Kids in the Rotunda

Madison Ballet

Saturday, March 28

9:30am, 11am & 1pm

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.

In addition, families are invited to participate in “Art After Overture” from 10:30am - 12:30pm, in partnership with the Madison Public Library.

LEARN MORE

Banner reads: "Kids in the Rotunda" with multi-colored circles floating on a yellow background.

Kids in the Rotunda

Join us for our free series designed to captivate families of all ages! Our handpicked lineup guarantees an unforgettable experience for your family. 

A livestream option will be available once a month. Visit the Kids in the Rotunda web page for updates on livestreamed performances.

Meet the Artist

Four ballerinas wearing fairy-like dresses of various colors: blue, yellow, green and orange. They are looking to their left and curtsying. In the lower right corner it says "Madison Ballet Est. 1981".

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 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.

Art After Overture

In addition, families are invited to participate in “Art After Overture” in partnership with the Madison Public Library. The sessions provide arts experiences related to the morning’s Kids in the Rotunda performance. "Art After Overture" will take place at the Central Library location from 10:30am-12:30pm. 

Kids in the Rotunda is supported by

Upcoming Kids in the Rotunda Events

VIEW THE FULL SERIES
  • February 28

    Saturday

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Fringe Festival, Kids in the Rotunda, Variety Mark Hayward

    Rotunda Stage

    Mark Hayward's performance is a delightful mix of comedy and object manipulation. Using props like yo-yos, tops, juggling equipment and even a mousetrap, he creates a fun and witty show that everyone can enjoy.

    Multiple Showtimes
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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