Discover the fascinating history of Appleton with the Appleton Historical Society and Appleton Public Library! Join us for engaging, monthly presentations where history comes alive – every 2nd Wednesday at 6:30 pm (no December meeting). Each session features a different speaker and topic, all dedicated to celebrating and exploring Appleton’s rich past. Best of all, it’s completely free and open to everyone – no membership required! Learn more about Appleton Historical Society at https://www.appletonhistory.com/
This month’s presentation: Révérence: History of the Makaroff School of Ballet
Come celebrate the extraordinary legacy of the Makaroff family and their enduring contribution to the arts and culture of the Fox Cities region through the founding of the Makaroff School of Ballet.
The story begins prior to World War II, following a remarkable journey through the hardships of wartime Europe, survival through concentration camps, and a path to America with the help of legendary entertainer Bob Hope. It continues with the courtship and marriage of Nikolai and Juanita Makaroff and the founding of the Makaroff School of Ballet in Appleton, Wisconsin.
For more than 65 years, the Makaroff School of Ballet—first under the guidance of Nikolai and Juanita, and later continued by their daughter Jeanette—has provided world-class classical ballet training to generations of students. The school’s rich history is interwoven with local icons, including connections to Vince Lombardi and the Green Bay Packers in the early 1960s, the Children’s Ballet Theatre, Renaissance School for the Arts, and the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center.
Presented by Jeanette Makaraoff
Jeanette Makaroff is the owner and director of the Makaroff School of Ballet in Appleton, as well as the artistic director for the Makaroff Youth Ballet.
After the presentation, we welcome you to the Appleton History Museum (231 W. Franklin) for a special guided look at the Révérence: The History of the Makaroff School of Ballet exhibit.