Summerfest has ended and we noticed the police reports of inappropriate behavior at Elmbrook Church. On the northern side of Brookfield, we found just the opposite at the Wilson Center. Last Thursday and Friday, 180 kids and young adults from 24 states (including Australia) who took part in the Milwaukee Ballet School’s summer intensive program gave their final performance in ‘EMERGENCE 2006.’ They ranged in age from 9-23 years.
Friday evening about 500 people attended the performance which consisted of ten minute sets. The applause was thunderous after each set. As might be expected, many people were somehow related to the performers. But while waiting in the darkness for the next ‘set’ to begin, one could have heard a pin drop.
To me, the word ‘ballet’ connotes ‘toe shoes and tutus’. I took ballet lessons many years ago. I fondly remember the tutus my grandma made. I remember the toe shoes, but I don’t recall dancing on my toes.
Ballet has kept up with the times. The performances began with classical and ended with modern, jazz and African and style programs. The costuming also changed with the performances -- from the traditional classical costumes we remember to clothing teens might wear everyday.
Students audition for the six week Summer Intensive Milwaukee Ballet School program. They dance for 6-8 hours a day during the program. Renee Griswold, general manager of the Milwaukee Ballet School said, “The program also serves as the audition period for MBII, the official training program of the Milwaukee Ballet. MBII Dancers are high school graduates training to bridge the gap between student and professional.”
Milwaukee Ballet’s Summer Intensive Staff included Michael Pink, artistic director, and Rolando Yanes, MB11 and school director.
For wholesome entertainment, check out
the Wilson Center's web site.
