Who We Are

Dance Wisconsin is a pre-professional regional dance company that promotes excellence in the art of dance. The company presents high-quality productions featuring dancers from all over southern Wisconsin and guest artists from professional companies around the world. These productions not only offer the opportunity for young people to explore new heights, but also to learn teamwork, commitment and a sense of pride in accomplishing something truly extraordinary. Dance Wisconsin is the state’s only Honor Company in Midstates Regional Dance America.

Dance Wisconsin provides the vehicle for young dancers who want to go beyond their studio dance companies and devote their time and energy to perfecting their art. These dancers want to be pushed to the limit, to excel and to reach their dream of being the best possible. Dance Wisconsin offers them the training and opportunities to make it happen.

Dance Wisconsin also opens the door for youngsters who may never have the opportunity to learn about dance. Artistic director Jo Jean Retrum has successfully pioneered the Dance in the Schools program, which reaches students who may not have been exposed to the art of dance.  She teaches dance classes in some of the Madison area’s most disadvantaged schools and offers students the chance to attend Dance Wisconsin performances at little or no cost.  Several students have gone on to pursue continuing dance classes with Dance Wisconsin or received scholarships to other dance companies around the country.

Company

Our dance company consists of about 20 young dancers ranging in age from 13 to 21. They are the only group in the state awarded the National Dance America Honor Company by Regional Dance America, an organization that provides a vital link for dancers into the professional world. Our dancers train year round, attending workshops and programs at some of the most prestigious professional dance companies, including American Ballet Theatre and Virginia School of the Arts, and are recognized each year for being among the top young dancers in the nation.

Company dancers are the ballet de corps for Dance Wisconsin, providing the foundation for our annual productions. They also work with nationally recognized choreographers who come to Madison to set dance pieces for the annual Regional Dance America Midstates Dance Festival. It is a process that takes nearly a year beginning with learning the steps from choreographers during the summer months to working for nine months to perfect their moves and ending with the annual Dance Festival in May. Dancers showcase their works in the winter to a visiting Midstates’ adjudicator. The adjudication involves a full ballet class conducted by the artistic director and a performance of selected pieces, including those choreographed by Dance Wisconsin dancers. Final selections are featured at the annual Dance Festival. The festival offers exposure and opportunities, including dance workshops and cash scholarships, as some of the nation’s top names in the dance industry attend or provide instruction during the event.