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2 days ago

Danceworks, Inc.
Thank you to everyone that came to see Danceworks Performance MKE’s third and final concert of the 2022-23 performance season! We are so proud of @dpmke, @dypcmke and the Danceworks Intergenerational Performance Company artists for a successful show! ✨Curated by Artistic Director, Christal Wagner, “Small but Mighty” was a dance showcase featuring Milwaukee chamber ensembles Microcosm Ensemble, Black Cat Ensemble, Cosmo Reeds Quintet and the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra. This performance captures the essence of Chamber music, known for its subtlety and intimacy. Highlights include a collaboration between DPMKE member Nekea Leon and Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Steel Band Ensemble, along with world premieres by Soloist Elisabeth Rospkof, Artistic Director Christal Wagner and Choreographer Gina Laurenzi!.....#danceworks #danceworksmke #milwaukee #mke #milwaukeeperformingarts #mkeperformingarts #performancemke #danceconcert #dancemke #mkedance #mkeperformance #mkedancers #milwaukeedancer #milwaukeedancers #dancecompany #milwaukeepride ... See MoreSee Less
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3 days ago

Danceworks, Inc.
THANK YOU to all who came out to #supportthearts at United Performing Arts Fund - UPAF’s Ride For The Arts event this past Sunday 🚲 Our dancers from Parkside School of the Arts performed the Hip Hop/ Bollywood dance from the Mad Hot Rhythm Competition! So fun to see everyone🤩 ... See MoreSee Less
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5 days ago

Danceworks, Inc.
We are obsessed with these photos from Dress Rehearsal of “SMALL BUT MIGHTY”. You only have 3 chances left to catch the last show of the 2022-23 Season! ONE WEEKEND ONLY!Milwaukee Youth Arts Center325 W. Walnut, Milwaukee, WISaturday, June 3rd: 4:30pm & 7:30pmSunday, June 4th: 2:30pmPurchase tickets here or at link in bio: app.arts-people.com/index.php?actions=3&p=2Make sure you don’t miss out on the opportunity to witness awe-inspiring performances by Milwaukee’s exceptionally skilled emerging chamber groups and dancers!📸: Christal Wagner ... See MoreSee Less
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Danceworks Blog

Come In and Lift Your Spirits

Posted on by Deborah Wenzler Farris

Showbiz

As I walked into the studio to assist a new teacher with a class, I noticed one of the students huddled beside the door—in tears with her mother. I decided to give them a few moments of privacy and went on in. The other students were busy removing coats and piling book bags haphazardly on the observation chairs, tossing their shoes underneath and chatting away as they changed into their ballet slippers. I set my own things down across the room beside the sound system, reached for the attendance book and worked my way back to the door.

 

I smiled at the mom and student, commending her good work in class so far this session. The daughter’s eyes glanced my way but she didn’t turn her head.

 

“We just got a divorce,” the mother said. “She doesn’t want to go with her father after class today.”

 

“Ah…..I understand…..I’ve been there too……” The young girl turned her face towards me then. “Do you want to be my assistant today? You can observe class. You learn a lot by watching others dance…..Want to help me take attendance?” She turned back to her mother for assurance.

 

“I’ll be here when you’re finished,” the mother responded, and then with a hug, I was relieved when her daughter entered the studio with me. Without yet realizing it, she was slipping into a place of safety and routine that would separate her, if just for an hour, from her troubles. She joined the flurry of last minute arrivals and I noticed her putting on her slippers as I called attendance.

 

When I closed the book, I leaned over and whispered, “Want to just give barre a try? I’ll do it with you.”

 

She shrugged, stretched a little and I was surprised when she stood up. Suddenly feeling like I had to catch up with her, and although she was still wearing her outer clothes, we went to the barre together. Miss Cari began class. The music of the introduction to plies filled the studio with its gentle 6/8 tempo. We listened and then bent our knees and ankles and hips first towards the floor, then away, methodically following the instructions we were given. This is when life’s problems begin to leave your mind—moving to the music, finding a structure to fit into when you feel you can’t fit into life.

 

“Can I go take off my warmup pants so I can do the splits?” She asked me when we finished barre.

 

“Yes, yes, of course, then take your place in the center. Okay?” She was already on her way.

 

Afterwards, her mother was at the door. When I told her, “She danced!” I was reminded in the best way, why we do what we do at Danceworks.

 

As I watched the child walk out the door, she suddenly stopped and turned back, her face now relaxed. I got to say the great words, “See you next week!” Then she was gone and I was left holding the picture of her smile.



About Our Blog

Welcome to the Danceworks blog, where we're hoping to share a little bit more about the heart and soul behind Danceworks… what made us join the dance and keeps us dancing, what keeps us inspired, and where we can share some of the stories worth telling.