Dance Wisconsin

- 2605 S Stoughton Rd, Madison, WI 53716

Dance Wisconsin is a distinguished women-owned, pre-professional dance company located in Madison, Wisconsin. Founded to promote and foster dance in the state, the organization has a long-standing legacy of creating high-caliber productions that entertain, educate, and enrich the community. Dance Wisconsin provides a unique and valuable opportunity for highly talented and dedicated young dancers to enhance their arts education through active participation in professional-level shows. While the company's annual production of "The Nutcracker" is a beloved holiday tradition for countless families, their commitment extends beyond this single show. They are the only pre-professional dance company in Wisconsin that belongs to the prestigious Regional Dance America organization, providing its members with unparalleled opportunities for networking, scholarships, and professional growth. This commitment to both artistic excellence and dancer development makes Dance Wisconsin a pivotal part of the Wisconsin arts landscape and a fantastic opportunity for aspiring dancers and art enthusiasts alike.

Dance Wisconsin's home studio is located at 2605 S Stoughton Rd, Madison, WI 53716, USA. This location serves as the central hub for the company's weekly rehearsals and administrative offices. The facility is designed to be accessible and welcoming to all members of the community, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible parking lot, wheelchair-accessible restroom, and wheelchair-accessible seating in their performance spaces. The studio also provides a gender-neutral restroom, highlighting its commitment to being an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safespace. For those visiting the studio or attending a production, there are multiple parking options, including a free parking lot and free street parking. This focus on accessibility and convenience ensures a positive and stress-free experience for dancers and audience members alike. While dancers may train at their studio of choice, their commitment to the company brings them to this central Madison location for combined rehearsals, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

Dance Wisconsin, as a pre-professional company, offers a distinct set of services centered around performance and dance education.

• Company Membership: Audition-based opportunities for serious dancers, typically ages 12-18, to train and perform in a pre-professional setting.
• Performance Opportunities: Students have the chance to perform in high-quality productions, including the cherished annual performance of "The Nutcracker," and other shows like "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "The Wizard of Oz."
• Dance Education: The company offers members a rigorous training schedule that includes a three-hour weekly rehearsal at their home studio, complemented by technical classes at their studio of choice.
• Guest Artist Workshops: Opportunities to work with guest artists from professional dance companies, providing invaluable insight into the professional dance world.
• Community Outreach: The company is committed to community engagement, offering programs like "Dance in the Schools" and participating in various community events to make dance accessible to a wider audience.
• Fundraising Events: Dancers and families have the opportunity to participate in special events and fundraisers that help support the company's mission and productions.
• Auditions: Open auditions are held for both company membership and for younger dancers (age seven and older) to participate in specific productions like "The Nutcracker," providing a wide entry point for aspiring performers.

Dance Wisconsin is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make it a leader in the Wisconsin dance community.

• "The Nutcracker" Production: The company is famous for its magical annual performance of "The Nutcracker," which is considered a cherished family holiday tradition in Madison. As noted in reviews, the show is beloved for its beautiful choreography and professional-level performance.
• Pre-Professional Focus: As a pre-professional company, Dance Wisconsin provides a serious training ground for talented young dancers, offering them the skills, network, and performance experience necessary to pursue professional or collegiate dance careers.
• Live Music: A unique highlight of their "Nutcracker" production is that it is accompanied by a live orchestra, the Dance Wisconsin Orchestra, which adds an unparalleled layer of magic and artistry to the performance.
• Inclusivity and Accessibility: The company's commitment to being an LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safespace, combined with its comprehensive accessibility features like wheelchair-accessible entrances, restrooms, and seating, makes it a welcoming place for everyone.
• Women-Owned: As a women-owned organization, Dance Wisconsin contributes positively to the community and serves as a powerful role model for young artists.
• Regional Dance America Membership: This exclusive membership connects the dancers with a national network, providing them with scholarship opportunities and exposure to a wider professional dance community.
• Community Tradition: As evidenced by the glowing reviews, attending a Dance Wisconsin performance, particularly "The Nutcracker," has become a cherished holiday tradition for many Wisconsin families.

For more information on the company, auditions, or upcoming performances, you can contact Dance Wisconsin directly.

Address: 2605 S Stoughton Rd, Madison, WI 53716, USA

Phone: (608) 221-4535

Why is Dance Wisconsin a worthwhile choice for dancers and families in the Madison area? The most compelling reason is the company's dual mission of artistic excellence and educational development. For dancers, it provides a crucial stepping stone from recreational dance to a potential professional career. The rigorous training, combined with regular performance opportunities, ensures that members are well-prepared for the demands of the dance world. The feedback from an alumna who credits dance for her success in medicine speaks to the life skills—discipline, curiosity, and tenacity—that the company instills in its students. For families seeking entertainment, Dance Wisconsin’s productions are nothing short of magical. The reviews for "The Nutcracker" highlight its captivating beauty and ability to enthrall all ages, making it an essential part of the Madison holiday season. The fact that the performance features live orchestra music and local dancers adds a unique, community-focused touch that you won't find just anywhere. Furthermore, the organization’s dedication to inclusivity, with its accessible and welcoming facilities, makes it a place where every family can feel comfortable and celebrated. By supporting Dance Wisconsin, you are not just enjoying a show; you are investing in the future of the arts in Wisconsin and helping to cultivate the next generation of talented, confident, and compassionate artists.

Dance Wisconsin

2605 S Stoughton Rd, Madison, WI 53716, USA