By Dennis Volkert
Water Street Dance Milwaukee performs at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at Sturges-Young Center for the Arts. It’s part of SYCA’s 2024-25 Performance Series.
WSD is based in Cedarburg, Wisconsin.
The program coming to Sturgis offers a dynamic mix of new and classic works, according to founder and artistic director Morgan Williams.
- “Birds of Paradise,” one of Williams’ classical pieces.
- A new work by international choreographer Joshua Peugh, a jazzy piece set in the 1950s and ‘60s.
- Pedestal.” According to Williams, it’s a crowd favorite, known for its “athleticism and daring movement.”
Williams formed Water Street Dance Milwaukee in 2019. Since its inception, the troupe has showcased works by choreographers that include Braeden Barnes, Lean Damasco, Annie Franklin, Madison Hicks and Kam N. Saunders.
Williams secured his first professional contract at age 18 with Dance Kaleidoscope in Indianapolis. He went on to perform with notable concert companies, including Momenta Dance Company, Cerqua Rivera, Joel Hall & Dancers, Chicago Dance Crash, Deeply Rooted, Eisenhower Dance Detroit and Visceral Dance Chicago.
His experience also extends to commercial projects such as So You Think You Can Dance, Catapult Entertainment, Empire (Fox), Black Eyed Peas and Pretty Lights.
For Williams, Water Street Dance Milwaukee sprang from a lifelong dream.
“From a young age, I knew I wanted to create a professional dance company,” he told Sturgis Sentinel. “My journey began with an early introduction to high-caliber dance, thanks to the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, which visited my grade school when I was in the fourth grade. It was love at first sight.”
He said he has been fortunate to have strong male dance influences, especially Black, male dancers.
“Seeing men who looked like me pursue dance had a profound impact on my journey as an artist,” he said. “At 18, I began my professional career, immersing myself in both concert and commercial dance. Along the way, I took bits and pieces of what inspired me and shaped them into what would become Water Street Dance Milwaukee.”
He added: “None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my family, who always encouraged me to follow my dreams.”
In 2024, WSD was named to Dance magazine’s “25 to Watch.” Typically, the publication’s list highlights individual dancers, but Water Street was the only company to make the cut.
Group members are embracing the accolade, Williams said.
“This recognition shines a national spotlight on us, giving presenters, theaters and agencies the chance to discover our work,” he said. “It also helps us expand our reach and attract even more highly qualified dancers to our company. We’re truly honored to receive this recognition and excited for what’s ahead.”
Williams provided some detail about development of WSD routines.
“I believe it’s essential for us to have one of the most diverse repertoires out there,” he said. “In my creative process, dancer involvement is key. I believe good art is genuine and, for that to happen, creation must be collaborative.”
His work is built on conversations with the dancers, exploring how the music makes them feel and what emotions or ideas we want to convey, he said.
“Even when we bring in new choreographers, it’s rarely just about ‘learning steps.’ Instead, it’s a process of discovery, dialogue and shared artistry.”
Williams summarized what’s in store for those who attend the Feb. 15 show at SYCA.
“Audience members can expect to be fully entertained, whether you’re a longtime dance fan or seeing a performance for the first time. We have something for everyone. Think of it like a great meal. You’ll get an appetizer, a main course, dessert and even a little nightcap.”
Ticket prices for WSD begin at $23. To purchase a seat, visit bit.ly/4aQJQCi.
Watch a segment from “Pedestal”: vimeo.com/930039354
The final show in Sturges-Young’s 2024-25 season series is Pedal Punk Cirque, March 16.
CAST
Company artists: Teresa Noonan, Kate Alava, Freddy Aguirre, Sloan Logsdon, Hannah Hopkins, Cassidy Quinn and Sakii Sanderlin.
Trainee artists: Jenna Lett, Abby Hermans, Hanna Burnett and Keith Smith.
Pre-professional artists: Stella Stenz.
