Photo by Richard Hurd
Madison Ballet Presents Rock the Ballet: A High-Energy Fusion of Dance and Pop Culture
Madison, WI – Madison Ballet is proud to present Rock the Ballet, an electrifying new performance that blends the athleticism of classical ballet with the power and pulse of rock, electronic, jazz and pop music. With only 4 performances this bold and energetic program will premiere at MYARTS Starlight Theater on October 10th 2025 and run through October 12th, inviting audiences to experience ballet like never before.
Featuring World Premier choreography by guest artist Yury Yanowsky and Meredith Rainey along with new productions of “Parallax” by Rehearsal Director Richard Walters and “Rhapsody In Blue” by Artistic Director Ja’ Malik, set to iconic tracks by English rock band RadioHead, Belgian composer Lotic, and other genre-defining artists, Rock the Ballet breaks down traditional boundaries and redefines what ballet can be. With dynamic lighting, contemporary costuming, and a cast of world-class dancers, the performance is a celebration of redefinition, rhythm, rebellion, and artistic innovation.
“Rock the Ballet is about freedom, expression, and connecting with audiences in a fresh and powerful way,” says Artistic Director Ja’ Malik. “It’s dance that moves you, iterally and emotionally, by bringing classical technique to the music that shaped generations.”
In addition to its main-stage performances, Rock the Ballet will feature local innovative piano trio Mr. Chair performing their recomposed George Gershwin classic “Rhapsody in Blue” to the outstanding choreography of Ja’ Malik. Post performance audience Q & A will take place following our opening night performance.
More than ever, our stage is a space for reflection, representation, and renewal. And our community, you are an essential part of this redefining process. Your curiosity, your support, and your willingness to grow with us are what make this season not just possible, but powerful. We invite you to take your seat, open your heart, and experience the power, passion and precision of ballet, Madison Ballet! – Ja’ Malik, Executive Artistic Director
RE:IMAGINE ~ Rock The Ballet October 10-12, 2025 Starlight Theater, MYARTS
This season-opening program invites audiences to reimagine their perceptions of ballet. Too often, ballet is seen as elitist or inaccessible, however at Madison Ballet, we believe ballet is for everyone. Re: Imagine Rock The Ballet breaks down those barriers, blending classical technique with contemporary flair and music not traditionally associated with ballet. The program features world premieres by acclaimed choreographers Meredith Rainey and Yury Yanowsky, a reimagined version of Richard Walters’ Parallax, and the return of audience favorite Rhapsody in Blue by Ja’ Malik, set to the recomposed George Gershwin classic performed live by local piano trio Mr. Chair.
Join us on opening night for a Post Performance discussion with the creatives behind this rocking program. Join us after every performance for a post show dance party in the lobby of the Starlight Theater.
Ticket & Performance Information
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at MadisonBallet.org or by visiting the Overture Center Box Office 205 State Street or by calling the box office at 608.258.4141
Location: MYARTS Starlight Theater 1055 E Mifflin Street Madison, WI 53703.
Show runtime: 1 hour 45minutes with one intermission. Appropriate for ages 8 and up
Ticket Prices: $55-$73 for standard/child and senior tickets. $25 student rush tickets available day of show.
Madison Ballet is proud to be a resident company of the Overture Center for the Performing Arts.
Madison’s Ballet is committed to evolving ballet into an inclusive art form that reflects the diversity of our world, ensuring representation both on stage and behind the scenes. We are particularly dedicated to fostering new voices in ballet, especially from marginalized communities, and are committed to creating new works that reflect these diverse perspectives. Through this, we aim to broaden the horizons of ballet and ensure it remains a vibrant and relevant art form for future generations.
Our mission is to foster a deep appreciation for ballet and make this beautiful art form accessible to all. We are dedicated to inspiring and training the next generation of dancers, artists, and professionals. This is achieved through the dynamic performances of the Madison Ballet Company, the comprehensive education provided by the School of Madison Ballet, and extensive outreach efforts in partnership with community groups.