Marize Fumero to Close Milwaukee Ballet Career in Mirror Mirror

Marize Fumero is leaving the Milwaukee Ballet after 12 years. She will perform her final roles with the company this month before moving on to an independent career. Fumero cites the need to manage her family life as the primary driver behind her departure. She has a five-year-old son whom she has not been able to pick up from school herself due to her current schedule.

Her farewell performances will take place in Michael Pink’s Snow White prequel, Mirror Mirror. Fumero will reprise the role of the evil stepmother, Claudia, a part she first danced nearly a decade ago. She described the decision to end her tenure with this specific ballet as a deliberate choice. The production features a cinematic original score, elaborate sets, and costumes, along with Pink’s lyrical choreography. Fumero stated that the show offers a complete artistic package.

Fumero trained in Cuba before joining the English National Ballet. She moved to the United States in 2014 to join Milwaukee Ballet. Her time with the company allowed her to develop specific storytelling skills. She noted that she arrived with technical proficiency and physical expression but lacked the ability to project narrative to the audience across the orchestra pit. Working with Pink cultivated that artistic range.

The dancer acknowledged her tendency to portray complex and often dark characters. She cited roles such as the Queen of Hearts, Carmen, and a provocative nun as examples of her repertoire. Fumero said it is easy for her to embody evil onstage, whereas playing sweet characters like Sugar Plum requires more acting effort. She explained that she experiences Claudia’s sadness and vulnerability in private moments, making the role deeply personal.

Fumero emphasized the influence of her Cuban training on her professional habits. She referred to the Cuban system as military ballet, citing discipline as a core component. She aimed to demonstrate to younger dancers the importance of consistent repetition and rigorous off-studio exercise. Her goal was to show that physical demands today produce results tomorrow.

Following her departure, Fumero intends to continue dancing. She believes her body now operates with ease after three decades of work. This shift allows her to control her own schedule. She plans to explore new opportunities while maintaining a regular routine. The change in structure will give her time to be present for her family.

Fumero’s final performances with the Milwaukee Ballet are scheduled for November 6, 7, and 8. The shows will be held at the Marcus Performing Arts Center in Milwaukee. The production marks the end of a long tenure for one of the company’s veteran artists.

She described herself as sentimental, a trait that contrasts with her onstage persona. This personal side will influence her approach to future work. Fumero is stepping down from the company to balance her professional ambitions with her responsibilities as a mother.