The Appleton Historical Society is proud to announce a special exhibit at the Appleton History
Museum, opening this fall:
Révérence: The History of the Makaroff School of Ballet
 

This exhibit celebrates the extraordinary legacy of the Makaroff family and their enduring
contribution to the arts and culture of the Fox Cities region. 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 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.
 

Classical ballet, as taught at the Makaroff School, instills discipline, confidence, creativity, and
physical strength. The benefits extend far beyond the stage—students carry these values with
them throughout their lives, whether or not they pursue professional careers in dance. The
Makaroff legacy has impacted thousands of students and families, nurturing a deep appreciation
for a centuries-old art form that cultivates personal growth, resilience, and lifelong enrichment.
 

We invite you to be a part of this story. If you are a former student, a parent, or someone with a
connection to the Makaroff School of Ballet, we would love to hear from you. We are currently
collecting photographs, videos, and written memories to be featured in the exhibit.
 

Please email your submissions to:
MakaroffRévérence@gmail.com
 

By submitting any stories, photographs, or videos, you grant the Appleton Historical
Society permission to use the content for public display, promotional purposes, and
archival use in connection with the Révérence exhibit.
 

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact:
Jennifer Van Elzen
Phone: 920-450-5235
 

Let’s honor the Makaroff legacy together—through the stories, the memories, and the movement
that changed lives.