights

• Renowned for Site-Specific Performances: A unique and highly celebrated characteristic, transforming familiar spaces into dynamic stages.
• Over 140 Original Dance Works Produced: A significant body of work demonstrating sustained creativity and innovation since 1986.
• Critical Acclaim: Performances recognized for their artistic merit within and beyond Wisconsin.
• Deeply Rooted in Milwaukee: Choreography often inspired by the city's lives, voices, and landscapes, fostering a strong local connection.
• Strong Educational Mission: Dedicated to expanding the audience for contemporary dance and providing arts education to underserved students.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: Programs expand students' understanding across dance, visual art, music, and physical fitness.
• Commitment to Local Artists: Cultivates creative experimentation and collaboration by investing in local artistic talent.
• Community Engagement: Actively works to involve audiences in a shared experience of art, place, and community.

Contact Information

Address: 820 E Knapp St, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA

Phone: (414) 271-0307

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Wild Space Dance Co is an exceptionally suitable and enriching point of interest for locals in Wisconsin, particularly those in Milwaukee and the surrounding areas. Its central location in downtown Milwaukee ensures easy accessibility, allowing residents to conveniently attend their unique performances and engage with their programs. This local accessibility means that world-class, innovative dance art is readily available right in their own community.

What truly makes Wild Space Dance Co ideal for locals is its groundbreaking approach to dance. By specializing in "site-specific works" that are often "inspired by the lives and voices of Milwaukee," the company transforms familiar local landmarks and hidden corners into dynamic performance spaces. This unique method allows Wisconsin residents to experience their city and its history in an entirely new, engaging, and artistic light. It creates a shared cultural experience that deepens one's connection to their environment and community.

Beyond its captivating performances, Wild Space Dance Co demonstrates a profound commitment to local education and community engagement. Their extensive outreach programs, which bring dance and interdisciplinary arts to schools and community centers, particularly benefiting underserved students, underscore their role as a valuable community asset. For parents and educators in Wisconsin, this means access to high-quality arts programming that fosters creativity, self-discipline, and confidence in young people.

Furthermore, by investing in local artists and fostering collaborations, Wild Space Dance Co supports the vibrant artistic ecosystem of Milwaukee, ensuring that creative talent thrives within the state. Engaging with Wild Space Dance Co means supporting a local organization that not only produces thought-provoking art but also actively contributes to the cultural and educational well-being of its community.

In essence, Wild Space Dance Co offers a unique blend of innovative artistic expression, deep community connection, and impactful educational initiatives. For anyone in Wisconsin looking for a truly original and enriching cultural experience that celebrates their local environment and supports the arts, Wild Space Dance Co is an unparalleled and highly recommended destination.

Wild Space Dance Co

820 E Knapp St, Milwaukee, WI 53202, USA