Over the next four weeks, Milwaukee Ballet’s summertime series Ballet Beat returns with free performances, activities and workshops. This annual program is part of the Company’s community engagement focus and mission to make ballet accessible to all. 

“Dance is a universal language that everyone can enjoy, and it’s a great pleasure to bring it from the studio into the city,” says Artistic Director Michael Pink. “We’re honored to be welcomed into the community that has always supported us, especially as we continue to recover from the challenges of the past few years. ” 

Company Artists Alyssa Schilke and Eric Figueredo headline the cast of this year’s program. They are joined by five dancers from the Milwaukee Ballet II Second Company, students from Milwaukee Ballet School and Academy’s Pre-Professional Program, and other special guest artists.  

Ballet Beat will kick off at Bastille Day West and Bastille Day Downtown on Friday, July 14 and Saturday, July 15. Further demonstrations, workshops and performances will take place at Milwaukee summer events, including Washington Park Wednesdays and Summerfest’s Sunday Family Fun Days. The program will also travel to Door County to perform in Death’s Door Dance Festival.

Additional private workshops will be held with area partners, including Parkside Elementary School and Pewaukee Champions. 

Ballet Beat will conclude with two free outdoor performances at St. Ann Indaba Bandshell on Wednesday, July 26 and Summerfest Family Fun Day on Sunday, Aug. 6. Both events will include pieces performed by Milwaukee Ballet dancers and guest artists. 

“Ballet Beat is a truly special opportunity, both for us and for our community,” says Pink. “It’s a chance for us all to connect and dance together in a relaxed, fun setting. We anticipate it highly every year and are thrilled to bring it back once again.” 

Milwaukee Ballet’s outreach programs reach thousands of students and families each year in schools, libraries, theaters and the Company’s own studios. Dance classes, free performances and adaptive ballet are all hallmarks of their award-winning community engagement initiatives. 

Here's the full schedule:

Friday, July 14 - Bastille Day West 
Kid Friendly Ballet Introduction & Demo & Teaser Performance 
5811 W Vliet St, Milwaukee, WI 53208 
Event Time:  5-6 p.m.

Saturday, July 15 - Bastille Day Downtown 
Kid friendly Ballet Introduction & Demo & Teaser Performance 
825 N. Jefferson St. (Mainstage)
Event time: 11-11:45 a.m. 

Sunday, July 16 – Sunday Family Fun Day at Summerfest 
Kid Friendly Ballet Demonstrations 
200 N. Harbor Dr.

Wednesday, July 19 - Washington Park Wednesday 
Ballet Demonstration & Tennis Shoe Performance  
4599 W. Lloyd St.
Event Time: 6:15-6:45 p.m.

Wedesday, July 26 - St. Ann Indaba Bandshell Performance 
Full performance by dancers and guest artists 
2450 W. North Ave.
Event Time: 6-7 p.m.

Saturday, July 29 - Death's Door Dance Festival 
Performance for festival show  
Sister Bay Bandshell, Door County
Event Time: 6 p.m.

Sunday, Aug.  6 - Sunday Family Funday Performance 
Full performance by dancers and guest artists 
200 N. Harbor Dr.
Event Time: 1-2 p.m.