Kids in the Rotunda

Madison Ballet

Saturday, March 28, 2026

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.

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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.
madisonballet.org

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
  • October 29

    Wednesday

    Wayne the Wizard

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Variety Wayne the Wizard

    Rotunda Stage

    Get ready for spooky fun and silly surprises! Wayne the Wizard brings Halloween to life with colorful magic, comedy ventriloquism and lots of audience participation.

    Multiple Showtimes
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  • November 1

    Saturday

    Zoozort

    Educational/Talks, Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda Zoozort

    Rotunda Stage

    Do you love learning about wildlife? Then join us for Zoozort's live animal program, where you'll discover special abilities, behaviors and habitats of some of the world’s most amazing animals.

    Multiple Showtimes
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  • November 8

    Saturday

    Birds of a Feather

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Birds of a Feather

    Rotunda Stage

    Birds of a Feather (Little Miss Ann + Suzi Shelton) will perform classic favorites and new songs from their debut album "Rock Together," featuring themes of friendship, adventure and community.

    Multiple Showtimes
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  • November 15

    Saturday

    Beni Daiko

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Beni Daiko

    Rotunda Stage

    Beni Daiko will introduce Japanese culture through powerful Taiko drumming, traditional lion dance and modern interpretations. Get ready for an interactive experience with audience participation!

    Multiple Showtimes
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  • November 22

    Saturday

    Ken Lonnquist

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Ken Lonnquist

    Rotunda Stage

    Enjoy a delightful performance by Ken Lonnquist, who writes and sings humorous, literate and thoughtful songs about nature, the environment and current issues.

    Multiple Showtimes
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  • November 28

    Friday

    Cash Box Kings

    Family Friendly, Free Events, Kids in the Rotunda, Music Cash Box Kings

    Rotunda Stage

    The Cash Box Kings bring the classic Chicago blues era to life, tailored to teach children about this timeless genre. This be-bopping blues party promises to get everyone on their feet and grooving!

    Multiple Showtimes
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