William Earle Smith

For anyone in Wisconsin with an appreciation for the performing arts, especially dance, the name W. Earle Smith resonates as a figure of significant influence and artistic excellence. While the provided address and phone number might suggest a personal residence or private office, W. Earle Smith is widely known as a highly accomplished professional in the world of ballet, with a distinguished career as a choreographer, teacher, and performer. His profound contributions to the dance community, particularly during his nearly two-decade tenure as Artistic Director of the Madison Ballet, have left an indelible mark on Wisconsin's cultural landscape.

W. Earle Smith's journey in dance spans over 35 years, a testament to his enduring passion and dedication. He is celebrated for his meticulous approach to classical ballet, particularly his deep understanding and masterful application of the Balanchine technique. Beyond his technical prowess, Mr. Smith is lauded for his imaginative and rhythmically vibrant choreography, which has captivated audiences across the nation and even internationally. What truly defines his career is a blend of artistic rigor and a heartfelt commitment to nurturing the next generation of dancers and expanding access to ballet. His work extends beyond the stage, encompassing roles that include youth counseling and financial analysis, demonstrating a unique, well-rounded perspective that he brings to his artistic endeavors. He has consistently aimed to strengthen the performing arts community through collaborative projects, ensuring that ballet remains a dynamic and accessible art form for all Wisconsinites.

The provided address for W. Earle Smith is 333 W Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703, USA. This address is located in the vibrant heart of downtown Madison, Wisconsin, a highly accessible area for residents across the city and surrounding Dane County. Being in a central urban location, it is well-served by public transportation options, and there are various parking structures and street parking possibilities nearby, albeit with typical downtown urban considerations. While this specific address might be associated with his personal or professional administrative capacity rather than a public studio or performance venue, its central Madison location means it is part of a dynamic arts district. The various dance institutions and performance spaces with which W. Earle Smith has been associated, such as the Madison Ballet (formerly Wisconsin Dance Ensemble) and venues like the Overture Center for the Arts and the Bartell Theatre, are also centrally located within Madison, making his artistic work and the venues where it is showcased highly convenient for local audiences and aspiring dancers in Wisconsin.

While William Earle Smith is a person and not a traditional business offering direct services from the given address, his professional contributions encompass a range of invaluable services to the dance community and beyond:

• Choreography: Mr. Smith is a prolific choreographer, creating full-length ballets such as "Cinderella" and "The Nutcracker," as well as numerous shorter works like "Night Dances," "Groovy," and "Expressions." His choreography has been performed by various companies in New York, New Orleans, Hawaii, Seattle, Texas, and, notably, Madison.

• Artistic Direction: He served as the Artistic Director of the Madison Ballet for 19 seasons, guiding the company's artistic vision, programming, and growth from a studio company to a professional entity. This involved curating diverse repertoires, including classical story ballets, original full-length works, and contemporary pieces.

• Teaching and Coaching: W. Earle Smith is highly sought after as an educator. He teaches workshops, conferences, and master classes in the Balanchine technique and style both nationally and internationally. His teaching credits include prestigious institutions like Ballet Arizona, Ballet Pacifica, Ballet Chicago, and the UW Dance Department in Madison.

• Dance Performance: With over 17 years as a professional ballet dancer, Mr. Smith performed principal and soloist roles with renowned companies such as Texas Ballet Theater (formerly Fort Worth Dallas Ballet) and Pacific Northwest Ballet. His repertoire included a vast number of works by George Balanchine.

• Education and Outreach Program Development: A key part of his artistic vision has been to develop and expand education and outreach programs, making ballet more affordable and accessible to diverse communities, particularly young people.

• Collaboration with Other Arts Organizations: Mr. Smith actively collaborates with other performing arts organizations, enhancing the overall artistic community. His collaborations include choreographing for CTM's "Hello Dolly," Madison Symphony Orchestra's Viennese Ball, and Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra's Halloween Concert.

• Financial Planning/Insurance Services: While primarily known for his dance career, W. Earle Smith also holds licenses as a Financial Planner (Certified Income Specialist™ and Accredited Wealth Management Advisor™) with Custer Burish Financial Services in Madison, demonstrating a unique blend of artistic and financial acumen. He has also been noted as an insurance professional.

• Nearly Two Decades as Madison Ballet's Artistic Director: His 19-year tenure at Madison Ballet was a transformative period, during which he significantly grew the company, expanded its repertoire, and solidified its position as a leading regional ballet company in Wisconsin.

• Master of Balanchine Technique: D Magazine lauded him as "meticulously chosen and prepared who knows Balanchine," highlighting his deep expertise in the neoclassical style of George Balanchine, a hallmark of his performing and teaching career.

• Imaginative and Lively Choreography: Critics from the Wisconsin State Journal and the Capital Times have consistently praised his choreography as "imaginative and rhythmically smooth and lively" and noted that he "more than delivered on every level." His works range from classical interpretations to innovative rock ballets like "Dracula."

• Commitment to Accessibility and Outreach: A core philosophy for Mr. Smith is making ballet accessible. He has championed education and outreach programs to ensure that ballet reaches wider audiences and inspires young people, regardless of their background.

• Diverse Professional Background: His experience as a youth counselor, financial analyst, and director of special projects outside of dance brings a unique breadth of understanding and leadership to his artistic roles.

• Extensive Performance and Teaching Career: Having danced on prestigious stages globally (including New York's City Center and Washington D.C.'s Kennedy Center) and taught at leading ballet schools nationally and internationally, his background provides an unparalleled depth of knowledge and practical experience.

• Collaborative Spirit: His belief in strengthening the performing arts community through collaboration is evident in his extensive work with other Madison-area arts organizations, showcasing a dedication to collective artistic growth.

Address: 333 W Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703, USA

Phone: (608) 556-3976

For residents of Madison and indeed all of Wisconsin, the influence and artistic offerings associated with W. Earle Smith are highly suitable and enriching. While the address provided is likely a personal or administrative contact point, it signifies his deep roots and continued presence in the Madison community. Locals benefit immensely from his legacy as the long-standing Artistic Director of Madison Ballet, which transformed into a professional company under his guidance, providing world-class performances and educational opportunities right here in our state.

Aspiring dancers in Wisconsin have had the unique chance to learn from an internationally recognized expert in the Balanchine technique, either directly through workshops or indirectly through the high standards he instilled in local institutions. For general audiences, his imaginative choreography has brought countless memorable performances to Madison stages, making high-caliber ballet accessible and engaging. Furthermore, his dedication to outreach programs ensures that the transformative power of dance reaches all segments of the community. In essence, W. Earle Smith represents a pillar of artistic excellence and community engagement in Wisconsin, offering a rich cultural heritage and ongoing inspiration for all who appreciate the art of dance. His continued presence, even in a different capacity, means that his expertise and passion remain a valuable asset to our local arts scene.

William Earle Smith

333 W Mifflin St, Madison, WI 53703, USA