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By Julieane Cook, Danceworks, Inc.
MILWAUKEE, WI — Some dancers have trained their entire lives. Others simply walked into a Danceworks studio looking for a new challenge, a creative outlet, or a community. This July, they will all share the stage.
Danceworks invites audiences to experience Rhythmworks: Ritmo Vivo, the latest installment of the DanceLAB Summer Concert Series, with performances on Saturday, July 18 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, July 19 at 3 p.m. at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center (325 W. Walnut Street).
More than a dance concert, Rhythmworks: Ritmo Vivo celebrates the living rhythms, traditions, and cultural influences that connect communities across the Americas and around the world while highlighting the extraordinary artists—and everyday people—who make Milwaukee’s dance community so vibrant.
Lesser-known dance styles audiences will experience include Cumbia Wepa, Flamenco, and Brazilian Zouk, alongside the globally recognized phenomenon of K-pop.
Cumbia Wepa is a contemporary Mexican social dance style that has gained popularity among younger generations. It blends traditional cumbia with modern urban influences and is characterized by energetic hopping movements, heel-toe footwork, and rhythmic patterns that share visual similarities with hip hop and house dance.
Flamenco is an expressive Spanish art form distinguished by percussive footwork, intricate hand clapping (palmas), singing, and guitar accompaniment. This year’s featured artist, Kerensa DeMars, explores the historical connections between Flamenco and the musical traditions of Cuba and Latin America, highlighting the centuries of cultural exchange between Spain and the Americas.
Brazilian Zouk is a social partner dance that emerged in Brazil during the 1990s from the earlier dance form Lambada. As Lambada’s commercial popularity declined, dancers adapted its movement vocabulary to slower Caribbean zouk music, giving rise to what is now known as Brazilian Zouk. Today, the dance is performed to a wide variety of musical styles and is known for its flowing movement, body isolations, counterbalance, off-axis turns, and fluid lead-and-follow connection.
K-pop is the most widely recognized dance style featured in the program. While rooted in South Korea’s contemporary music industry, K-pop choreography draws heavily from American hip hop, R&B, jazz, and commercial dance traditions, blending these influences into a highly synchronized and performance-driven style that has become a global cultural phenomenon.
One of the most inspiring features of the performance is the Danceworks Performance Workshop Series, where community dancers spend weeks rehearsing with professional choreographers before stepping onto the stage. Adults, teens, and young artists from diverse backgrounds transform from students into performers, demonstrating that dance is not just something to watch—it’s something everyone can experience.
“These performances embody what Danceworks is all about,” said Christal Wagner. “Our stage isn’t reserved only for professional dancers. It’s a place where community members discover confidence, artistry, and the joy of performing together. Audiences will see incredible choreography, but they’ll also witness stories of courage, growth, and belonging.”
The concert features an exciting lineup of Milwaukee artists and dance traditions:
- Kerensa DeMars / Studio K Flamenco explores the rich connections between Flamenco and its Caribbean influences.
- Sabrina Lina Conchi premieres a new work inspired by the vibrant traditions of Cumbia Wepa.
- Danceworks Artistic Director Christal Wagner presents a Latin American-inspired musical theatre medley celebrating iconic productions from West Side Story to In the Heights.
- Simon Eichinger and Lynn
- Cyenthia Vijayakumar debuts a new dance film featuring Classical Indian Kathak.
- Fan favorite MkeMe Crew returns with the dynamic energy of K-pop.
The concert also showcases original works created through the Danceworks Performance Workshop Series by:
- David Roman (Jazz)
- Rich Ashworth (Hip Hop)
- Alex Vanissaveth (K-pop)
- Courtney Dorzok (Teen Jazz)
- Christal Wagner (Musical Theatre)
Together, these artists create an evening that celebrates the many cultures, rhythms, and movement traditions that enrich Milwaukee’s creative community.
Performance information
Rhythmworks: Ritmo Vivo
Danceworks DanceLAB Summer Concert Series
Saturday, July 18 – 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 19 – 3 p.m.
Milwaukee Youth Arts Center
325 W. Walnut Street
Milwaukee, WI 53212
Tickets
- $25 Premiere Reserved Seating
- $20 General Admission
- $15 Students, Military, and Artists
Ticket prices do not include a $3 ticketing fee. Online ticket sales close two hours before each performance.
Whether audiences come to cheer on a loved one making their stage debut or to experience Milwaukee’s outstanding professional dance artists, Rhythmworks: Ritmo Vivo offers an unforgettable celebration of movement, culture, and community.
About Danceworks
Founded in 1992, the mission of Danceworks, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit, is to enhance joy, health and creativity by engaging the community through dance. Danceworks’ vision is to be a source for arts education and community collaborations that inspire a lifelong interest and participation in the arts. Each year, the organization impacts the lives of more than 55,000 children and adults through programming and performance.
For more information, contact:
Julieane Cook, Danceworks
jcook@danceworksmke.org | (262) 960-9422
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