Water Street Dance Festival
August 1st - August 5th, 2026
Milwaukee, WI
What is Water Street Dance Festival?
Water Street Dance Festival is a dynamic, week-long experience designed for aspiring professional dancers who are ready to elevate their training and build meaningful connections within the industry. Dancers will train with working artists and Artistic Directors from across the Midwest while gaining invaluable insight into today’s professional dance landscape.
Festival attendees will participate in a diverse schedule of technique classes, performances, and engaging Q&A sessions with our distinguished faculty. Throughout the week, dancers will have the opportunity to refine their artistry and immerse themselves in some of the finest contemporary dance here in the Midwest.
The Festival culminates in an audition experience, providing dancers the opportunity to be considered for projects, contracts, and company positions. The festival also serves as an official audition for Water Street Dance Milwaukee, along with several other participating companies.
Festival Highlights:
16+ Dance classes
11+ Artistic Directors & Choreographers throughout the Midwest
2 performances
Q&A with Artistic Directors
30+ hours of training
Audition for companies & projects looking to hire
TRAIN. CONNECT. AUDITION
2026 Faculty
KC Bevis | Chicago Dance Crash
Christal Wagner | DanceWorks MKE
Joshua Blake Carter | Dance Kaleidoscope
Andrew Cribbett | Eisenhower Dance Detroit
Ja’ Malik | Madison Ballet
Braeden Barnes | Symbiosis Arts
Morgan Williams | Water Street Dance Milwaukee
Gregory Hancock | Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre
Kate Alava | Water Street Dance Milwaukee
Matt Pumanes | Puzzle League
Jessica Miller Tomlinson
… More coming soon
Professional Division
Dancers 18+ who are in college or aspire to dance professionally.
Pre-professional Division
Dancers between the ages of 12 - 18 years old
Intermediate Division
Dancers between the ages of 7 - 11 years old