The fourth annual Nō Studios Dance Fest lit up Milwaukee’s Marcus Performing Arts Center on August 2nd with a full day of movement and music. Curated by Morgan Williams of Water Street Dance Milwaukee, the festival featured a diverse range of styles in dance. Included dance company’s performed everything from ballet and salsa to African-inspired dance and Irish stepdance.
Founded by Milwaukee native, screenwriter, director, novelist, and Oscar-winner John Ridley, Nō Studios created Dance Fest to spotlight Midwest talent and connect audiences with Milwaukee’s creative energy.
Ailey II, the celebrated second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, headlined the festival. “The next generation of dance, AILEY’s second company is renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the next generation with the creative vision of emerging choreographers.”
Regional companies also took the stage, including Madison Ballet and Water Street Dance Milwaukee. The night closed with remarks from Danni Gee, director of programming at New York’s Joyce Theater.
A standout of the festival was Visceral Dance. A Chicago born dance company founded and led by Artistic Director, Nick Pupillo. The company is nationally and internationally recognized. Watch their performance below and learn more about Nō Studios Dance Fest.
Visceral Dance at Nō Studios Fest 2025
