Milwaukee Ballet announces updates to its 2020-21 Season

MILWAUKEE – Aug 19, 2020 – Milwaukee Ballet today announced two programming adjustments as it navigates the challenges of the pandemic.

Milwaukee Ballet’s fall show, Cinderella, will not be performed as scheduled and its traditional version of The Nutcracker will not be presented at Marcus Performing Arts Center.

Physical distancing protocols makes large-scale ballet productions nearly impossible, impacting dancer training and rehearsals and significantly reducing ticket revenue with fewer patrons able to attend.

Artistic Director Michael Pink said further announcements about alternative in-person and digital performance experiences, including a reconceived celebration of The Nutcracker, will be made at the end September.

“Although 2020 will be different, we are very optimistic we will continue to make the holidays a joyous time,” said Pink.

Currently, Milwaukee Ballet plans to proceed with 2021 performances as scheduled. However, this will depend on the trajectory of Covid-19 cases in the community, local guidelines and venue preparedness.

“We are making measured, unhurried decisions on the remainder of the season,” said Pink.

Milwaukee Ballet Board President Amy Schmidt Jones noted the importance of the Company’s new facility in Milwaukee’s Third Ward as it navigates the pandemic.

“The Baumgartner Center for Dance is a state-of the-art facility that provides the platform for operating successfully in this health crisis. We are incredibly grateful to the supporters who made this possible,” said Jones.

Milwaukee Ballet’s annual fundraising efforts are now focused on supporting the Company’s recovery as it faces dramatically reduced earned revenue.

“Our donors have shown tremendous generosity during past months and we are especially grateful for the steadfast support of the United Performing Arts Fund,” said Jones.

“We are working slowly but surely towards the stage, in as safe and thoughtful a way as possible while ensuring we deliver on our mission.”

Milwaukee Ballet’s Box Office will directly contact subscribers about their tickets and will continue to keep in close touch with them as further announcements are made.

Details about how fans and patrons can further support the Ballet’s recovery can be found at milwaukeeballet.org

About Milwaukee Ballet

Milwaukee Ballet was founded in 1970. Led by Artistic Director Michael Pink, Milwaukee Ballet’s mission is to create a rich and diverse community through its inspiring dance performance, education and outreach. Milwaukee Ballet hosts an international company of dancers and is one of the few companies in the nation to maintain its own orchestra. Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy is the only professional dance school in the Midwest accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance, teaching beginner through pre-professional levels in three locations: Third Ward, Fox Point and Brookfield. Milwaukee Ballet’s award-winning Community Engagement department serves nearly 30,000 people in Southeastern Wisconsin each year through original, interactive programs.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.