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