Rebuilding Ballet on New Terms: Ja' Malik

Photo by Matt Ulrich

As artistic and interim executive director of Madison Ballet, Ja’ Malik is taking real risks. And they’re paying off. He talks leadership, contemporary programming and how the company is growing audiences while others struggle.

“Since arriving in Madison, Ja’ has led a period of significant artistic and organizational change, and the results are more than encouraging. At a moment when many ballet companies nationwide are grappling with shrinking audiences, Madison Ballet is growing its own with returning and new audiences, responding to programming that places contemporary work alongside the classics and reflects the community it serves. Six months into his tenure, Malik also stepped into the additional role of interim executive director, guiding the organization through a demanding transition with a small staff and limited resources.

In this interview, Ja’ reflects on the risks involved in reshaping a regional ballet company, from extending dancer contracts to rethinking programming and institutional structure. He also speaks candidly about leadership during the in-between phase of change and the emotional, physical and ethical demands placed on artists and arts leaders alike.”

Read the full interview here. Available on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.