Central Wisconsin School of Ballet

- 124 N 3rd Ave, Wausau, WI 54401

Welcome to the Central Wisconsin School of Ballet, a treasured institution in Wausau with a rich history spanning over five decades. Founded in 1969 by Waltraud "Madame" Karkar, our school has been a cornerstone of the Wausau arts community, dedicated to providing the highest quality dance education in the region. We are not just a place for ballet lessons; we are a vibrant community where students of all ages can discover their love for dance and thrive. Our mission is to instill a strong foundation in classical technique, foster a deep appreciation for the art form, and, most importantly, ignite a joy of dancing that will last a lifetime. As a family-run school, now led by Madame Karkar's son, Patrik Kasper, we are committed to maintaining the legacy of excellence and passion that has shaped generations of dancers.

At the Central Wisconsin School of Ballet, we understand that every dancer is unique. From the young child taking their first creative movement class to the aspiring professional, our curriculum is designed to meet individual needs and goals. We believe in a holistic approach to dance education, combining rigorous technical training with an understanding of dance history and theory. Our highly qualified faculty members, many of whom have dance degrees or extensive professional experience, are dedicated to providing patient, kind, and passionate instruction. As one reviewer noted, the teachers are "wonderful," and "my daughters absolutely love it." This dedication to our students’ growth and well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

The Central Wisconsin School of Ballet is located in the historic Mary Poor Chapel at 124 N 3rd Ave in Wausau, WI 54401. This beautiful, architecturally significant building provides a unique and inspiring environment for our students. Our central location in Wausau’s River District makes us easily accessible for families throughout the city and surrounding areas. For the convenience of our guests, we provide a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, ensuring that our facilities are welcoming and inclusive for all members of the community.

The historic charm of our building, with its three studios and specialized basket-weave sprung floors, is a major highlight. These floors are a significant investment in our students' safety and health, providing a safer and more enjoyable learning environment. The accessibility of our location allows families from communities like Merrill, Rothschild, and Mosinee to easily attend classes and participate in our programs. Being situated in the heart of Wausau also connects us to the vibrant local arts scene, providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and performances.

We offer a comprehensive selection of services and programs for dancers of every age and skill level.

• Children’s Dance Programs: Our programs for young children, including Little Dancer, Combo, and Pre-Ballet, focus on fun, creative movement, and the fundamentals of ballet, while also building coordination and social skills.
• Ballet Training: Our core curriculum is based on the Vaganova method of ballet training, a noted and progressive program known for its rigor and ability to produce world-class dancers.
• Adult Ballet Classes: We offer classes specifically for adults, whether you are a beginner with no prior experience or an experienced dancer looking to continue your training.
• Specialized Classes: In addition to ballet, we offer a variety of other classes, including Acro Classes, Musical Theatre, Jazz, and Contemporary, providing a well-rounded dance education.
• Educational Programs: We integrate educational components like Dance History and theory into our training, cultivating "thinking dancers" who appreciate the art form on a deeper level.
• Summer Programs: Our award-winning Summer Intensive Program brings in renowned guest artists and provides an opportunity for students to train with premier artists and instructors from around the world.
• Private Lessons: For focused, one-on-one instruction, private lessons are available to help students refine their skills and achieve their personal goals.

The Central Wisconsin School of Ballet is set apart by a number of remarkable features and highlights.

• 50+ Year Legacy: We have been a part of the Wausau community for over five decades, with a proven track record of excellence in dance education.
• Nationally Recognized Performances: Our annual production of "The Nutcracker" was recognized by Newsweek magazine as one of the nation's nine most notable Nutcracker performances, a testament to our high standards and commitment to professional-level productions.
• Distinguished Guest Artists: We have a long history of bringing world-renowned guest artists and instructors, including former stars of the Kirov Ballet and American Ballet Theatre, to Central Wisconsin, providing our students with unparalleled training opportunities.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our studios feature basket-weave sprung floors, a comprehensive certified Pilates studio, and a dance boutique, all designed for the health, safety, and convenience of our dancers.
• Holistic Approach to Training: We focus not only on dance technique but also on injury prevention, dance history, and the overall well-being of our students, ensuring a healthy and enriching experience.
• Good for Kids: Our programs and environment are designed to be "good for kids," fostering their natural joy of movement in a structured yet fun way.

For more information about our classes, programs, or to schedule a visit, please contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to our dance family.

Address: 124 N 3rd Ave, Wausau, WI 54401, USA

Phone: (715) 842-4447

What is worth choosing the Central Wisconsin School of Ballet for is the extraordinary blend of local community feel and world-class dance education. While a review mentions the expense and a desire to pay ahead, the same review also acknowledges that the teachers "know their stuff," a sentiment echoed by another reviewer who stated, "My daughters absolutely love it." The value lies not just in the classes but in the caliber of training and the opportunities provided. Our school offers a rare chance to train with renowned guest artists right here in Wausau, an opportunity typically found only in major metropolitan areas.

The school's history and commitment to a high-quality, comprehensive curriculum, including an emphasis on Vaganova method training, is a significant draw for serious dance students. For families, the opportunity for their children to participate in a nationally-recognized production like "The Nutcracker" is a unique and invaluable experience. Our holistic approach, which focuses on both the art and the physical well-being of the dancer, ensures a safe and enriching journey. Choosing the Central Wisconsin School of Ballet means investing in a legacy of excellence and becoming part of a community that truly cares about its students’ growth as artists and individuals.

Central Wisconsin School of Ballet

124 N 3rd Ave, Wausau, WI 54401, USA