Madison Ballet Announces 2023/24 Season: Unbound
Madison, WI – Madison Ballet is proud to announce its 2023/24 season featuring four exciting programs, including the community-favorite tradition of The Nutcracker. The second season presenting the vision of Artistic Director Ja’ Malik is titled Unbound, to describes the expansion of Madison Ballet’s presence in the dance world, engagement with the local community, and commitment to diverse programming expressing our desire to “unbind” audiences from their expectations and thus unlock the true potential of ballet for everyone.
Unbound means not bound, not fastened, and not confined. In the perspective of ballet, unbound means taking a centuries old tradition and asking what can happen if you create and show ballet without the confines of the past. Ja’ Malik describes the season as, “allowing our audiences, who may have a certain idea of what ballet is, to be invigorated and see ballet in a new way. We always strive to present that moment of excitement for those that have never seen ballet or never thought of themselves as someone who could love ballet.” This season aspires to reach new audiences and maintain the high-quality performances our current audiences have come to expect.
Innovation
October 27- November 5, 2023
Promenade Hall, Overture Center for the Arts
The season begins with Innovation, featuring four world premieres by evolving and emerging choreographers on the local and national scene. Anchored by new works from Alia Kache, choreographer of Ailey 2 and currently with The Lion King, and Madison Ballet’s Rehearsal Director Richard Walters, this program will also present new works choreographed by Madison Ballet company artists Eric Stith, Charlotte Junge, and Sarah Minton. Artistic Director Ja’ Malik challenges each choreographer to create and explore the concept of innovation using their “toolbox”: music, costume, movement, and beyond. In this program, we uphold our commitment to commission works by female identifying artists and artists of color.
The Nutcracker
December 15-24, 2023
Overture Hall, Overture Center for the Arts
The passion of the holiday classic The Nutcracker, choreographed by Sara Stewart Schumann, returns to Madison! Audiences will join Clara on a night of adventure as she is transported from the comfort of her home to the exotic Land of Sweets. This magical wonderland, where flowers waltz, snowflakes twirl, and enchantments come to life, is accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s instantly recognizable music performed by the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. This timeless production will delight all families and friends.
Love
February 15-25, 2024
Promenade Hall, Overture Center for the Arts
Love, an intense feeling of deep affection, is the driving force behind our winter repertory program. Each work will explore themes of love, ranging from joy, sadness, empathy, triumph, and more. This program will see the company premiere of Something to Remember You By by award-winning choreographer Stephanie Martinez, winner of Joffrey Ballet’s “Winning Works: Choreographers of Color” and recipient of the Chicago 3Arts Award in recognition for her work as a female artist of color. Originally created for Tulsa Ballet, we are excited to bring this stunning work to our Madison audience. The program will also present the return of audience-favorite Guitar Concerto by Ja’ Malik and the classical virtuosic ballet, Paquita Suite, staged by Andrea Long.
Timeless
April 11-14, 2024
Capitol Theater, Overture Center for the Arts
Concluding Madison Ballet’s 42nd season with a return to the Capitol Theater, Timeless presents a world premiere by Artistic Director Ja’ Malik and a new production of the second act from the classical story ballet Giselle. Originally created in 1841, this story has become a favorite for audiences around the world, with the second act being one of the most emotionally driven works in the classical repertory of ballet. Giselle has died, and her lover Albrecht, who has betrayed her, comes to the graveyard to grieve, but she must choose to either forgive and save his life or let him die of heartbreak. This new production will have choreography by Ja’ Malik after Jean Coralli and Jules Perot to the heart-wrenching music of Adolphe Adam. A timeless classic gets unbound for the 21st century.
Ticket Information
Tickets go on sale this Friday, May 19, 2023, and can be purchased online at madisonballet.org or by calling the Overture Center Box Office at 608.258.4141.
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.