Wisconsin Dance Theatre is bringing audiences a poignant slice of post-war Americana this summer with the return of “A Hero’s Homecoming,” an original patriotic ballet celebrating love, sacrifice, and the emotional weight of coming home. Set in post-World War II America, the production fuses professional dance, cinematic storytelling, and live jazz music into a moving portrait of reunion, resilience, and hope — all scored by the beloved 1940s jazz standards that defined an era.

Founded in 2025 and based in Hartland, WI, Wisconsin Dance Theatre (WDT) has quickly built a reputation for accessible, community-minded work that bridges classical repertoire and modern storytelling. “A Hero’s Homecoming” is arguably their most ambitious statement yet, featuring a cast of 10 professional dancers from across the country — several of them Wisconsin natives returning home to perform.

Leading the company is Artistic Director Samuel Huberty, a former Jerusalem Ballet and South Carolina Ballet artist, alongside Conservatory Director Jordan Curtin. The featured cast also includes Ahna Lipchik (Grand Rapids Ballet), Joseph Huberty (First State Ballet Theatre), Caden Pierce (South Carolina Ballet and WDT Conservatory alum), and Sadie Curtiss (incoming Ballet Theatre of Maryland artist and WDT Conservatory alum). Guest artists and student performers from the WDT Conservatory and local Wisconsin studios round out the ensemble — a nod to WDT’s ongoing commitment to cultivating homegrown talent.

Beyond the stage, “A Hero’s Homecoming” has grown into a deeply community-centered production. Through partnerships with veteran organizations and Vet Tix, WDT is making performances accessible to veterans and military families. “The choreography, the music, the cast, the dancing, the theme, the vibe — all was amazing and great entertainment,” shared Michael, a U.S. Army veteran who attended last season’s performance through Vet Tix. Another attendee, Glenn, said the production introduced his family to ballet for the first time: “My family and I very much enjoyed the ballet. Because of this we will probably be going to more ballets.”

This year’s run also includes a special partnership with the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc, where a portion of ticket sales will support preservation efforts for the USS Cobia, the museum’s historic WWII submarine — a fitting tie-in for a ballet steeped in wartime memory.

“This production is about honoring stories that matter,” said Artistic Director Samuel Huberty. “We want audiences to leave feeling moved, connected, and reminded of the power of community and live performance.”

Want a taste of the era before you go? Cue up Glenn Miller’s “In the Mood,” one of the definitive 1940s jazz standards that helped shape the sonic world of the show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CI-0E_jses

Corrected Performance Schedule:

Elkhorn Area High School — Elkhorn, WI
Saturday, July 11 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 12 at 2:00 p.m.

Kettle Moraine High School — Wales, WI
Saturday, July 18 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 19 at 2:00 p.m.

Wisconsin Maritime Museum — Manitowoc, WI
Saturday, July 25 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 26 at 3:00 p.m.

Tickets are available now at http://www.wisconsindancetheatre.com. Veterans receive 40% off tickets, and groups of 10 or more receive 10% off admission. Donated veteran tickets are also available through Vet Tix.