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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.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
