Jennifer Hackbarths journey with Milwaukee Ballet began when she was just four years old. A Milwaukee native, she grew up inside the companys schoolpeering down from upstairs windows to watch the ballerinas rehearse, collecting signed pointe shoes, and covering her bedroom walls with posters of the dancers she admired. Ballet wasnt just an after-school activity; it quickly became the way she expressed herself, the place she felt at home.One of the unique parts of her training was getting to perform with a professional company from such a young age. Jennifer began as a little Angel in The Nutcracker and, year after year, progressed through new rolesnot in school productions, but in the real Milwaukee Ballet. Those early opportunities fueled her dream of one day joining the dancers she admired.By 13, that dream demanded her full commitment. She began homeschooling to focus on training, spending mornings in private lessons and Pilates, then returning at night for academy classes. Ballet became her lifesomething she could never turn off, even in sleep.Watch: Meet Jennifer Hackbarth, a leading artist with Milwaukee Ballet Meet Jennifer Hackbarth, a leading artist with Milwaukee BalletHer dedication led her from Milwaukee to the School of American Ballet in New York, then to New York City Ballet, Dresden Semperoper Ballett in Germany, and a principal role with Sarasota Ballet. She even performed as a guest artist with Londons Royal Ballet. Yet, no matter where her career took her, she always knew she would come home. I have to dance for Mr. Pink, she told herselfand now shes back where it all began.As a professional, she still has those pinch-me moments. Being coached by people she once watched in awe reminds her just how far shes come. Seeing young dancers take the stage in Sleeping Beauty brought her to tears, recognizing her own story in theirs.Jennifer hopes her journey encourages others to follow their calling. Dont give up, she says. When youre doing what youre made to do, you glowand thats worth fighting for.You can see Jennifer in the Milwaukee Ballets production of The Nutcracker, December 629.Its about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for TMJ4 on your device.Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.Report a typo or error // Submit a news tip ...read more read less