Celebrating
42 years
of
moving
Madison
Unbound; not bound, not fastened, not confined. We’re taking a centuries old tradition and posing the question, “What can happen if you create and show ballet without the confines of the past?” Our 2023-2024 Season “Unbound” marks the second season of Artistic Director, Ja’ Malik.
This will be an exciting season, full of world premieres, feats of strength and beauty, and challenges to the expectations of ballet. You won’t want to miss it!
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 Albretch, who has betrayed her, comes to the graveyard to grieve, but Giselle must choose: 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.
Anchored by new works from Alia Kache, former dancer of Ailey 2 and currently a member of The Lion King Tour and Madison Ballet’s Rehearsal Director Richard Walters, this program will also present new works choreographed by three 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 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, 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 received the Chicago 3Arts Award in recognition for her work as a female artist of color. Originally created on 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.
