Founded in 1992, the mission of Danceworks, Inc. as a 501(c)3 nonprofit is to enhance joy, health and creativity through dance. The vision is to be a source for arts education and community collaborations. Danceworks contributes to Milwaukee’s cultural vitality by sparking a lifelong interest and participation in the arts.
Danceworks is committed to taking arts and arts learning beyond the studio and theatre and into the community by creating work that resonates with diverse groups of people.
Danceworks serves more than 60,000 children, adults and seniors each year through:
- Original contemporary performances by Danceworks Performance MKE;
- Modeled after the professional company, Danceworks Youth Performance Company members train all year long and participate in a season of themed dance concerts in Danceworks Studio Theatre, and out in the community;
- A year-round experimental venue for local and national artists called the DanceLAB;
- Weekly dance and dance fitness classes at our downtown studio and at satellite locations;
- Dance and arts programming at schools in Milwaukee and surrounding communities; and
- Dance and arts programming for older adults in care facilities.
Our classes, programs and performances are dedicated to helping every student of the arts reach their fullest potential, both physically and mentally. We believe that all people benefit from dance and other arts activities. We strive to create an environment in which each student develops self-discipline, self-confidence and enthusiasm for the performing arts.
Contemporary dance performanceEmerging artist mentorshipCommunity-based arts programmingStudio classes for students of all ages and abilitiesArts educatioDance classesDance workshopsIn-school programming