Dance
Dance
From classical ballet and contemporary dance to African and Caribbean traditions and experimental site-specific performances, Milwaukee’s dance community reflects an impressive range of cultures, styles and creative voices. Professional companies, university programs and community organizations offer performances as well as opportunities for residents of all ages to learn and participate.
DANCECIRCUS
Milwaukee
DANCECIRCUS creates interdisciplinary performance works that combine movement, spoken word, music and theater to explore contemporary issues and the human experience. Its community and educational programming uses movement and performance to encourage creativity, collaboration and problem-solving among young people and adults.
Danceworks, Inc.
Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W. Walnut St., Milwaukee
Founded in 1992, Danceworks is a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to enhancing joy, health and creativity through dance. Its extensive programming includes dance and dance-fitness classes for youth and adults, professional performances, community partnerships and opportunities for emerging artists. Danceworks offers more than 45 adult classes each week, with styles ranging from ballet and jazz to hip-hop, tap and ballroom. In 2026, Danceworks began a new chapter at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, with additional classes offered at the Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center in Whitefish Bay. Telephone: (414) 277-8480.
Ko-Thi Dance Company
Milwaukee
Founded in Milwaukee in 1969, Ko-Thi Dance Company is one of the city’s longest-established cultural arts organizations and is nationally and internationally recognized for preserving and presenting African and Caribbean dance and music. Its work is rooted in the traditions of the African Diaspora while incorporating contemporary interpretations and new artistic influences. Ko-Thi’s signature DrumTalk educational program brings performances, workshops and residencies to schools and community organizations. Telephone: (414) 273-0676.
Milwaukee Ballet
Baumgartner Center for Dance, 128 N. Jackson St., Milwaukee
Milwaukee Ballet is one of the region’s premier performing arts organizations, bringing classical ballet and innovative contemporary dance to Milwaukee audiences. The professional company presents a full season of productions, including its celebrated annual presentation of The Nutcracker, while the Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy provides extensive dance training for children, teens and adults. Performances are presented at major Milwaukee venues, including the Marcus Performing Arts Center. Telephone: (414) 902-2103.
UWM Peck School of the Arts – Dance
2400 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee
The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Dance Department combines professional-level training with an active schedule of concerts, showcases, workshops and new works. Students study a broad range of dance forms and techniques while working with accomplished faculty, guest artists and Milwaukee’s professional dance community. Programs include both undergraduate and graduate study, along with workshops and opportunities for young and emerging dancers. Telephone: (414) 229-4763.
UWM Peck School of the Arts – Dance
Wild Space Dance Company
Milwaukee
Wild Space Dance Company takes dance beyond the traditional stage, creating imaginative performances in unexpected spaces throughout Milwaukee. The critically acclaimed company combines movement with architecture, visual art, history, music and the natural environment to create site-specific works that allow audiences to experience familiar places in entirely new ways. Its educational programming includes Wild Arts, a free summer creative-arts program for Milwaukee middle-school students.