Wisconsin Dance Theatre (WDT), the state’s newest professional ballet company, proudly announces its upcoming original production, A Hero’s Homecoming, a heartfelt tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of love during wartime. Set at the end of World War II, this full-length ballet, created and choreographed by WDT Artistic Director Samuel Huberty, blends powerful storytelling, emotional choreography, and beloved jazz standards performed live by local musicians.
A Hero’s Homecoming brings audiences back to the 1940s, a time of swing music, emotional goodbyes, and long-awaited reunions. Told through the language of ballet and underscored by the sounds of a live jazz ensemble, the story follows American soldiers returning home from war and reconnecting with loved ones. Audiences can expect moments of laughter, romance, nostalgia, and deep reflection, all set to timeless melodies from the era.
The performance features a professional cast drawn from across the United States, bringing a unique blend of technical excellence and personal storytelling to Wisconsin stages. Guest artists include:
-Samuel Huberty, WDT Artistic Director and internationally performing artist with credits in South Africa, Israel, and the U.S.
-Jordan Curtin, WDT Conservatory Director and former dancer with BalletMet and Jerusalem Ballet
-Stephen Gunter, Ballet RI, known for dramatic roles in La Bayadère, Romeo and Juliet, and contemporary ballet
-Joseph Huberty, First State Ballet Theatre, and Wisconsin native
-Ahna Lipchik, Grand Rapids Ballet
-Pearl Smith, First State Ballet Theatre, with credits in Romeo and Juliet and Don Quixote
-Ahna Lipchik, Grand Rapids Ballet
-Pearl Smith, First State Ballet Theatre, with credits in Romeo and Juliet and Don Quixote
-Nigel Tau, company member with Grand Rapids Ballet, known for his roles in The Great Gatsby and Company B
In addition to these renowned professionals, the production showcases the next generation of talent from Wisconsin Dance Theatre Conservatory (WDTC)—the affiliated for-profit ballet school based in Hartland, WI. Students from the Lake Country area train year-round at the Conservatory and are featured alongside the professionals in this unique performance opportunity. Some students travel from as far as Atlanta, Georgia to be part of this transformative experience.
Beyond its powerful artistic content, A Hero’s Homecoming is a celebration of community. WDT held open auditions to bring in local dancers, including alumni of regional arts programs and students from area high schools. The production also includes costume and set support from local theater volunteers and artists, underscoring WDT’s commitment to building a thriving arts ecosystem in Southeast Wisconsin.
Beyond its powerful artistic content, A Hero’s Homecoming is a true celebration of community. Wisconsin Dance Theatre held open auditions to welcome local talent, including alumni of regional arts programs, students from area high schools, and members of the Kettle Moraine (KM) Perform program featuring KM Perform dancers, stage crew, and alumni vocalists. The show also includes a jazz band organized by local musician Kyle Deschner, with support from young performers across multiple school districts. From costuming and set design to music and movement, A Hero’s Homecoming brings together local artists, volunteers, and students to highlight WDT’s mission of building a vibrant, collaborative arts ecosystem in Southeast Wisconsin.
“With this ballet, we wanted to honor not only the heroes of the past but also the communities that shaped and supported them,” says Artistic Director Samuel Huberty. “It’s about remembrance, resilience, and reconnection, and doing so in a way that brings people together through art.”
Performances will take place at Elkhorn Area High School on July 12 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and July 13 at 2 p.m., and at Kettle Moraine High School on July 18 and 19 at 7 p.m. Tickets and venue information can be found at wisconsindancetheatre.com. Veterans receive 40% off tickets (by emailing in for a discount code), and groups of 10 or more can use the code GROUP10 for 10% off.
Media Resources:
Journalists and media professionals are invited to access the official Wisconsin Dance Theatre online press kit, powered by Green Onion Creative, which includes copies of press releases, logos, and show flyers and information for media coverage.
Media Contact:
Jordan Curtin
Office Manager
262-470-1196
wisconsindancetheatre@gmail.com
###
About Wisconsin Dance Theatre
Founded in 2025, Wisconsin Dance Theatre is a nonprofit professional dance company based in Hartland, Wisconsin. Wisconsin Dance Theatre strives to elevate the human experience through the arts by making concert dance accessible to an expanding and diverse audience by cultivating local talent and interest to bridge the gap between classical repertoire and modern art. The company blends professional-level performances with educational outreach and student engagement, offering a rotating cast of dancers from Wisconsin and across the country. Through community connection, creative storytelling, and artistic excellence, Wisconsin Dance Theatre nurtures the next generation of artists while redefining what professional dance can look like in the Midwest. Learn more at www.wisconsindancetheatre.com.