Madison Ballet

Saturday, March 29

9:30am, 11am & 1 pm

Rotunda Stage

Free

Age Recommendation

All Ages

Runtime

45 minutes

Madison Ballet returns to the Rotunda Stage for an “off-stage and personal” look at the development of a ballet dancer. Presenting advanced students and trainees from the School of Madison Ballet, audience members will have an up close experience of a ballet class warm up, barre practice, center floor work and choreography rehearsal. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the Madison Ballet like never before!

The 1pm performance will be American Sign Language interpreted. Please email kidsintherotunda@overture.org at least one hour ahead to be seated within sight of the interpreter for live performances.

A livestream option will be available once a month. Dates for the season are Oct. 30, Nov. 29, Dec. 14, Jan. 11, Feb. 22, Mar. 22 and Apr. 26. Visit the Kids in the Rotunda web page for updates.

Learn More

Meet the Artist

Madison Ballet

The second largest dance organization in Wisconsin and Overture Center’s resident ballet company, Madison Ballet has provided world-class professional ballet to the greater Madison area and surrounding communities in south-central Wisconsin for over 40 years.

Best known for its dazzling production of the holiday classic "The Nutcracker," Madison Ballet’s repertoire features the ballets of well-known choreographers George Balanchine, Christopher Wheeldon and Peter Anastos, alongside works by emerging choreographers, such as Marika Brussel and Yusha Marie-Sorzano. The company’s performances offer something for audiences of all ages, from timeless stories like Shakespeare’s "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" and the high-flying "Peter Pan," to contemporary works such as current artistic director Ja’ Malik’s joyous "Next Steps for Large Ensemble," set to music by Steve Reich.

The School of Madison Ballet (SMB) provides professional ballet instruction for dancers of all ages, and it is the official training institute for Madison Ballet. SMB takes students from their very first steps through a comprehensive curriculum of classical ballet and related studies. In 2018, SMB established the city’s first trainee program, a rigorous course of study focused on preparing students for a career as a professional dancer, and in 2020, SMB opened a second location, offering classes at the new Madison Youth Arts Center on Madison’s near east side.

Madison Ballet is proud to lead the dance community in providing accessible and inclusive arts opportunities for all. Through generous community support, Madison Ballet’s scholarship fund provides $15,000 in tuition assistance annually to aspiring students.

Upcoming Kids in the Rotunda Events

March 14

Saturday

Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda Kalaanjali Indian Dance Company

Rotunda Stage

Experience breathtaking stories of the East through the graceful postures, percussive feet, vibrant costumes and dynamic expressions of the Kalaanjali dancers.

Multiple Showtimes

Learn More
March 21

Saturday

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Tom Pease

Rotunda Stage

One of the series’ most popular performers, Tom Pease engages children with imaginative songs, humor and full audience participation. Pease’s show leaves audiences with a renewed appreciation for their own sense of place and community.

Multiple Showtimes

Learn More
March 28

Saturday

Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda Madison Ballet

Rotunda Stage

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the Madison Ballet like never before! Audience members will have an up-close experience of a ballet class warm up, barre practice, center floor work and choreography rehearsal.

Multiple Showtimes

Learn More
April 4

Saturday

Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda Trinity Irish Dance Academy

Overture Hall Main Lobby

Get ready for a high-energy showcase that will leave you breathless! In this performance, you’ll witness the incredible talent of Trinity students, some as young as 3.5 years old, as they bring traditional Irish steps and vibrant choreography to life on stage.

Multiple Showtimes

Learn More
April 11

Saturday

Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Limanya Drum and Dance

Rotunda Stage

Performing traditional music from Guinea and Mali, West Africa, Limanya Drum and Dance Ensemble incorporates song, dance, drum and theater into high-energy entertainment for all audiences.

Multiple Showtimes

Learn More
April 18

Saturday

Dance, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Duke Otherwise

Rotunda Stage

Don’t miss the wildly entertaining Duke Otherwise! This playful wordsmith, spirited performer and captivating tap dancer brings music and laughter to audiences of all ages.

Multiple Showtimes

Learn More
April 25

Saturday

Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Lullaby Project

Rotunda Stage

Join local musicians and teaching artists for a very special day of sharing songs created for the little ones in your life.

Multiple Showtimes

Learn More