Milwaukee Ballet Presents Dreamy "Sleeping Beauty"

Milwaukee Ballet will stage the beloved fairy tale Sleeping Beauty from April 11-13 at Marcus Performing Arts Center. One of the most beautiful and challenging ballets in the classical canon, this spring’s production marks its first performance by Milwaukee Ballet since 2008.

The Company is excited to welcome Milwaukee native Jennifer Hackbarth as a Guest Artist to perform the role of Princess Aurora. Hackbarth is a Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy (MBSA) alumna from 2002-2013 who went on to enjoy a celebrated international career spanning New York City Ballet, Germany’s Dresden Semperoper Ballet, and most recently Sarasota Ballet, where she was a Principal Dancer.

“Jennifer is one of many MBSA students who have gone on to earn professional success, and that’s a legacy of which we are very proud,” says School Director Kristin Dimmer. “It will be a thrill for current students to see her as a role model as she returns to her home company in such a prestigious leading role.”

In total, Sleeping Beauty features the talents of 50+ dancers from the professional Company, Second Company, and MBSA. Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky’s grand score at all performances, brought to a crescendo by its synergy with lush choreography, costumes, and sets.

“There’s a reason that Sleeping Beauty is a staple of any high-caliber Company’s repertoire,” says Artistic Director Michael Pink. “It will be a true treat for ballet fans, as well as families, couples, and newcomers of all ages.”

Over 1,500 attendees from throughout the state will attend a special student matinee production on Friday, April 11. This performance offers subsidized or heavily discounted tickets to public, private, and homeschool student groups, many of whom will see a ballet performance for the first time.

Milwaukee Ballet has also partnered with Versiti Blood Center for a special Sleeping Beauty-themed blood drive, which will take place at Baumgartner Center for Dance on March 21 from 10:30 AM-3:30 PM. As part of Versiti’s “Stage for Life” campaign, this initiative highlights the shared values of arts patrons and blood donors: community, compassion, and connection. All donors will receive a Buy-One-Get-One ticket voucher to Sleeping Beauty as a thank-you for their generosity. Sign-ups are available on Milwaukee Ballet’s website at milwaukeeballet.org/sleeping-beauty.

Nearly a dozen local libraries will host Sleeping-Beauty-themed Ballet Storytimes led by Milwaukee Ballet’s Community Engagement Department and Milwaukee Ballet II dancers. Recommended for children 8 and under, these library events feature stories, movement, and other interactive activities. A full schedule can be found on Milwaukee Ballet’s website at milwaukeeballet.org/sleeping-beauty.

On stage and off, Sleeping Beauty promises a magical experience for audiences of all ages.

Sleeping Beauty will take place from April 11-13 at Marcus Performing Arts Center. Tickets start at $40 and may be purchased online at www.milwaukeeballet.org or through the Milwaukee Ballet Box Office at 414.902.2103. The performance schedule is as follows:

• Friday, April 11, 2025 — 7:30 PM
• Saturday, April 12, 2025 — 2:00 PM
• Saturday, April 12, 2025 — 7:30 PM
• Sunday, April 13, 2025 — 2:00 PM

Sleeping Beauty is presented by the Nita Soref 2006 Charitable Trust and dedicated to the memory of longtime Milwaukee Ballet supporter Carmen Haberman. Milwaukee Ballet’s 2024/2025 Season is presented by Donald & Donna Baumgartner and the United Performing Arts Fund (UPAF), with support from Wisconsin Arts Board, CAMPAC, Milwaukee Arts Board, and the National Endowment for the Arts.