Milwaukee Ballet School Announces Promotion and Building Project

MILWAUKEE – July 18, 2023 – Milwaukee Ballet has appointed General Manager Kristin Dimmer as Director of Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy (MBSA), the first to take on this role since longtime Director Rolando Yanes’ retirement in 2020. Under her leadership, the organization is overhauling MBSA’s Riverpoint Village branch in Fox Point, adding a new studio and enhanced community spaces that will expand class offerings and reach in the area.

“I have known Kristin since she began with Milwaukee Ballet, and I am delighted to see her further her impact on the organization as Director of the School,” says Milwaukee Ballet Artistic Director Michael Pink. “During the past three years, she helped successfully lead the school through the worst of the pandemic, keeping our doors open and our students flourishing.”

Dimmer has been involved with Milwaukee Ballet for nearly 15 years as a dancer, teacher, and administrator. She danced with Milwaukee Ballet II, the organization’s Second Company, from 2008 to 2010 before working as part-time faculty from 2010 to 2020. During that time, she also served as Artistic Director of Pius XI Catholic High School in Milwaukee. During her tenure there, Dimmer expanded the dance department from 40 students to approximately 120. In August 2020, she accepted a full-time role as MBSA General Manager.

“I personally walked the path that we hope and envision for our students. Spending my childhood and adolescence as a dancer set me up for success in a variety of areas, from performance to teaching to business. As Director, my goal is to impart students with skills, joys, and memories that last a lifetime,” says Dimmer. “I am truly honored to be taking on this role and am extremely grateful for the opportunity.”

As School Director, Dimmer will manage the school’s curriculum, daily logistics and operations, and extensive staff of teachers and accompanists. She will also coordinate artistic endeavors, from auditions to student showcases, while ensuring excellent experiences for students and families. In her first major project as School Director, she will oversee the expansion of the school’s Riverpoint Village branch.

This expansion will nearly double the location’s square footage, from 3,500 square feet to 6,700 square feet. Staff and families will enjoy a new and enlarged studio, lounges, and additional changing rooms and restrooms. These new spaces will allow MBSA to add to its current class offerings and reach more students, including adults, in the Riverpoint area. Construction is expected to begin in August and wrap up before the winter holidays.

“We’re all thrilled about these additions to our already stellar MBSA program. Kristin’s passion for dance and business acumen will serve MBSA well, and our students will undoubtedly thrive in our updated studio space,” shared Pink. “Milwaukee Ballet is committed to raising the next generations of dancers, and these are two exciting forward steps in that mission.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.