Unbound, the title of the Madison Ballet 2023-2024 season, is the second curated by Artistic Director Ja’ Malik featuring several world premieres by the leader himself as well as those by established and emerging choreographers.
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.
Classical ballets also shine next season with the company’s annual production of The Nutcracker and Malik’s restaging of the second act of Giselle.
Madison Ballet 2023-2024 Season Schedule
Innovation | October 27 – November 5, 2023
Promenade Hall, Overture Center for the Arts
- World Premiere by Alia Kache
- World Premiere by Richard Walters
- World Premiere by Eric Stith
- World Premiere by Charlotte Junge
- World Premiere by Sarah Minton
Featuring world premieres by evolving and emerging choreographers on the local and national scene, Innovations is 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 Nutcracker by Sara Stewart Schumann
In The Nutcracker, 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.
Love | February 15-25, 2024
Promenade Hall, Overture Center for the Arts
- Something to Remember You By Stephanie Martinez
- Guitar Concerto by Ja’ Malik
- Paquita Suite by Andrea Long
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.
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
- World Premiere by Ja’ Malik
- Act II from Giselle by Ja’ Malik
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.
Featured Photo for the Madison Ballet 2023-2024 Season of Shannon Quirk & Alex Vrba. Photo by Tom Davenport.
