Milwaukee Ballet Presents Choreography By Own Dancers in “MKE MIX”

Milwaukee, WI – January 14, 2025 – Three Artists of Milwaukee Ballet Company will choreograph work on their fellow dancers in upcoming contemporary collection MKE MIX. This two-weekend production will take place at the Company’s home theater, the 172-seat We Energies Performance Studio in Baumgartner Center for Dance, guaranteeing a memorable up-close experience for audiences.

“I am so pleased to spotlight the choreographic talents of our very own Artists,” says Artistic Director Michael Pink. “Standing at the front of the studio is a thrilling and terrifying experience, one that will push these emerging choreographers to expand their artistry and continue exploring their interests in the dance world beyond performing.”

The choreographers include Eric Figueredo (Company Artist since 2022), Garrett Glassman (Company Artist since 2014), and Amanda Lewis (Company Artist since 2023).

Glassman will restage his work I Do, Don’t I?, which premiered during the Company’s Ballet Russe Reimagined mixed program in February 2020. This work resets Les Noces, originally choreographed by Bronislava Nijinska, into the scenario of a bachelor party the night before a wedding.

“My intention was simple: to create something fun for both the dancers and the audience,” Glassman said. “It was an opportunity to experiment with true dance theatre, blending movement with narrative to craft a performance that is not just visually engaging, but emotionally resonant.”

Figueredo and Lewis will create original works to premiere during MKE MIX. Both are familiar with choreographing in Milwaukee Ballet’s studios,  having previously staged works on the Milwaukee Ballet II Second Company and for “Ballet Beat,” the Company’s summertime program of free performances and activities. Lewis was also accepted as a choreographer into New Century’s 2024 Dance Competition in Santa Fe, where her piece earned the accolade of “People’s Choice.”

MKE MIX celebrates the exceptional creativity found right here in Milwaukee, which is why for a second year, Milwaukee Ballet has partnered with Colectivo Coffee for this production. As part of the natural partnership between these two Milwaukee-based and community-centric institutions, Colectivo will originate a limited-time drink exclusively available in their Milwaukee cafes from February 1-14.

“Back for its second year, MKE MIX is certain to inspire new and returning fans,” says Pink. “We look forward to welcoming audiences into our professional home and hope they leave with a greater appreciation for the talented individuals within these walls.”

The Choreographers

Eric Figueredo has been an Artist with Milwaukee Ballet since 2022. He is recognizable from his recent roles as Dracula in Dracula, Madame Bon Bon in The Nutcracker, and Lucretia in Cinderella. He has previously choreographed for Ballet Beat and the Ballet Ball, and he also has a work forthcoming for Milwaukee Ballet II’s Momentum.

Garrett Glassman has been an Artist with Milwaukee Ballet since 2014. He is recognizable for his portrayals of Drosselmeyer and the Rat King in The Nutcracker, Harker and Renfield in Dracula, and Quasimodo in Hunchback of Notre Dame. Past choreographic credits include two works on Milwaukee Ballet’s Company: Affixed (2018) and I Do, Don’t I? (2020).

Amanda Lewis has been an Artist with Milwaukee Ballet since 2023. An alumna of Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy’s Pre-Professional Program and the Milwaukee Ballet II Second Company, she has already choreographed several works for Milwaukee Ballet II, Ballet Beat, and the Ballet Ball. Her work Unspoken won “People’s Choice Award” at New Century’s Dance Competition in 2024.

Performance Information

MKE MIX will take place from February 7-16 at Baumgartner Center for Dance. All tickets are $40 and may be purchased online at www.milwaukeeballet.org or through the Milwaukee Ballet Box Office at 414.902.2103.

The performance schedule is as follows:

• Friday, February 7, 2025 – 7:30 PM
• Saturday, February 8, 2025 – 2:00 PM
• Saturday, February 8, 2025 – 7:30 PM
• Sunday, February 9, 2025 – 2:00 PM
• Friday, February 14, 2025 – 7:30 PM
• Saturday, February 15, 2025 – 2:00 PM
• Saturday, February 15, 2025 – 7:30 PM
• Sunday, February 16, 2025 – 2:00 PM

Milwaukee Ballet’s 2024/2025 Season is presented by Donald & Donna Baumgartner and the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF), with support from Wisconsin Arts Board, CAMPAC, Milwaukee Arts Board, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

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.