
WHY GIVE
Each year, your support helps us serve more than 55,000 youth and adults through performances, studio classes and workshops, and community programming. Danceworks relies on generous community support from donors like you to…
…provide low- or no-cost arts education programming to local schools and community organizations;
…offer scholarships for a wide range of dance classes for children, adults and seniors at our Water Street studio and satellite locations;
…and produce professional dance performances through our resident company, as well as performances for our youth performance company and our intergenerational performance company, and by both emerging and established local, regional and national performers.
“You have given so much to so many. Through dance, you have given little feet big hearts as they accomplish and master dance moves. You’ve helped older bodies rediscover movement and a sense of lost youth. You’ve brought the discussion about the importance of dance to the forefront and reminded us how moving our bodies also releases joy in our souls.”
Denise Calloway, Executive Director of Communications and Outreach, MPS, and Executive Director of the MPS Foundation
WAYS TO GIVE
MAKE A DONATION
• Donate online.
• Mail a donation to Danceworks at 1661 N. Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
• Volunteer with us! Email us to learn more.
PLANNED GIVING
Danceworks seeded a 30th anniversary Endowment Fund to invest in the future of Danceworks for generations to come. Contact us to learn more about legacy gifts.
GIFTS OF STOCK
Increase your impact by donating long-term appreciated securities, including stock, bonds, and mutual funds directly to Danceworks. When you contribute securities directly to Danceworks, we gain the full proceeds from the sale, and you can potentially eliminate capital gains exposure.You generate more support for our art education intiatives and receive a tax deduction for the fair market value of your donated shares.
Stock donations are processed and sold through our brokerage firm, Robert W Baird. Baird DTC #0547:, UEC Baird Acct #3496-9527
DONOR ADVISED FUNDS
Through a Donor Advised Fund, you can make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax deduction, and then continue to recommend grants from the fund over time. Giving through a Donor Advised Fund streamlines your giving to maximize your impact! To give through a donor advised fund, please contact us. For reference, Dancework’s Tax ID number is: EIN: 39-1734312
WORKPLACE GIVING
Did you know many employers match gifts made by their employees? Matching gifts are an easy and wonderful way to double your impact! Ask your employer (check with HR!) about their matching gift program.
SPONSORSHIPS
Interested in sponsoring a particular program, dancer, or concert? The below giving amounts help us to ensure the joy and creativity of dance can continue for our students, artists, and audiences. Make a donation online by October 1st of the current year and select where you would like your gift directed to and receive recognition throughout this season.
• Dancer Sponsorship minimum of $3000
• School Program minimum of $6000
• Concert Sponsorship minimum of $10,000
CONTRIBUTE TO OUR SCHOLARSHIP FUND
The purpose of the Shining Light Studio Scholarship is to lessen the financial burden of quality dance training for families in the Milwaukee area and elevate those with a desire to work in the field. Students can be awarded partial or complete tuition for Danceworks classes, programs or Danceworks Youth Performance Company tuition. We encourage all individuals regardless of age, race and gender to apply. Select “scholarship” from the drop down menu when you donate.
The Shining Light Studio Scholarship is in memory of Paulette Johnson, a loving mother who knew the power of dance and how it could change a person’s life.
IN KIND DONATIONS
We are always on the lookout for ways to support our studio, programs, and performances with various in kind donations. Please contact us to learn more!
FUNDERS
Gifts received between 9.1.2023-8.31.2024
ANGEL: $100,000+
United Performing Arts Fund
VISIONARY: $75,000+
Bader Philanthropies
MUSE: $25,000+
Richard and Ethel Herzfeld Foundation
Greater Milwaukee Foundation
BENEFACTOR: $10,000+
Martin Family Foundation
STRAATEC Security Corporation
Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National Endowment for the Arts
Wisconsin District Center*
PRODUCER: $5,000+
Julia Uihlein
Milwaukee Arts Board
Brewers Community Foundation, Inc.
Maihaugen Foundation, Inc.
Froedtert Community Investment Fund
Kristin Bergstrom and Lloyd Dickinson
The Balzer Family
Bob Balderson
Milwaukee County Cultural Artistic & Musical Programming Advisory Council
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR: $2,500+
Anonymous Donors
Jane Lewis & Mickey Maier
Julia Gray and Jon Lange
Forest County Potawatomi Foundation
Lindsay Olson
Tim and Sue Frautschi
Woman’s Club of Wisconsin Foundation
CHOREOGRAPHER: $1,000+
Anonymous Donors
Thomas and Karen Watson
Amy & Dennis Connolly
Frank and Marina Krejci
Heil Family Foundation
Jane Lewis & Mickey Maier
The Nelson Grandchildren
We Energies Foundation
David and Margarete Harvey
Rebecca and Kevin Brandt
Jason and Tracey Gessner
Ted and Mary Kellner
Blackbaud Giving Fund
Craig Bennett
GUEST ARTIST: $500+
Anonymous Donors
Patricia Kiefer
Pam Kriger Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation
Julia Barbara Richter
Hannah & Jason Jahn
Jason Wendt
Jeff & Terry McClellan
Peter and Sue Hitler
Annette and Thomas Jacobson
Pamela H. Frautschi
Patricia Marchant
Angela Lueck
Mario and Cathy Costantini
Alex Ng and Carol Julin
Julieane Cook
Christal Wagner*
PayPal Giving Fund
Theresa Gaffney
SOLOIST: $250+
Anonymous Donors
Tony & Andrea Bryant
CPL Industries, Inc.
Rick and Kate Krueger
Chris and Anne Noyes
Chad and Renee Griswold
Donald and Donna Baumgartner
Susan Armour Family Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation
Marisa Greco
Donna Flanagan
CAST: $150+
Anonymous Donors
James Sustache
Dianne Dziengel
Kathryn Herson and Peggy Morsch
Mary Guy-Franke
Laura P. DeGolier
Pat & Joe Greco
Geri G. Olson
Robert & Lana Wiese
Melissa Henningsen
The Cashman Family
Heidi and Michael Brandt
Sarah & Todd Anderson
FRIEND: UP TO $149
Anonymous Donors
Carol and Jim Ross
Alison Griffin
Karen Kobrick
Molly Pribek
Mary Rynders and Greg Horbachevsky
Brenna McGee
Jana Hoyer
Carmen & Paul Pine
Kristine Szatmary
Jon & Kim Johnson-Rockafellow
United Way of Greater Milwaukee
Denise & Jerry Sedmak
David Flores
Inger Wilkerson & John Merline
Hjelmgren Family
Daniel Adams & Nora O’Connell Adams
Mary Ellen and Norm Doll
Mary Lou DeFino
Tim Hunter
Daniel H Maloney
Samantha Moton
William Stanczak
Peter Stathas
James McFarland
Polly Morris
Joy Adams
Doug and Karen Anderson
William and Angela Baumer
Sarah and Milton Hwang
Linda Benfield and Steve Wallace
Karol and Jim Wendt
Ella and Nora Anderson
Kelly Knoke
Tom Hlavacek
Anastasia Alto
Kelly, Paul, Charley and June Georgeson
Melissa Neumann
Alex Barry
Adam Qutaishat
John Steiner
Marisa Brandenburg
Katie Roell
Allison Forsythe
Deborah & Jeffrey Arnold
Ruth Ann Robinson
Madison Fraser
Rachel Hafemann
Malcolm Johnson
Zoltan Horvath
W. Peter Larson
Gregory DeNardo
Susan & Robert Krutsch
Suzan Brookshire
Robert & Mary Wolff
STORIES OF IMPACT
JULIEANE COOK

If we have not had the opportunity to meet, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Dr. Julieane Cook and I am the new Executive Director of Danceworks. I have spent the last 20 years of my career in K-12 education as a teacher, principal, and district administrator. My goal in that work was driven by my belief that every child deserves the access and opportunity to a well-rounded education so that they can grow into a responsible, productive, and kind person willing to serve others and the community. What is my connection to Danceworks? Like so many others, whose stories will be highlighted over the next several weeks, dance has made a profound impact on my life.
Dance has been my life’s constant since I was three years old. It’s not just something I do; it’s who I am and how I experience the world. It has helped me grow as a person in ways I never could have imagined. It built my confidence, my character, and my ability to work hard toward something I love. It’s taught me focus, perseverance, and how to overcome obstacles. Dance has given me a deep love for art and a drive to continually improve, plus the ability to take feedback, collaborate with others, and embrace both rejection and success with grace. Without dance in my life, I don’t know who I would be today. And it’s that same belief in the transformative power of dance that drives the work we do at Danceworks.
Danceworks is not just a dance studio or performance company—it’s a place where people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities come together to experience the joy, creativity, and health benefits that dance provides. Many people are surprised to hear that we are a non-profit. While most dance studios operate for-profit, we are different—driven by our mission to bring dance to everyone, regardless of age, income, or experience. Our focus is on accessibility, affordability, and making dance approachable and attainable for all.
At Danceworks, we offer something for everyone—whether you’re looking for recreation, fitness, pre-professional training, or a chance to see unique performances from our four dance companies. But what really sets us apart is our commitment to outreach. We are deeply invested in bringing dance to underserved communities through foundational outreach programs like Mad Hot Rhythm, programs for seniors like Generations, early childhood emotional regulation program Emoji Yogi, our new initiative, Dance for MS, which offers dance classes for people living with Multiple Sclerosis, and now expanding into high school courses. We aim to eliminate the barriers to dance for those who might otherwise never experience its life-changing benefits.
We stand on our mission – to enhance joy, health, and creativity through dance.
We stand on our vision – to be a source for arts education and community collaborations.
We stand on our purpose – to inspire lifelong interest and participation in the arts.
But none of this is possible without support from people like you. As a non-profit but for impact organization, we rely on the generosity of our community to continue our mission. We need your help to ensure that we can continue making an impact and expand our outreach performances and programs to new senior sites, new schools, and beyond. Your donation—whether big or small—truly makes a difference and will help us keep growing and thriving for the next 30+ years!
I can tell you from my heart that Danceworks is a place where people find themselves, where they are challenged, inspired, and empowered. I look back and am so thankful for the lessons I learned through dance. With your support, we can continue to bring that magic to more people in our community, and ensure that dance remains a beacon of hope, creativity, health, and joy for all. Thank you for believing in the power of dance—and for helping us continue to move Milwaukee forward.
With gratitude,
Julieane Cook | Executive Director
TOM HJELMGREN

When I look back on my journey with dance, I can trace it all to one defining moment: my sophomore year in high school. A friend asked me to join the ‘boy/girl’ number for the Orchesis modern dance club’s annual showcase. It was my first real introduction to performance, and from that moment on, I was hooked. Dance quickly became a part of me, and I immersed myself in everything I could—studying at the Gus Giordano Dance Studio in Evanston, IL, and Hubbard Street Dance in Chicago, learning Jazz, Modern, Tap, and Ballet. I attended countless performances, absorbing the work of legends like Twyla Tharp, Alvin Ailey, and the Dance Theater of Harlem. My passion was further fueled by my mom’s love for classic movie musicals, which added another layer of inspiration to my dance journey.
But my path to Danceworks didn’t happen overnight. In 2001, while pregnant with our first daughter, Katrina, my wife Janice reached out to Melissa Lynn Anderson, a dancer and ballet teacher. Melissa quickly became a close friend, and just a year later, we found ourselves attending Danceworks Performance Company shows with our newborn in tow.
A few years later, in 2015, I was invited by then-artistic director Dani Kuepper to perform in the outdoor extravaganza Fairy Queen Fantasy. That experience, where my entire family—Janice, Katrina, Syrena, and I—took part in the performance, was something I’ll cherish forever. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that would later be repeated in Handel’s Bestiary. These moments, shared with my family, solidified Danceworks as a special place in our hearts.
Now, Danceworks is truly a family affair for us. Both Katrina and I are members of Danceworks’ Intergenerational Performance Company (DIPC). I’ve been a student since 2011 and feel so fortunate to have learned from the incredible faculty at Danceworks. As a ‘dance dad,’ watching my daughters Katrina and Syrena find joy and creativity through dance has been the most precious gift. Katrina, now part of Danceworks’ ‘Generations’ program, has grown into an incredible dancer and artist. Syrena, pursuing a degree in Music Business at the University of Colorado-Denver, continues to be inspired by the arts.
Danceworks is a community that welcomed us with open arms, and we’ve never looked back. The organization’s dedication to embracing everyone—regardless of age, background, or experience—is what makes it unique. Danceworks isn’t just about performance; it’s about healing, support, and acceptance. It’s a place where kindness and creativity flourish, and everyone can experience the transformative power of dance.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of performing in many memorable pieces, including Animolecules with Quasi Mondo Physical Theater, Fluid Measure with Li Chiao-Ping Dance, and Sonder with DPMKE/Gina Laurenzi. I’ve even choreographed and performed self-directed pieces such as Gravity and 87 with Katrina. But perhaps one of the most surreal moments came when I had the chance to work with the tour manager for Roger Waters (of Pink Floyd) for his Milwaukee show, where Katrina, Syrena, and two other Danceworks Youth Performance Company dancers performed on stage in front of 12,000 people. Watching them on stage, supported by such a large audience, was an experience I’ll never forget.
Through all these experiences, Danceworks has been a constant source of joy, health, and creativity for our family. We’ve witnessed firsthand how Danceworks nurtures creativity, fosters community, and impacts lives—both on and off the stage. The healing and growth we’ve experienced through dance is priceless.
As we near the end of the year, I invite you to join me in supporting Danceworks. Your donation helps keep the spirit of creativity alive for so many, ensuring that this incredible organization can continue to offer opportunities for people of all ages to experience the joy, health, and transformative power of dance. Whether it’s a scholarship, a community program, or a performance, your gift will help us continue to build a community where everyone can dance, grow, and thrive. Join us this giving season and help support Danceworks, where creativity, community, and joy come together through dance. Your contribution today will make a lasting impact tomorrow.
GABI SUSTACHE

When people ask me when I started dancing, I always say, “in the womb.” My parents love to share the story that, while my mom was pregnant with me, she attended a STOMP performance. During the interactive call-and-response, I was moving to the beat—long before I could even walk. From that moment on, dance was part of my DNA. But it wasn’t just the rhythm in my bones—it was the environment I grew up in. That environment was Danceworks.
Danceworks has been a second home to me for as long as I can remember. My mother, Amy Brinkman-Sustache, one of the founders of Danceworks, helped build this incredible organization from the ground up. As a child, I spent countless hours after school at Danceworks, sitting in hallways, hearing the echo of dance classes, and being immersed in the energy of creativity and movement. I attended every concert in the Danceworks Studio Theater, and after each one, I’d race home, put on my pajamas, and dance in the living room, trying to recreate what I had just seen.
It was clear that Danceworks was in my blood. As I grew older, there was no question that my future would be intertwined with this organization. I started working at Danceworks as soon as I was old enough. I assisted with summer camps and classes, worked the front desk, and began teaching my own classes. I danced with Danceworks On Tap and Danceworks Performance MKE. Eventually, I became the Outreach Coordinator, then the Artistic Manager of the Danceworks Youth Performance Company (DYPC), and now, I’m proud to serve as the Studio Education Director.
My journey at Danceworks has been shaped by the same dedication and passion that my mother put into the organization. I continue to stay connected because I feel a deep responsibility to carry on her legacy. I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact Danceworks has—not just in the studio but also in the community. Our programming reaches people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. We provide a space where everyone is welcome, where every body can dance, and where art can transform lives.
Danceworks is unique in the breadth of its offerings. From our youth performance companies to outreach programs that bring dance to underserved communities, we have created a platform where people can discover themselves through movement. We have four performance companies, providing opportunities for dancers to grow and express themselves. We offer scholarships to ensure that financial barriers don’t prevent anyone from accessing dance. And the most rewarding part? The number of lives we’ve impacted—and continue to impact—is truly staggering.
Danceworks isn’t just an organization; it’s a community. It’s where I found my passion, my career, and my purpose. I can’t imagine my life without dance. The arts have given me so much—creativity, confidence, and a sense of belonging. They’ve taught me the value of hard work, collaboration, and self-expression. And I know I’m not alone. There are thousands of individuals whose lives have been touched by Danceworks, from our youngest dancers to our adult learners, from our performance companies to the people who attend our outreach programs.
As we close out this year, I invite you to join me in supporting Danceworks. Your gift will help ensure that we continue to provide transformative dance experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether it’s through a scholarship, a community program, or a new performance, your donation will help us build on the incredible legacy of Danceworks and reach even more individuals who can benefit from the healing, joy, and connection that dance brings.
CHRISTAL WAGNER & GINA LAURENZI
As we close out this year, we invite you to join us in supporting Danceworks. Your gift will help ensure that we continue to provide transformative dance experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether it’s through a scholarship, a community program, or a new performance, your donation will help us build on the incredible legacy of Danceworks and reach even more individuals who can benefit from the healing, joy, and connection that dance brings.
ALEX NG, PhD

As a professor in the Exercise Science Program at Marquette University, I’ve always believed in the power of movement—whether in the classroom, on the bike trail, or in the snow-covered wilderness. My life has been shaped by physical activity, and dance—as an art form that melds music with movement—has always intrigued me. But it wasn’t until my research on the effects of ballroom dancing for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) that I truly discovered the life-changing potential of dance.
I never expected to become so deeply involved in dance. My first formal introduction to it was in my undergraduate years, when I took ballet, modern, and folk dance as part of my physical education courses—though I admittedly have no memory of those early classes! It wasn’t until graduate school that I took ballroom dancing, and even then, it was more of a passing interest. Little did I know that my connection to dance would soon take a much deeper, more meaningful turn.
During my research on the benefits of partnered social dance for people with MS, I sought a partner to collaborate with on a larger study that would explore how dance could improve both physical and psychological health for this community. That’s when I stumbled upon Danceworks. A quick search and a newspaper article featuring Danceworks’ then Executive Director Deb Farris led me to what would become an invaluable partnership. I had heard of Danceworks before, but I didn’t realize how deeply committed they were to community outreach. It was more than just a performance company—it was a nonprofit organization with a profound mission to improve wellness through dance.
Through Danceworks, I also met Rachel Payden, Jessica Fastabend, and many other amazing instructors, all of whom helped bring my research to life. Together, we published groundbreaking findings that showed how ballroom dance could have a positive effect on people with MS. Inspired by these results, I started an initiative to provide social dance opportunities for individuals with MS in the Greater Milwaukee area. Danceworks was a crucial partner in this effort, offering space and support to grow this program.
Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how dance can change lives—not just for people with MS, but for individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. My own journey with Danceworks has transformed me, both professionally and personally. My wife and I have taken classes together, I’ve explored tap dancing and ballet, and I’ve found a community of like-minded individuals who share my passion for movement. I’ve even had the privilege of serving on Danceworks’ Board of Directors, a role that allows me to give back to this incredible organization and help shape its future.
What many people don’t realize is the profound impact Danceworks has on the health and wellness of the Greater Milwaukee area. The organization provides a wide range of programs that foster creativity, promote collaboration, and address vital needs in our community—particularly in the realms of health and wellness. From the Mad Hot Rhythm programs for Milwaukee Public Schools to dance classes for people over 50, Danceworks is not only an artistic powerhouse but a lifeline for individuals seeking to improve their physical and mental well-being.
Dance, as we’ve learned through research, offers more than just exercise. It’s a powerful tool for self-expression, connection, and healing. For people with chronic conditions like MS, dance offers an essential opportunity to experience joy, build community, and improve quality of life. And Danceworks is at the forefront of providing these opportunities, expanding its reach to even more individuals with neurological conditions.
As we enter the new year, I’m reminded of the difference that Danceworks has made in my life, in the lives of my students, and in the lives of countless individuals in our community. But we need your help to continue this important work. Your generous donations will help Danceworks grow its programs, expand access to dance for people with MS and other chronic conditions, and bring the life-changing benefits of dance to even more people in need.
Together, we can ensure that Danceworks remains a vibrant, accessible, and transformative force in the lives of individuals across the Greater Milwaukee area. Please consider making a gift today to help Danceworks continue to lead the way in dance, wellness, and community. Join us in supporting Danceworks this year—your gift makes all the difference.
DANCEWORKS YOUTH PERFORMANCE COMPANY
Danceworks Youth Performance Company (DYPC) is a company of Milwaukee-area dancers, ages 7-18, including Danceworks Minis and a Junior and Senior Company. Within Danceworks Youth Performance Company, we strive to nurture and develop the body and spirit through dance technique, fitness, physical discipline and self-expression. Modeled after the professional company, Danceworks Performance MKE (DPMKE), DYPC members train in the art form year-round and participate in a season of dance events and concerts. Participating in DYPC is a great opportunity for young dancers to rehearse and train together, while enjoying unique performance experiences!
It is the goal of Danceworks Youth Performance Company to provide young artists of Milwaukee and the surrounding areas with quality dance training, new and exciting performance opportunities, and a connection to the larger arts community that ignites a lifelong interest and participation in the arts.
Meet the Youth Company artists and hear why Danceworks is a special place for them in the video below!
Together, we can ensure that Danceworks remains a vibrant, accessible, and transformative force in the lives of individuals across the Greater Milwaukee area. Please consider making a gift today to help Danceworks continue to lead the way in dance, wellness, and community. Join us in supporting Danceworks this year—your gift makes all the difference.
JESSICA FASTABEND
Meet Community Education Director, Jessica Fastabend. Learn about the incredible community programming we so proudly offer to the Greater Milwaukee Community. Thank you for all you do, Jessica!
But none of this is possible without support from people like you. As a non-profit but for impact organization, we rely on the generosity of our community to continue our mission. Thank YOU!
KATELYN ALTMANN
One area we haven’t quite highlighted is Performance. In particular, one performance artist we’d like to give a special thank you to is our very own Katelyn Altmann. Katelyn is the embodiment of dedication and passion at Danceworks. Whether she’s greeting you at the front desk, taking class alongside you, performing in DPMKE (which she has been a part of for over six years!), managing our social media, or crafting the beautiful videos you’ve seen in our Stories of Impact— she wears many hats, all with grace, kindness, and enthusiasm. She balances her creative spirit with the administrative effort that helps keep our organization running and growing. Thank you, Katelyn, for everything you do to bring dance and joy to our community!
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