FAQs

• What health and safety policies are in place for students attending the programs?

  At this time, there are no requirements for Milwaukee Ballet 2023 Summer Intensive Program attendees to submit proof of vaccination. In the event that a student becomes symptomatic, tests positive, or is close contact with another positive individual, testing and/or masking requirements may be imposed as deemed appropriate by Milwaukee Ballet’s Health & Safety Committee.

  Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy is currently operating with mask-optional policies for students and faculty. Masking and testing requirements are subject to change in relation to community and school COVID-19 caseloads. All students should still plan to provide their own masks in the event that this policy is updated.

  Milwaukee Ballet reserves the right to update, amend, and change these policies as dictated by CDC guidelines and any other federal, state, or local mandates related to COVID-19.

• What is a typical day like in the 6-week program?

  Below is a sample schedule for the 6-week program. Actual times may vary depending on specific class schedules for each level.

  7:00-8:00am Breakfast, pack lunch

  8:15am Bus departs for the studio

  8:30am Bus arrives at the studio

  8:45-10:15am Ballet Class

  10:15-11:15am Pointe or Men’s Class

  11:30-12:30pm Variations or partnering

  12:30-1:00pm Lunch break

  1:00-2:00pm Style class (varies each week – African, Jazz, Modern, Pilates, etc.)

  2:15-4:15pm Rehearsal for Emergence

  4:30pm Bus departs for residence hall

  4:45pm Bus returns to residence hall

  6:00pm Dinner (pack lunch for next day, if desired)

  7:00pm Residence hall activity

• What is a typical day like in the 3-week program?

  Below is a sample schedule for the 3-week program. Actual times may vary depending on specific class schedules for each level.

  7:30-8:30am Breakfast, pack lunch

  9:00am Bus departs for the studio

  9:30am Bus arrives at the studio

  10:00-11:45am Ballet Class

  12:00-1:00 Pointe or Men’s Class

  1:00-1:30pm Lunch break

  1:30-2:30pm Style class (varies each week – , Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop, etc.)

  2:45-4:30pm Rehearsal for Emergence

  4:30pm Bus departs for residence hall

  5:00pm Bus returns to residence hall

  6:00pm Dinner (pack lunch for next day, if desired)

  7:00pm Residence hall activity

• How do I know my placement level?

  Based on your audition, you are placed in either the 3-week Intermediate Intensive Program or the 6-week Pre-Professional Program. Students may not choose a preferred program. Your class placement will be listed in your audition results/acceptance letter via email. This placement is subject to review by our faculty during the first two days of the program.*

  The Intermediate 3-week Program is based at our Towne Centre studio location in Brookfield, WI (3815 N Brookfield Road, Suite 201).

  The Pre-Professional 6-week Program is based at our Baumgartner Center for Dance studio location in downtown Milwaukee (128 N Jackson St).

  Subject to change.

• How many students are in each class?

  The Intermediate 3-week Program is based at our Towne Centre studio location in Brookfield, WI (3815 N Brookfield Road, Suite 201).
  In the Intermediate 3-week program, there are two levels: Tech 1 and Tech 2. Each level has no more than 20 students.

  The Pre-Professional 6-week Program is based at our Baumgartner Center for Dance studio location in downtown Milwaukee (128 N Jackson St).
  In the Pre-Professional 6-week program, there are up to six levels: Tech 3, Tech 4, Tech 5, Tech 6, Tech 7, and Tech 8. Each level has no more than 25 students.

  Subject to change.

• What is the dress code for the 6-week program?

  We strictly enforce the dress code and require each student to adhere to the guidelines.

  • Ballet: Ladies must wear a black leotard, pink tights, with pink ballet shoes and pointe shoes. Men wear black tights or unitards, black or white ballet shoes, and white T-shirt. No sweatpants, plastic pants, or T-shirts are allowed in ballet class.
  • Variations: Ladies may wear a short Chiffon or Georgette wrap or pull-on skirt over required ballet attire.
  • Jazz & Musical Theater: Black jazz shoes, black jazz pants,  black shorts, and a solid colored leotard in color of choice.
  • Modern & African: Same as jazz clothing, except with bare feet.
  • Hip Hop: Same as jazz clothing, except with clean, non-marking sole sneakers.
  • Flamenco & Character: same as jazz clothing, except with black character shoes (low heels for ladies) and knee-length character skirt.
  • Performance: Ladies must bring a black camisole (spaghetti-strap) leotard. Men should be prepared to wear ballet class attire for the performance.  Men must have a pair of black and white ballet shoes.
  • Pointe Shoes: In the 6-week program, ladies are in pointe shoes approximately 20 hours per week.  Based on these estimates, calculate the number of pointe shoes needed for the program and then bring one or two extra pair, just in case.  Pointe shoes are not easy for students to access in Milwaukee come prepared for the full length of the program or have shoes shipped as needed.

• What is the dress code for the 3-week program?

  We strictly enforce the dress code and require each student to adhere to the guidelines.

  • Ballet: Ladies must wear a black leotard, pink tights, with pink ballet shoes and pointe shoes. Men wear black tights or unitards, black or white ballet shoes, and white T-shirt. No sweatpants, plastic pants, or T-shirts are allowed in ballet class.
  • Jazz: Black jazz shoes, black jazz pants, black shorts, and a solid colored leotard in color of choice.
  • Modern: Same as jazz clothing, except with bare feet.
  • Hip Hop: Same as jazz clothing, except with clean, non-marking sole sneakers.
  • Performance: Ladies must bring a black camisole (spaghetti-strap) leotard. Men should be prepared to wear ballet class attire for the performance.  Men must have a pair of black and white ballet shoes.
  • Pointe Shoes: In the 3-week program, ladies are in pointe shoes approximately 7 hours per week. Based on these estimates, calculate the number of pointe shoes needed for the program and then bring one or two extra pair, just in case.  Pointe shoes are not easy for students to access in Milwaukee come prepared for the full length of the program or have shoes shipped as needed.

• What are the performance opportunities?

  Emergence is the showcase performance of the Summer Intensive program.

  The performance features original classical and contemporary choreography created for the Intensive students by several members of the faculty and guest instructors.

  More details will be available here.

• Are photos of the program showcase available for purchase?

  Photos and videos of the Emergence showcase will be made available for purchase. Prints of the images can be ordered online with proceeds benefiting the Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy production fund.  These images make for great keepsakes and can be useful for a dance resume.

• Are scholarships or financial aid available?

  Merit-based scholarships are awarded during the audition tour for students who excel in their audition.

  We also have a need-based financial assistance program for which students can apply once accepted into the pre-professional program. Financial assistance does not cover any component of housing nor the full tuition amount.

  To apply for financial aid, click here for more information.

• When do students arrive and depart the program?

  Students arrive the Saturday prior to the first class date and depart the Saturday following the Emergence performance. Transportation from the airport to the residence halls is each student’s responsibility. Airport taxi and discount shuttle services are available from the airport to program housing, if available. Mitchell Airport is neither large nor complicated and can be easily navigated by the most novice travelers. The resident assistant staff will assist students in coordinating rides to the airport at the end of the program.

  Elm Grove Travel Service is proud to be Milwaukee Ballet’s Summer Program travel agency. The lowest airfare discounts are available by calling the toll free number 1.800.782.7073. Identify yourself as a Milwaukee Ballet summer student or family member. Service fees will apply.

• What do students do on the evenings and weekends?

  During the week, the resident assistant staff will plan complimentary activities at or near the residence halls for resident students, including walks to the beach, movie nights, and volleyball games.

  Each weekend, both resident and non-resident students are welcome to participate in more extensive excursions to theme parks, water parks, museums, and sporting events. Specific cost and schedule information for the excursions will be available in late spring.

• What are the behavior expectations for students?

  Students are expected to conduct themselves in the highest standards at the housing accommodations, studios, transportation shuttle, and throughout the city. Inappropriate actions or language will not be tolerated. Students are also expected to attend all classes and rehearsals unless illness or injury prevents them from doing so. Violation of rules of Milwaukee Ballet, arranged Housing, or any laws of the State of Wisconsin may result in immediate dismissal from the program with no tuition or housing refund. Underage drinking, smoking, or the use of illegal substances will not be tolerated at any time or in any place.

• Is medical care offered?

  Physicians and athletic trainers from the Froedtert Sports Medicine Center and the Medical College of Wisconsin will be available on Fridays at our studios for a free consultation for the summer students. Students who require immediate medical attention will be taken to the Froedtert Center by a member of the staff or to an emergency room by ambulance, if required. If the student is under 18, parents will be contacted in advance. If such action is taken, your medical insurance will be used. Students who become too injured or ill to complete the program will be sent home with a prorated refund for the remainder of the program.

  Our Pre-Professional program involves up to 7 hours of dancing each day. We strongly recommend that students arrive with their bodies ready to work. To prevent injury, we discourage students from taking too much time off before arriving to the program. Once the program begins, if a student feels that they cannot attend class, they must notify the office before their first class of the day begins. Students are expected to observe class if they are injured but still feeling well enough to travel to the studios.

• What housing options are available?

  Milwaukee Ballet is proud to partner with the Milwaukee School of Engineering to provide safe, dorm-style housing nearby at the newly renovated Hermann Viets Tower in Downtown Milwaukee. A full meal plan at MSOE’s Campus Center Dining Commons is included with this housing package. Find housing package fees for the 6-week and 3-week programs here.

  A majority of out-of-town students will stay at program arranged housing, though this is not required. Students not staying in Milwaukee Ballet’s arranged housing are responsible for securing their own accommodations, meals, and daily transportation for the program.

• Resident Assistants

  If you are interested in being a resident assistant during the Summer Intensive Program, application packets will be posted here this winter.  Resident Assistants cannot be enrolled in the program, but may have access to take classes during the program, pending ongoing health and safety protocols.

• Do you have a question not answered here?

  Please email Alyx Johnson, MBSA Coordinator, regarding general program information.