2020/2021 (Un)Season

MADISON, WI Earlier today, our beautiful home of The Overture Center for the Arts announced their plans to remain closed to all public performance until December. We understand the difficulty of this decision and applaud our partners for doing what’s necessary in the name of our community’s health. Throughout the challenges this year has presented, Madison Ballet has remained consistent in holding the well-being of our audiences and artists as our first priority.

Still, it is undeniable that this will continue to have a large and direct impact on Madison Ballet. For the immediate future, we will not be able to produce the scale of work you have come to expect from us. It was our intention to have already announced an expanded season of 4 productions, including The Nutcracker, two world premiere works, and a groundbreaking contemporary ballet of a classic tale. We had been proud of the strength of that season and were thrilled to share it with you all.

However, recognizing the uncertainty of these times and with an eye on the future, we will not be planning or announcing a traditional season for the 2020/2021 year. With the probability of not being able to perform in Overture Hall and the inability to safely rehearse a cast of over 100, we will not share our beloved production of The Nutcracker the way we have in the past. 

Do not be dismayed. In the face of challenges, artists adapt and evolve. We are already exploring innovative ways to continue to dance. 2019 was full of incredible performances that found their strength in their adaptivity. Whether performing in Madison Museum of Contemporary Art, leaping through the lobby of a downtown bank, or converting our own offices to stages, we were inspired to have Madison experience ballet in new and unexpected ways.

We will attempt to build upon these experiences to create small works that can be rehearsed and enjoyed safely until we are once again able to share the experience of live dance on stage. In the meantime, know that we will continue to keep you connected to this transformative art, and please consider supporting Madison Ballet as we chart a new course ahead.