Episode 11 | Innovation II: Ben Rose

What this episode covers

In this episode of At the Barre, we go behind the scenes with Madison Ballet company member and emerging choreographer Ben Rose. Ben shares his unique path from competitive ballroom dance into ballet, and how that background continues to influence his creative voice. He discusses the structure of his new piece Tea for Two for Eight, built as a series of contrasting sections inspired by ballroom competitions, and his goal of highlighting both versatility and individuality within the dancers. About Ben Rose Benjamin Rose began his training in Houston at Vitacca Ballet school and The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. After 3 Summers at Houston Ballet School, he joined the full-time day program and began studying under the direction of Andrew Murphy. After graduating he began his professional career as a Trainee with Ballet West in Salt Lake City Utah and was able to perform roles such as The Lead male in George Balanchine's Walpurgisnacht and as "The Bear" in Willem Cristianstens the Nutcracker. While he lived in Utah, he was fortunate enough to also work as a guest artist and performed not only with the University of Utah but also around the country with companies such as NorthStar Ballet in Alaska, Nevada Ballet Theater in Las Vegas, AVA Ballet in Reno, and Queen City Ballet in Helena, Montana.  From there he moved to Denver where he joined the studio company at Colorado Ballet and performed with Feel the Movement, a contemporary dance project based out of Denver led by Director Edgar Page. He then moved to Iowa and began dancing at Ballet Des Moines directed by Serkan Usta. After living in Iowa, Ben moved to San Antonio to dance for Ballet San Antonio under the direction of Sofiane Sylve. He was promoted to soloist his first season with company and danced in roles such as Basillio in Don Quixote, The Nutcracker Prince in The Nutcracker, and Bottom in Midsummer Night's Dream. On top of his career as a ballet dancer Ben is also a professional ballroom dancer competing in International Latin. INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/mynameisben10/ See Tea for Two for Eight by Ben in Innovation II @ Overture Center Promenade Hall May 8-10, 2026 🎟️ madisonballet.org/innovation-ii Join the conversation! MBSP WEBSITE: https://www.madisonballetspecialprojects.com/ INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/madisonballetspecialprojects Questions/comments? Email us at [email protected] Credits PODCAST COVER PHOTO: Matthew Ulrich DANCER: Madison Ballet Company Artist Lauren Thompson MUSIC: Capet String Quartet - Ravel (Col. D 15057-60) 1928 BEN HEADSHOT: Lexia Frank Photography