Second Company MBII

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Milwaukee Ballet II (MBII) is our second company made up of the next generation of dancers. During this year-long program, MBII artists train with a world-renowned faculty, perform alongside our main Company in their full length productions, and represent our organization in the community through impactful outreach programing.

Dancers from MBII are among the ranks of professional companies worldwide, including Milwaukee Ballet itself. Currently, over 60% of our Company dancers are former MBII.

About Milwaukee Ballet II

Program Overview

Milwaukee Ballet II (MBII) is a unique program designed to take excellent ballet students and transform them into artists, ready for a professional career. Dancers from around the world are offered daily training with their own artistic staff led by Artistic Director Mireille Favarel (France) and Rehearsal Director Davit Hovhannisyan (Armenia). In addition to classes with the Company and artistic staff, there are multiple opportunities for master classes with visiting choreographers and guest teachers from various disciplines.

This program provides a safe place for growth, experimentation, and achievement in dance through rigorous training and performance opportunities. Developed in 1978, MBII has graduated dancers who have danced all over the country, who run their own companies and dance projects, who now make up over 60% of our own professional Company, and others who have gone on to new adventures and career paths.

Over the course of a season with MBII dancers learn to live on their own and become a strong, united team working together for shared goals and individual dreams. They learn to advocate for their art form and to work with all kinds of people. They are in an environment where they can experiment with their artistry, open their minds and push their personal boundaries. They leave being ready for the professional world—in dance and in other areas.

Benefits

  • 6–8 hours of daily training and rehearsal
  • 50+ performance opportunities
  • Paid positions available
  • M1 Visas granted
  • Worker’s compensation protection
  • Excellent post-program job placement
  • Shoe allotment
  • Free ballet classes through Milwaukee Ballet School & Academy
  • Reduced gym membership
  • Physical therapy
  • Pilates

Auditions

Entrance into Milwaukee Ballet II is determined by audition and through Milwaukee Ballet’s Summer Intensive Program. We are looking for dancers who are ready to challenge and push themselves technically, creatively, and mentally.

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In The Community

In addition to the artistic endeavors of the program, MBII is a vital part of the Milwaukee Ballet Community Engagement department. MBII dancers are the face of the Company in the community and help bring the power of dance to life through workshops and performances at schools, senior centers, and community organizations. Many people in Milwaukee experience ballet for the first time by seeing the MBIIs perform.

MBII Artistic Staff

The Milwaukee Ballet II program is helmed by MBII Artistic Director Mireille Favarel. She is joined by Rehearsal Director Davit Hovhannisyan in guiding and training MBII dancers helping them to grow as artists and people.

Roxy Slavin and Joel Kioko take the stage in Milwaukee Ballet 2's Momemtum

Momentum

Milwaukee Ballet’s Second Company, MBII, takes center stage in this mixed-repertory performance of classical and contemporary works.

This exciting evening will include the beautiful “Grand Pas Classique” from Paquita , a contemporary pas de deux by MBII rehearsal Director Davit Hovhannisyan, Timothy O’Donnell’s dynamic piece At World’s End, and a world premiere by choreographer Morgan Williams.

2024/25 Season Dancers