All Posts By

Ohio Contemporary Ballet

Feb 03
Love0

Meet choreographer Stephanie Martinez

By News

Verb Ballets was thrilled to welcome sought after choreographer Stephanie Martinez to studio last week. Her versatility expands the boundaries of contemporary ballet movement language with original creations for Charlotte Ballet, Ballet Hispanico, Luna Negra Dance Theater, Sacramento Ballet, Eugene Ballet, Nashville Ballet, Ballet Memphis, Kansas City Ballet, Dance Kaleidoscope, Kansas City Dance Festival, Moving Arts Cincinnati, and National Choreographers Initiative among others, . In 2014, Martinez received a “Winning Works: Choreographers of Color” award from The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago. Stephanie Martinez mounted Wandering On, originally commissioned by Eugene Ballet in 2017 on the company. The work is inspired by the Sanskrit word Samsara that translates as “wandering through the constant cycle”.This work will make its Cleveland premiere on February 8, 2020 at The Breen Center on a program of all female choreographers.

Don't miss the company premiere!

4X4: Four Works by Female Choreographers
February 8, 2020 8pm at The Breen Center for the Performing Arts

Stephanie Martinez

Chicago based choreographer and 3Arts Award winner Stephanie Martinez creates environments which captivate, connect, and move her audiences along a journey guided by the kinetic momentum of her work. With original creations for Charlotte Ballet, Ballet Hispanico, Luna Negra Dance Theater, Sacramento Ballet, Eugene Ballet, Nashville Ballet, Ballet Memphis, Kansas City Ballet, Dance Kaleidoscope, Kansas City Dance Festival, Moving Arts Cincinnati, National Choreographers Initiative among others, her versatility expands the boundaries of contemporary ballet movement language. Stephanie’s choreography has been featured in collegiate dance departments across the country, featuring Point Park University, and Boston Conservatory. In 2010, she assisted Broadway legend Ann Reinking in setting the Fosse Trilogy, and in 2015 was awarded The Joffrey Ballet’s “Winning Works: Choreographers of Color” commission. Stephanie’s psychological, revelatory works will challenge the viewer’s notion of what is possible.

Feb 03
Love0

Meet choreographer Kay Eichman

By News

Kay Eichman joined the original Cleveland Ballet directed by Ian Horvath and Dennis Nahat, in 1976. A distinguished 15-year career ensued, including principal roles in numerous traditional and contemporary works. She also danced with Giessen Ballet in Germany as a principal guest artist. Kay Eichman is now the ballet mistress for the Tri C Arts Academy is addition to teaching regionally. Debuting last season on the evening honoring Ian Horvath and as her tribute to dancing to the same score with the Cleveland Ballet, this full ensemble classical ballet will bring quick musical visualization to this well-loved score by German composer Felix Mendelssohn. Mendelssohn Italian Symphony will return to the stage on February 8, 2020 at The Breen Center on a program of all female choreographers.

Don't miss this ballet!

4X4: Four Works by Female Choreographers
February 8, 2020 8pm at The Breen Center for the Performing Arts

Kay Eichman

Kay Eichman received her early ballet training from Pat Leclercq in New Orleans. She later studied on full scholarship at: The National Ballet, Washington D.C.; The National Ballet of Canada; The Conservatoire de Nice, France; and Joffrey’s American Ballet Center in New York.  

Kay left the Joffrey II company to join Cleveland Ballet in its inaugural season. A distinguished 15-year career ensued, including principal and soloist roles in numerous traditional and contemporary works. Among these were Theme and Variations, The Four Temperaments, Agon, Concerto Barocco, Serenade, Rodeo, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet and The Nutcracker. She also had the opportunity to perform at the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. Kay spend on e season in Germany as Principal Guest Artist with the Geissen Ballet.  

Ms. Eichman has served on the faculties of the Minnesota Ballet, The University of Akron (UA) Dance Program and the Cleveland School of the Arts (CSA). She is currently Ballet Mistress at Tri-C Creative Arts Dance Academy and is on the faculty at UA’s Dance Institute. Ms. Eichman is the recipient of the 2016-2017 School of American Ballet’s National Visiting Fellow. She was also named Outstanding Teacher by Dance Institute and received an Appreciation Award from CSA for commitment, dedication and outstanding works. In addition to teaching at numerous local studios, she has also taught company class for Verb Ballets, August Wilson and Greene Works Project. Kay is on the faculty of the IABD conference, and Joffrey Ballet Summer Session. Ms. Eichman has served as a talent judge throughout the United States with “Dance Caravan, Dance Explosion”, “Dynamite”, and others.   

Feb 03
Love0

Meet choreographer Kate Webb

By News

Verb Ballets is proud to have dancer Kate Webb step into an additional role as choreographer this season. Kate Webb has danced with Verb Ballets since 2015. She grew up in Richmond, Virginia where she danced both as a student and as a trainee with Richmond Ballet. This is the fourth work she has choreographed on the company.

In the fall she created a new full ensemble ballet to the music of Akron Jazz icon, Pat Pace. Titled Stellar Syncopations is inspired by the life cycle of a star. Mirroring the voracious piano, the stars can be placidly smooth, or unexpectedly syncopated. The company premiered the work in October at Tuesday Musical’s Fuze Series with live accompaniment by the musicians of the Chamber Music Society of Ohio.  This work will make its Cleveland premiere on February 8, 2020 at The Breen Center on a program of all female choreographers.

Don't miss the Cleveland premiere!

4X4: Four Works by Female Choreographers
February 8, 2020 8pm at The Breen Center for the Performing Arts

Kate Webb

Kate Webb grew up in Richmond, Virginia where she danced both as a student and as a trainee with Richmond Ballet. She trained around the country at numerous intensive programs such as Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Boston Ballet, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet. Upon graduating from Appomattox Regional Governor’s School for the Arts, she attended Butler University on both dance and academic scholarships. While dancing with Butler Ballet, she performed in Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. After fulfilling her degree in three years, she graduated cum laude in May of 2015 with a BS in Dance-Arts Administration and high departmental honors. Kate joined Verb Ballets in 2015 and has been featured in works such as Peter Pan and Aposiopesis.

Interview with the choreographer

Your piece is about stars. Where did the inspiration come from?
Ever since I was a little girl I have always taken an interest in astronomy. My dad and I frequented the science museum and used to read “Scientific American” together, so I probably have a bit more knowledge about celestial objects than your average ballerina. When I first heard the music, I couldn’t help but notice the tings and chimes and how they reminded me of a star’s glinting in the night sky. After that thought came to mind, I began visualizing how the various musical movements each seemed to reflect a certain stage of a star’s lifecycle. It was an astronomical idea to abstract a stellar lifecycle, but one that I kept coming back to.

What is your process in developing a new work?
Usually, I find music that inspires me and see what general theme or idea naturally spawns from it. Then I start playing around with improv while listening to the music, noticing when certain steps or motions are palatable and jot them down in my notebook. I’ll also use my phone or iPad to capture some of my improvisation so I can go back and pull ingredients from it later. Once I have a solid idea of my theme and a well stocked pantry of steps, I get to work cooking them up into phrases of choreography. Once I give the meal to the dancers, I sometimes make tweaks based on what best suits their needs so I can cater to their taste and aesthetic.

What do you always do while stepping into the choreographer role?
I try to be both humble and prepared to lead. I work diligently outside of the studio to make the best use of the company’s rehearsal time leading up to and throughout the rehearsal process so I can create the best work possible in the time given. I also keep my mind open to changes—what you see in your head is often not what comes out in the studio…and sometimes that is for the best!

Is it hard to step out as a dancer and work with your colleagues in a different role?
It is and it isn’t. It throws my headspace off a bit because as a dancer, you are a team player, and it is rarely (if ever) your place to direct the room. I have to do a “mental quick-change” of sorts when I begin rehearsing my piece so that I switch gears to become an effective leader. My colleagues have been incredibly supportive of me in this choreographic role, so that definitely makes it easier. I can’t thank them enough for their patience and empowerment 🙂

Dec 28
Love0

Cleveland Havana Ballet Project Tour

By News, Cuba

It is with great pride that Verb Ballets announces its second tour to Havana, Cuba! The company will travel in February 2020 to continue the international collaboration with ProDanza.  As part of The Cleveland Havana Ballet Project, Cuban dance legend and Director of ProDanza, Laura Alonso returns to Cleveland in January to reunite with the dancers of Verb Ballets and stage the full-length classical ballet, Romeo and Juliet. Both companies will perform together for performances at The Teatro Nacional de Cuba running February 28 – March 1, 2020. There will be a tour group to Cuba lead by Global Relations Travel Club and opportunities to witness the collaboration in Cleveland.

World-renowned dancer, Laura Alonso, will work with the company

Laura Alonso, daughter of world-famous ballerina Alicia Alonso, is known as an award-winning teacher, coach and an expert at staging the classics around the world. Director of the professional company ProDanza, Alonso founded the international dance school Centro ProDanza. In addition to a 25-year performing career with the Ballet Nacional de Cuba, she has also served as an international coach, jury member and teacher at the Jackson International Ballet Competition, the Concours Internationale de Dance de Paris, France, the Alicia Alonso International Ballet Competition and others.

A Cuban and American ballet company will perform together in Romeo and Juliet

As part of The Cleveland Havana Ballet Project Laura Alonso will be in residence with Verb Ballets January 6-27, 2020 to stage the full-length classical ballet, Romeo and Juliet. The dancers of Verb Ballets will travel to Cuba in February to join ProDanza for combined performances at The Teatro Nacional de Cuba running February 28 – March 1, 2020. This will be the second full length production the companies have collaborated on in Cuba.

The Cleveland Havana Ballet Project is made possible through the support of the Cleveland Foundation. This unique collaboration was highlighted by Pointe Magazine. Verb Ballets is honored to work on this cultural exchange project with Laura Alonso for the fourth year to bring the best of Cuban dance and American repertory to new audiences.

Project History and Timeline

2016

Verb Ballets was invited to participated in Creative Fusion: Cuba Edition, an international artist residency program through The Cleveland Foundation. As a part of a tour visiting Cuban artists, Producing Artistic Director, Dr. Margaret Carlson met with world renowned dancer and director of ProDanza, Laura Alonso. There, they began the first steps in creating The Cleveland Havana Ballet Project to join the companies for one of a kind artistic exchanges.

2017

In 2017, Alonso came to Cleveland for two months to train the dancers of Verb Ballets in the Cuban ballet method. She staged the full length classical ballet, Yarini, by international dancer and choreographer, Iván Alonso, the grandson of Alicia Alonso in preparation for the collaboration.

2018

In the spring of 2018, this groundbreaking partnership toured Cuba for two weeks with performances at The Alicia Alonso Gran Teatro of Havana and the El Teatro Nacional by the combined companies. Bringing Verb Ballets to Cuba for the first time is an enormous cultural exchange and will integrate American dancers to the very best of Cuba’s ballet scene.

2019

Last February, Laura Alonso and principal dancer from ProDanza, Luz Martinez, returned to Cleveland for the third year of the project exchange to reunite with the dancers of Verb Ballets. This residency continued the exchange of Cuban and American repertory.

2020 January

Laura Alonso will be in residence in Cleveland at Verb Ballets on January 6-27, 2020 staging Romeo and Juliet on the company in preparation for the tour to Cuba. Ms. Alonso will also conduct teacher training with the company to learn the Cuban ballet method and create a curriculum for the youth program of the Verb Ballets Center for Dance.

2020 February

The dancers of Verb Ballets will travel to Cuba in February to join ProDanza for combined performances at The Teatro Nacional de Cuba running February 28 – March 1, 2020.

February 28- March 1, 2020

Romeo y Juliet

Together as The Cleveland Havana Ballet Project, they will present Romeo and Juliet at The Teatro Nacional de Cuba running February 28 – March 1, 2020. One of the most romantic ballets will unfold with passionate choreography, expansive sets, lush costumes, and exhilarating fight scenes in this grand-scale production. The classical ballet is staged and directed by Cuban dance legend and Director of ProDanza, Laura Alonso. The Cleveland Havana Ballet Project is made possible through the support of the Cleveland Foundation.

Opportunities to witness this cultural exchange in Northeast Ohio:

Live @ Noon with Laura Alonso

January 17, 2020 12:00pm

Verb Ballets Center for Dance
Tickets: $15

The Cleveland Havana Ballet Project Return Celebration

March 13, 2020 7:00pm

Verb Ballets Center for Dance
Tickets: $50

Cleveland Havana Ballet Project

March 15, 2020 2:00pm

Akron-Summit County Public Library Auditorium
Tickets: $10

February 27- March 2, 2020

Travel to Cuba

Experience Cuba in this once in a life time tour led by Global Relations Travel Club! The well rounded itinerary showcases the culture, history and beauty of Cuba and attendance at the premiere performance of Verb Ballets and ProDanza in Romeo and Juliet.

For more information on the itinerary and details email to be connected to the Global Relations Travel Club.

Ohio Contemporary Ballet
By In Cuba

Looking back on Cuba

Read Article
Ohio Contemporary Ballet
By In Cuba

Meet Laura Alonso

Read Article
Ohio Contemporary Ballet
By In News

Cleveland Havana Ballet Project Tour

Read Article
Ohio Contemporary Ballet
By In Cuba

Sigh of Relief—3/17

Read Article
Dec 17
Love0

Verb Ballets Celebrates Female Choreographers

By Press Releases

CLEVELAND, OH (December 17, 2019) – Verb Ballets, Northeast Ohio’s premiere contemporary ballet company, presents an evening performance titled 4X4: Four Works by Female Choreographers on February 8, 2020 at the Breen Center for the Performing Arts. This performance features the works of four female choreographers, each bringing their distinctive style to this diverse repertory program. It includes a company premiere by sought-after dancemaker Stephanie Martinez titled Wandering On, a classical variation favorite by Agrippa Vaganova, a new work by company dancer Kate Webb, and the return of Mendelssohn Italian Symphony by Kay Eichman.

Martinez was named by The Chicago Tribune as “Dancer to Watch” in 2004. Since then, she has created works on dance companies including Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, Charlotte Ballet and Ballet Memphis. In 2014, Martinez received a “Winning Works: Choreographers of Color” award from The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago. As a Latina Artist she grew up in El Paso, Texas. She seeks to create original choreography and expand traditional vocabularies in classical dance to include new ideas that reflect the fire of her heritage. Martinez will mount Wandering On, on the company originally commissioned by Eugene Ballet in 2017. The work is inspired by the Sanskrit word Samsara that translates as “wandering through the constant cycle”.

As part of the Cleveland Havana Ballet Project, Laura Alonso restaged Diana y Acteon. This thrilling excerpt epitomizes the fierce goddess Diana to highlight the dancers’ immense strength and technical confidence. Alonso, daughter of world-famous ballerina Alicia Alonso, is known as teacher, coach and an expert at re-staging the classics. Last season, Alonso returned to Cleveland to reunite with the dancers of Verb Ballets for the third year of the project exchange.

Inspired by celestial life cycles, company dancer Kate Webb’s new work, Stellar Syncopations is set to an improvisational jazz score by Akron musician, Pat Pace, mirroring the voracious piano to the unexpected growth of stars. This ballet premiered with live accompaniment by The Chamber Music Society of Ohio (CMSO) at Tuesday Musical’s Fuze series this past October.

Eichman joined the original Cleveland Ballet directed by Ian Horvath and Dennis Nahat, in 1976. A distinguished 15-year career ensued, including principal roles in numerous traditional and contemporary works. She also danced with Giessen Ballet in Germany as a principal guest artist. She is now the ballet mistress for the Tri C Arts Academy is addition to teaching regionally. Debuting last season on the evening honoring Ian Horvath as her tribute to dancing to the same score, this full ensemble classical ballet will bring quick musical visualization to this well-loved score by German composer Felix Mendelssohn.

Verb Ballets’ performance on February 8, 2020 at 8:00 pm will take place at the Breen Center for the Performing Arts (at St. Ignatius High School), 2008 W. 30th St. in Cleveland. Single tickets are $10-$35. Student ticket discount are available. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite at verbballets.org. For more information, visit www.verbballets.org.

Wandering On (2017, Verb Ballets Premiere 2020), Stephanie Martinez
Diana y Acteon Pas de Deux, (Verb Ballets Premiere 2020) Agrippa Vagonova restaged by Laura Alonso
Stellar Syncopations (2019 Premiere), Kate Webb
Mendelssohn Italian Symphony (2019), Kay Eichman

February 8, 2020 8:00PM
4×4: Four Works by Female Choreographers
Breen Center for the Performing Arts, 2008 W. 30th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
Tickets: $10-$35 Student discount available on select seats

Dec 13
Love0

Free performance of Verb Ballets’ Mowgli’s Jungle Adventures

By Press Releases

CLEVELAND, OH (December 13, 2019) – Verb Ballets presents a free performance of Mowgli’s Jungle Adventures on Friday, January 26, 2020 at 2pm. The full-length ballet is based on Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale of an Indian boy abandoned by his parents and raised by a pack of wolves. Choreographed by Associate Artistic Director, Richard Dickinson, MFA the show transports audiences through a mystical jungle in this iconic coming-of-age story. This exciting work utilizes ballet to tell the story of Mowgli and his wild adventures. Enjoyed by all ages, the performance features fanciful costumes that complement the brilliant dancers! Shah Capital Management is proud to be the Producer and Exclusive Sponsor for Mowgli’s Jungle Adventures. This FREE performance is made possible by Peg’s Foundation and the Akron Community Foundation.

The Verb Ballets performance will start at 2:00pm. The performance is FREE. Doors will open at 1:30pm and seating is general admission. Reservations for free tickets are requested at https://ocballet.org/akron-jungle20. The Akron-Summit County Public Library Auditorium is located in downtown Akron at 60 South High Street Akron, OH 44326.

Photos and choreographer bios or interviews available upon request by contacting Jen Garlando at jgarlando@verbballets.org.

Performance

Verb Ballets presents Mowgli’s Jungle Adventures

January 26, 2020 2:00PM

Akron-Summit County Public Library Auditorium

60 South High Street Akron, OH 44326

Free and open to the public.

Dec 11
Love0

Sugarplum Success

By News

The dancers of the Dance for Youth program and the Adverb Project, a community adult performance ensemble, displayed their talents for family and friends in studio. We couldn’t have had such a fantastic show without all of our amazing teachers, volunteers, parents and especially our wonderful students! We can’t wait to see you all in the spring!

Register for Spring Semester Now

For class descriptions and futher details about the Dance for Youth program click here.

Dec 06
Love0

Spring Gala 2020

By Performances, News

Spring Gala 2020

Cancelled Friday, April 3, 2020

Unfortunately, Verb Ballets has announced cancelled the Spring Gala due to COVID-19. This shutdown will have immense financial ramifications on the organization, many being unpredictable at this point. We are committed to continuing our mission and are exploring new ways to connect. We are asking you to consider donating the cost of your tickets as a tax-deductible donation to Verb Ballets. If your situation allows, please consider a donation of any size to Verb Ballets.

Honorary Chair, Dr. Margaret McKenzie President, Cleveland Clinic-South Pointe Hospital, and the board of directors invite you to the Spring Gala on Friday, April 3, 2020.  The evening features an amazing grazing of sumptuous preparations by Trifles Catering. An intimate performance by Verb Ballets will be followed by the Fund-A-Need Live Auction by Bob Hale. Then dancing and mingling with the dancers. Your support of Verb Ballets annual Spring Gala will provide vital support necessary to maintain the high level of artistic performances, company’s operations, and educational programming our community has enjoyed for over three decades.

Sponsorship opportunities available starting at $1,500 learn more here.

The studio is located in the same building as The Dealership. Valet parking.

GALA DETAILS

Cancelled April 3, 2020

VENUE

Verb Ballets Center for Dance
3558 Lee Rd.
Shaker Heights, OH 44120

TICKETS

Gala Ticket $150
Gala Patron $250

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

RSVP

Use the form to process by credit card. If you wish to send a check please send to Verb Ballets 3558 Lee Rd. Shaker Heights, OH 44120.

Spring Gala Tickets
Name
Price: $200.00
Price: $300.00
Enter the amount you wish to donate
Minimum Price: $10.00
Billing Address

Verb Ballets Center for Dance

3558 Lee Rd.
Shaker Heights, OH 44120

Dec 06
Love0

Live @ Noon with Stephanie Martinez

By Performances

Live @ Noon with Stephanie Martinez

Friday, January 31, 2020 12:00 PM

Join Verb Ballets for an exclusive working rehearsal with award-winning Chicago dance artist Stephanie Martinez. As a sought-after dancemaker she has since traveled the country as a master teacher and professional choreographer, setting works on dance companies including Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, Charlotte Ballet and Ballet Memphis. She will be setting the company premiere of Wandering On debuting on February 8, 2020 program. This intimate opportunity will provide insight into her unique style and story behind the work.

Pack a lunch to enjoy during the rehearsal and dessert will be provided. Doors open at 11:45pm and viewing begins at noon.

The studio is located in the same building as The Dealership. Free parking available in the north lot.

SHOW DETAILS

January 31, 2020 12:00pm

THEATRE

Verb Ballets Center for Dance
3558 Lee Rd.
Shaker Heights, OH 44120

TICKETS

Tickets $15

GET TICKETS

Verb Ballets Center for Dance

3558 Lee Rd.
Shaker Heights, OH 44120

Dec 06
Love0

Live @ Noon with Laura Alonso

By Performances

Live @ Noon with Laura Alonso

Friday, January 17, 2020 12:00 PM

Join Verb Ballets for an exclusive working rehearsal with Cuban dance legend Laura Alonso. Verb Ballets and ProDanza of Cuba continue their international collaboration with The Cleveland Havana Ballet Project. Laura Alonso will come to Cleveland to set Romeo and Juliet in preparation for the dancer tour to Cuba. This unique opportunity will provide insight into rehearsing the Cuban ballet style.

Pack a lunch to enjoy during the rehearsal and dessert will be provided. Doors open at 11:45pm and viewing begins at noon.

The studio is located in the same building as The Dealership. Free parking available in north lot.

SHOW DETAILS

January 17, 2020 12:00pm

THEATRE

Verb Ballets Center for Dance
3558 Lee Rd.
Shaker Heights, OH 44120

TICKETS

Tickets $15

GET TICKETS

Verb Ballets Center for Dance

3558 Lee Rd.
Shaker Heights, OH 44120