In this episode of At the Barre, host Chris Fahrenthold, Director of Madison Ballet Special Projects, is joined by Ja’ Malik, Artistic and Executive Director of Madison Ballet to discuss his artistic journey, the influences that shaped his career, and the vision guiding Madison Ballet’s future.

Ja’ Malik shares how his early ballet training, exposure to powerful artistic role models, and passion for choreography led him to a career both onstage and behind the scenes. The conversation also explores how Madison Ballet programs its seasons, supports diverse choreographic voices, and creates meaningful connections with the Madison community.

Listeners will also get a preview of the upcoming ChoreograpHER program, coming to Madison Youth Arts Center April 3–5, 2026!

About Ja’ Malik

Previous to joining Madison Ballet, Ja' Malik built a career of executing commissions from nationally-renowned dance companies and advocating for representation of Black artists. He founded and has served as Executive Director of New York City's Ballet Boy Productions, whose mission is to create pathways for young Black men to thrive in a career in dance.

In 2019, Ja' Malik collaborated with Tony-nominated Camille A. Brown on choreography for The Public Theater’s 2019 production of Ntozake Shange’s For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When The Rainbow is Enuf, and is a former member of Cleveland Ballet, Oakland Ballet, North Carolina Dance Theatre, Nathan Trice Rituals, City Dance Ensemble, Ballet Hispanico, and Ballet X. In 2003 he graduated from the first class of Joffrey Ballet School, and New School University, BFA program.

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/ja_malik_choreographer/

See ChoreograpHER @ Madison Youth Arts Center Starlight Theatre April 3-5, 2026

🎟️ madisonballet.org/choreographer

Join the conversation!

MBSP WEBSITE: https://www.madisonballetspecialprojects.com/

INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/madisonballetspecialprojects

UPCOMING MADISON BALLET PERFORMANCES: https://www.madisonballet.org/performances

Questions/comments? Email us at hello@madisonballetspecialprojects.com

Credits

JA’ MALIK PHOTO: Lexia Frank

PODCAST COVER PHOTO: Matthew Ulrich

DANCER: Madison Ballet Company Artist Lauren Thompson