About the ShamRockk Foundation

Remi Wagner's journey in ballet was a testament to resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. Born on March 17, 2003, Remi’s dedication to ballet emerged early. Despite his late transition to a pre-professional focus at the age of 14—a stage where most ballet dancers have already accumulated years of focused training—he pursued his dream with relentless determination.

After initially honing his skills in 8 years of competition dance at a local studio, Dance Unlimited, Remi decided to fully immerse himself in ballet. Under the guidance of Slava Mesropov at the Rocky Mountain Ballet Academy and both Slava Mesropov and Mark Carlson at International Youth Ballet, he built a solid foundation that allowed him to transition from competition dancing into a dedicated, pre-professional ballet track. His daily commute from Colorado Springs to Denver was no small feat, and for 4 years, he undertook this journey, balancing the rigor of dance with academics. Committed to his art, Remi chose to complete high school through online courses, graduating a year and a half early to give his undivided attention to ballet. 

In 2018, Remi was invited to perform a featured role in Harlequin with the Panama Youth Ballet, spending an intensive week studying ballet and performing on stage in Panama. In 2020, he was honored with the prestigious opportunity to train with the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow, Russia, culminating in a performance on the iconic Bolshoi Theater stage. During the 2020 pandemic, Remi’s dedication never wavered—he transformed his basement into a makeshift ballet studio, logging hundreds of hours in virtual classes until studios reopened six months later.

Remi’s resilience was undeniable in his relentless pursuit of his dreams. After being initially accepted into the San Francisco Ballet School in 2020, he worked tirelessly and, within just one year, was promoted to the prestigious San Francisco Ballet Trainee Program—a testament to his exceptional dedication and talent. Despite facing rejection twice before, his persistence in applying had paid off, and he embraced the opportunity with unwavering commitment. His time at SF Ballet School was marked by remarkable growth and standout performances, from creating a role in Stereo is King by Dana Genshaft for the SF Ballet Auxiliary Trainee Performance in Napa to featured roles in Myles Thatcher’s After Light and Helgi Tomasson’s Nutcracker. Under the mentorship of Patrick Armand and Pascal Molat, he honed his craft and, in 2023, reached a pivotal milestone in his career: his acceptance into Milwaukee Ballet II. As a member of Milwaukee Ballet II, Remi continued to refine his artistry and became an integral part of the Milwaukee Ballet community, leaving a lasting impact until his tragic passing in October 2024.

Throughout his career, Remi graced stages in notable productions, such as Michael Pink’s Dracula and Nutcracker, Morgan Williams’ Synergy with Milwaukee Ballet, alongside multiple summer courses that further enriched his technique, including training with the Colorado Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, Bolshoi Ballet, Oklahoma City Ballet, and San Francisco Ballet. 

Remi’s story is a beautiful tribute to the resilience, discipline, and love of dance that he embodied. Now, through the ShamRockk Foundation, Remi's legacy will continue, providing support to young male dancers who share his dedication and spirit, helping them navigate their own paths from ballet school to the professional stage. #DoItForRemi

History of the ShamRockk Foundation

The ShamRockk Foundation was born out of love, resilience, and a desire to honor the life and legacy of Remi Wagner, a gifted ballet dancer who embodied dedication, perseverance, and an indomitable spirit. Remi’s journey to the professional ballet world was marked by countless hours of practice, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to his craft. His story inspired the creation of a foundation that supports and uplifts young male dancers as they transition from students to professionals.

Founded in 2024, the ShamRockk Foundation is dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by boys in ballet, providing them with financial resources, mentorship, and a supportive network to help them succeed in this demanding art form. Starting with scholarships and guidance programs, the Foundation will soon also offer mentorship opportunities with professional dancers and a robust resource for health (physical and mental) and overall wellness specific to young men in dance.

Through the work of the ShamRockk Foundation, Remi’s legacy lives on, ensuring that other young men who share his passion and perseverance have the tools they need to thrive on and off the stage. Today, the Foundation stands as a beacon of hope, helping young male dancers reach their full potential and achieve their dreams in the world of ballet. #DoItForRemi

The ShamRockk Foundation is dedicated to nurturing talent, fostering resilience, and building the skills young male dancers need to navigate the demanding world of ballet. In honor of Remi Wagner, we aim to create a supportive network that inspires and values these artists, providing mentorship, resources, and community. 

By fostering a sense of belonging and well-being, we pave a path where boys in ballet can confidently transition from school to professional careers, celebrating their artistry and resilience every step of the way.