Performance Opportunities

SMB School Division and Pre-Professional Division students have a number of performance opportunities available to them throughout the year.

In mid-winter, SMB hosts a Studio Showcase with dancers in School Division Levels 4 through 6. Families are invited into the studio for an informal lecture/demonstration that allows students to present works that they’ve learned in their Adagio and/or Variations classes.

At the end of each Academic Year, SMB School Division and Pre-Professional Division students are invited to participate in the SMB Workshop. This presentation gives friends and family the chance to see the students’ progress in a theater setting, while offering dancers an opportunity to develop their performance skills. Students wear dress code uniforms and participation is optional. There are no performance fees and admission is free to SMB families and friends.

Throughout the year, intermediate and advanced students have opportunities to perform as part of Madison Ballet’s Education & Outreach programming (such as the Overture Center’s Kids in the Rotunda series) that are presented throughout the community. At times, these students are also invited to assist with Children’s Division classes or other workshops, an important part of the learning process for a growing dancer.

In addition, all students are encouraged to audition for roles in Madison Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker in Overture Hall as well as for any other Madison Ballet productions. Auditions for Madison Ballet productions will be announced to School participants as well as to the general public. Auditions are open to dancers from all schools. There may be separate fees associated with performing in Madison Ballet productions that are not in any way associated with School of Madison Ballet tuition or fees. Students and non-students of SMB will receive equal opportunities to participate in Madison Ballet productions.

Where it does not conflict with SMB classes, students are also strongly encouraged to perform in any other productions staged throughout the Madison area. Performing is a valuable part of the dance education process.