Upcoming events
Dancer Social & Fused Glass Workshop
Calling all past, present, and future Dance Wisconsin Nutcracker dancers, families, friends, and supporters!
Whether you danced on our stage years ago, are preparing to audition for the first time, or simply love supporting the arts, we'd love to welcome you to the studio for an afternoon of creativity, connection, and celebration.
As we prepare for our upcoming Nutcracker season, we're bringing together generations of our Dance Wisconsin family to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, share favorite backstage memories, and help inspire the next generation of performers.
“Super Fun” Fused Glass Art Workshop
Join a hands-on fused glass workshop led by the talented Lucie Arendt of www.LucieArt.com and create a beautiful custom piece of art to keep or give as a gift.
Perfect for ages 7 and up!
• Great for dancers of all ages: children, teens, and adults.
• No experience needed, if you can have fun, you are already qualified.
• All tools needed are included—glass, tools, safety gear, expert instruction.
• After the event, each piece will be professionally kiln-fired and ready for pickup at our Nutcracker auditions (September 13, 1-4 PM).
Your Gift Goes Twice as Far
Lucie has generously donated all of the workshop materials and has also pledged to match every donation made during the event. The actual value of each glass project is $29, and, thanks to Lucie's generosity, participation is available through your donation.
Suggested donation: $20 (or more).
Every dollar supports Dance Wisconsin's upcoming performances, costumes, sets, scholarships, and programming—and because of the matching gift, your donation has double the impact.
Looking Ahead
Nutcracker Auditions: Sunday, September 13, 2026, from 1:00 – 4:000 PM.
You'll be able to pick up your finished fused glass masterpiece when you come to auditions!
Join Us!
Spaces for the glass workshop are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot.
Come for the art.
Stay for the friendships.
Celebrate the memories.
Help us build an unforgettable Nutcracker season together.
We can't wait to welcome you to or back to the studio!
Click below to learn more!
Audition for "The Nutcracker"
Audition for the 49th annual production of Dance Wisconsin’s “The Nutcracker” at the Wisconsin Union Theater! Dancers from any dance school are welcome to attend. They must be 7 yrs or older and attend at least one weekly ballet class at their home school. Register to audition HERE.
Audition Times:
1pm: 7-9 yr olds
2pm: 10-12 yr olds, and dancers under 5’2”
3pm: 13yrs+, and dancers over 5’2”
New Works "Inspirations"
Each fall the Dance Wisconsin Company presents a performance centered around original choreography created on the company of dancers. Join us for an evening of movement inspired by different art forms.
To purchase tickets click the link below.
Tickets: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=dncwi
Dance Wisconsin Auditions
Audition for the company of Dance Wisconsin for the 2026-2027 season. All dancers ages 12 and older are welcome to register for the audition. The auditions will take place at 2605 S. Stoughton Road in Madison.
Informational Meeting for Company Auditions
An informational meeting for all dancers unfamiliar with Dance Wisconsin and considering auditioning should attend the meeting on April 23. Information including financials, expectations, requirements, and yearly schedule will be covered. Meeting takes place at 2605 S. Stoughton Road in Madison.
Regional Dance America-Midstates: Festival 2026
The company of Dance Wisconsin will travel to St. Louis for a weekend of classes, performances, and scholarship opportunities with teachers from around the country. Check our social media to stay updated! Learn more about RDA under our About tab.
La Fille mal Gardée
Dance Wisconsin, a Madison area pre-professional dance company, brings the beloved classical ballet La Fille mal Gardée back to the stage on Saturday, April 11 at 2 p.m. in Madison College’s Mitby Theater. This lively comedy brings together dancers from all over south and central Wisconsin, including guest artists from the local professional company Madison Ballet.
La Fille mal Gardée, or The Unguarded Daughter, is bursting with charm, comedy, and joy. This lighthearted love story follows a spirited young girl named Lise, who has her heart set on the handsome farm boy Colas. However, her larger-than-life mother, Widow Simone, has other plans and promises Lise to the awkward Alain, the son of a wealthy winemaker. Laugh along with her over-the-top antics as she tries, and hilariously fails, to keep Lise and Colas apart. Mischief, mistaken plans, and iconic dance sequences such as the Ribbon Pas De Deux and the thrilling Storm scene lead to a heartwarming finale that will delight all ages. The performance features guest artists Sarah Martin, Benjamin Rose, and Gabriel Aguilar of Madison Ballet as Lise, Colas, and Alain respectively.
Dance Wisconsin is a non-profit pre-professional dance company composed of dancers ages twelve and up led by artistic director JoJean Retrum. Founded in 1977, the company prides itself as a nurturing environment for tomorrow’s leaders. Dance Wisconsin has been a part of Regional Dance America’s MidStates Region for over thirty years and is Wisconsin’s only Honor Company within RDA. Sponsored by Lucie and Norman Arendt, North Central Utility of Wisconsin, LLC, Kramer Madison, Dupaco Community Credit Union, Cardinal Heating, Air, Plumbing and Electric, the Batterman Charitable Trust, the Herald Independent (Lake Mills, Cambridge, Deerfield, Waterloo, Monona, McFarland and Cottage Grove), RBC Wealth Foundation, Gorilla Movers of Wisconsin, Bank of Sun Prairie, Brava Magazine, Reinhart Law, Anaala Salon and Spa and Maria Antoinette Real Estate. This project is also supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts. Further supported by Dane Arts with additional funds from the Frautschi and Rowland Foundations, Diane Ballweg, and the Endres Mfg. Company Foundation.
Tickets are available through the Dance Wisconsin website for $8-$20.
The Nutcracker
Dance Wisconsin’s The Nutcracker returns to the Wisconsin Union Theater on December 20th and 21st at 2:00pm.
"The Nutcracker" at Madison Children's Museum
Stop in at the Madison Children's Museum on December 7 at 10:30am to meet some of the characters from Dance Wisconsin's The Nutcracker! Admission is free!
"The Nutcracker" at Madison Central Library
Join us at the Madison Central Library on December 1 at 1:00pm for an afternoon of Nutcracker fun!
"The Nutcracker" at Explore Children's Museum
Meet the characters from "The Nutcracker" at Explore Children's Museum on November 20 at 5:30! Admission is free!
Holiday Fantasy in Lights
Visit us at Olin Park at Holiday Fantasy in Lights on November 19 from 5:30-7:00pm! Take a FREE family drive through the bright wonderland of holiday lights by Lake Monona.
Generations
Experience an unforgettable evening of dance that transcends time! Generations showcases original choreography blending unexpected dance styles with iconic music from across the decades.
From elegant pointe work and powerful modern dance to dynamic contemporary ballet, this performance offers something for every dance lover. Plus, enjoy a comedic twist on Bohemian Rhapsody that’s sure to surprise and delight!
Don’t miss the choreographic debut of Dance Wisconsin Company member Penelope M., as she presents her first original work on stage.
Join us for a night of innovation, emotion, and artistry, Generations is where the past meets the future of dance.
Nutcracker Auditions
Auditions for The Nutcracker and Dance Wisconsin’s Spring Ballet begin at 1:00pm. Ages 7 and up are eligible to audition. Dancers from any dance school are welcome and encouraged to audition. The schedule runs as follows:
1:00-2:00pm: Ages 7-9
2:00-3:00pm: Ages 10-12 under 5’2”
3:00-4:15pm: Teens and dancers over 5’2”
*This portion of the audition will include pointe work starting arounf 3:45pm. Dancers are not required to do the pointe work portion of the audition.
4:15pm: Adults interested in joining the adult party scene cast in the role of a parent or a maid