Madison Ballet

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Darren Lee

Madison Ballet dancers in "Guitar Concerto," choreographed by Ja' Malik.

Madison Ballet dancers in "Guitar Concerto," choreographed by Ja' Malik.

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, Madison Ballet drills down into all the ways that love makes us feel like dancing — but can also provoke other complex emotions. This is the company premiere of “Something to Remember You By” by award-winning choreographer Stephanie Martinez. Also on the bill for “Love”: “Guitar Concerto” by Ja’ Malik and the classical virtuosic ballet, “Paquita Suite” staged by Andrea Long. Shows are at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday; a talkback will take place with the choreographers and artists of Madison Ballet, moderated by artistic director Ja’ Malik, after the Feb. 15, 18 and 22 performances.

media release: Continuing their 42nd season, Madison Ballet is excited to announce the first program of 2024, LOVE. Love, an intense feeling of deep affection, is the driving force behind their winter repertory program.

Come to feel the love and fall in love with Madison Ballet. Performances take place at Promenade Hall at the Overture Center for the Arts from February 15 to February 25, 2024 Reserved seating tickets are $45 for adults, $40 for children and seniors. Student rush tickets are available for $20 day of show with ID. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting madisonballet.org, by calling 608-258-4141, or by visiting the Overture Center Box Office at 201 State Street.

We're excited to announce "Pay What You Wish" tickets for LOVE performances this Thursday, February 15, and Thursday, February 22! To encourage everyone to experience this outstanding program, tickets are "Pay What You Wish" for these two performances (minimum $20 each; valued at $40-45; not applicable on prior sales).

Join us for a post-show conversation on Feb. 15 with choreographer Stephanie Martinez, moderated by Artistic Director Ja’ Malik.

Join us for a post-show conversation on Feb. 18 and 22 with artists of Madison Ballet, moderated by Artistic Director Ja’ Malik.

Madison Ballet is proud to present “Out Night at The Ballet” on February 16 to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community in Madison, Wisconsin, and beyond. For one night only, this special program features selected works from the full LOVE program plus extra special ballets, including “Recess” by Alia Kache. This jubilant work brings together vibrant colors, joyous movement, and beautiful pop music by EMPRESS, in a fitting close to an evening of pride and celebration.

More on the artists and repertory:

The Madison Ballet company will premiere “Something To Remember You By” created by award-winning choreographer Stephanie Martinez, which was originally created for Tulsa Ballet 2. Martinez describes her work as, “… an ode to the passing of a loved one. How they wish to be celebrated and remembered, while exploring the dichotomy of extreme sadness and exuberant joy for those who are still living.” This glorious work for ten dancers is set to a romantic playlist of music from Tchaikovsky, Bach, Chopin, among other classical greats.

Chicago-based choreographer Stephanie Martinez has an impressive career, including over eleven years of creating award winning-works. Martinez moves her audiences along a journey guided by the kinetic momentum of her work. Her repertoire includes original creations for Joffrey Ballet, Ballet Hispanico, Charlotte Ballet, Sacramento Ballet, Nashville Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, and many other companies. Martinez has created over 60 ballets on companies and collegiate programs across the country. In 2015, Martinez was awarded Joffrey Ballet’s “Winning Works: Choreographers of Color” commission and the Chicago 3Arts Award in recognition for her work as a female artist of color. More recently, Martinez was awarded an NEA grant for her premiere of Bliss! with Joffrey Ballet. Dubbed a “chameleon” of choreography by the Chicago Tribune, Martinez’s psychologically revelatory works challenge the viewer’s notion of what’s possible, and her versatility expands the boundaries of movement in contemporary ballet. Featured on this program, “Something To Remember You By” continues Artistic Director Ja’ Malik’s commitment to commissioning works by female-identifying choreographers of color.

Rehearsal Director, Richard Walters contributes a world premiere to LOVE. Audiences have previously seen thought-provoking works “Parallax” and “Métamatic” from Walters, and for his third new work with Madison Ballet, he explores same-gender love, bringing to life on stage the phrase “Love is love.” Walters’ new ballet will be romantic and physically exciting, featuring a duet of dancers playing with weight, dynamics, and musicality.  

“Farewell” is a touching solo to Clair De Lune, composed by Claude Debussy. This work was created by Ja’ Malik in 2007, in tribute to his childhood best friend upon learning that he died from AIDS related complications and as a way to say goodbye. This award-winning solo has been performed in multiple cities nationwide and Ja’ Malik is elated to share this work with the Madison community.

LOVE also features the return of standout works from Madison Ballet’s recent repertoire. “Paquita” staged by Andrea Long is a virtuosic classical ballet, presenting the best moments derived from the full story ballet. Audiences will see ballet in the classical form at it’s finest: enthralling corps de ballet, virtuosic solos, a stunning pas de deux, and the high energy finale that brings audiences to their feet. Ja’ Malik’s first creation for the Madison Ballet company, “Guitar Concerto,” is a story about individuals discovering love on the streets of Madrid. The music for “Guitar Concerto” was composed by Oliver Davis and performed by world renowned classical guitarist Sergio Puccini, and each of the three movements are accompanied by the soft, beautiful melodies of classical guitar. From the same composer, “Dance Odyssey” was created in collaboration with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra for their Concerts on The Square series in the summer of 2023. This up-tempo work is about friendship and community.   

About Madison Ballet

For 40 years, Madison Ballet has been an integral part of the vibrant Dane County arts community. Full-scale productions of inspiring traditional ballets, innovative contemporary performances, and the timeless holiday tradition of The Nutcracker reach more than 13,000 people each year. The School of Madison Ballet empowers students of all ages and skill levels with the poise, confidence, discipline, and fundamental life skills intrinsic to the study of dance. Outreach programming, presented in partnership with dozens of local school and community groups, enriches thousands of young people’s lives by introducing them to the joy of dance.