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Ohio Contemporary Ballet

The Little Nutcracker

By 2026-27 Season

December 19 & 20, 2026

The Little Nutcracker

BAYarts

TICKETS

VENUE

BAYarts
28795 Lake Rd.
Bay Village, OH 44140

TICKETS

$30 Adults | $15 Children

Ticket processing fees apply

The Little Nutcracker

Experience the classic holiday tale, The Little Nutcracker, performed by Ohio Contemporary Ballet. The newly choreographed version by Zachary Tauzon narrates the enchanting journey to the Land of Sweets through Clara’s eyes. The Sugar Plum Fairy guides her through a delightful array of sweet-themed dances from various corners of the globe. This heartwarming ballet is an ideal holiday tradition for families and a wonderful introduction to the world of ballet for young children. Don’t miss out on this special event that is sure to warm your heart and get you in the holiday spirit!

Saturday, December 19, 2026

7:00pm

Sunday, December 20, 2026

2:00pm

Purchase Tickets

Playhouse Square

By Performances, 2026-27 Season

February 20, 2027

Playhouse Square

Ohio Theatre

Tickets go on sale November 20, 2027 through Playhouse Square

TICKETS

PERFORMANCES

February 20, 2027 7:00pm

VENUE

Playhouse Square
Ohio Theatre
1501 Euclid Ave
Cleveland, OH 44115

TICKETS

$108/ $98  / $78 / $58 / $28

Tickets go on sale November 20, 2027 through Playhouse Square

TICKETS

Discover dance in a new light with Ohio Contemporary Ballet, a company that redefines the boundaries of ballet. This performance at Playhouse Square will feature works that explore how human lives are shaped by the forces around with breathtaking beauty, raw emotion, and remarkable artistry. These ballets tell stories of joy, sorrow, beauty, and connection, and span various eras and styles, revealing a deep human truth beneath the surface.

The company is honored to present Paul Taylor’s Company B, a seminal piece of Americana. Newsweek called it “some of the most glorious dancing to be seen anywhere.” Set to the iconic songs of the 1940s, the modern work captures the turbulence of World War II while exploring the era’s profound dualities in a poignant tribute.

Ginger Thatcher, a former dancer with Cleveland Ballet and the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, has built a distinguished career on Broadway and with ballet companies nationwide. Ohio Contemporary Ballet will remount Urban Study, a contemporary ballet that transforms the rhythms of factory labor and city life into vivid, compelling movement. The Oregonian praised its “odd hypnotic beauty—crisp, smooth and cooly seductive.”

Heinz Poll’s Pavanne will be revived for the first time by a company other than Ohio Ballet. This neoclassical duet draws inspiration a painting by Diego Velasquez of Margaret Theresa of Spain. With his signature emotional intensity and theatrical precision, Poll renders the longing for human connection within monarchical marriage as both intimate and tragic.

This diverse program comes together as a curated evening of work that reflects the belief that dance can help us better understand the world we share. Experience this unforgettable one-night-only performance by Ohio Contemporary Ballet at Playhouse Square.

Trick or Treat, Fairy Sweet

By Uncategorized

October 30, 2026

Trick or Treat, Fairy Sweet

OCBallet Center

TICKETS

PERFORMANCES

October 30, 2026 5:30pm

VENUE

OCBallet Center
3558 Lee Rd.
Shaker Hts, OH 44221

TICKETS

Adult Variations Class: $30
YA Students $10.00 + a bag of candy
YA Parents: $5

Trick or Treat, Fairy Sweet is a Halloween Variations Class inspired by the timeless ballet Sleeping Beauty. For one enchanting evening, the OCBallet Center will transform its studio into a festive gathering where our student dance community can celebrate the joy of classical ballet together. After watching Sleeping Beauty Prologue dancers will get a chance to explore the story, discover new movements, and step into the spotlight. Richard Dickinson will be teaching the fairy variations from Sleeping Beauty to our adult students. This is a wonderful opportunity for adult dancers to engage with the ballet’s beloved repertoire, building artistry and musicality through choreography.

Our Youth Academy students and families are invited to join Ms. Jules for crafts and fairy dance lessons. The evening will culminate with a dance showcase and costume parade.

Costumes are encouraged for dancers and families alike. Whether you arrive as Aurora, a lilac fairy, or your favorite Halloween character, you’ll help make this evening truly enchanting. Dress up, bring your family, and join us for a magical night of dance, creativity, and festive fun.

Events of the Evening

5:30–6:00 PM | Once Upon a Time
We begin by watching the Sleeping Beauty Prologue. Dancers meet the royal court, the good fairies, and the wicked Carabosse as the story unfolds.

6:00–7:00 PM | Sleeping Beauty Variations in Studio A

Adult students will learn variations from Sleeping Beauty taught by Richard Dickinson.

6:00–7:00 PM | YA Crafting & Dancing in Studio B
YA dancers head to Studio B for a creative crafting session filled with fairytale charm. Then learn their own fairy dance, which they are ready to share with their families.

7:00–7:15 PM | Dance Showcase
Both our Youth Academy dancers and adult students come together in Studio A to share what they’ve learned. Families are warmly invited to watch and celebrate the artistry of dancers from every stage of their journey.

7:15–7:30 PM | Costume Parade
We close the night with a costume parade. Princesses, fairies, pumpkins, and goblins are all welcome on the dance floor.

The Little Nutcracker

By Uncategorized

November 21 & 22, 2026

The Little Nutcracker

Lake Erie College

TICKETS

PERFORMANCES

November 21, 2026 5:00pm
November 22, 2026 2:00pm

VENUE

Lake Erie College
Rickel Theatre in the Royce Hall for the Performing Arts
Gillett St, Painesville, OH 44077

TICKETS

$30 Adults
$15 Children (Over 2 years old)

Processing fees apply

TICKETS

Saturday, November 21, 2026 5:00pm

Sunday, November 22, 2026 2:00pm

Experience the classic holiday tale, The Little Nutcracker, performed by the talent students of OCBallet Center in the Youth Academy and the adult community program with Ohio Contemporary Ballet. These dedicated students share the stage with the professional artists, gaining firsthand experience in the production of a story ballet. The newly choreographed version by Zachary Tauzon narrates the enchanting journey to the Land of Sweets through Clara’s eyes. The Sugar Plum Fairy guides her through a delightful array of sweet-themed dances from various corners of the globe. This performance is a chance to see the hard work and growth of our students as they shine in this cherished holiday tradition. It is sure to warm your heart and fill you with holiday spirit!

Purchase Tickets

Ballet Under the Stars

By Performances

Ballet Under the Stars

June 19 & 20, 2026 7:00PM

SHOW DETAILS

June 19 & 20, 2026
6:00PM Youth dance class
7:00PM Performance

VENUE

Ohio Contemporary Ballet Center
3558 Lee Rd.
Shaker Hts, OH 44120

TICKETS

FREE – Please RSVP

RSVP

Ballet Under the Stars

June 19 & 20, 2026 7:00PM

Ohio Contemporary Ballet Center

Ohio Contemporary Ballet cordially invites you and your family to an enchanting evening of Ballet Under the Stars. Shaker Arts Council presents this collaborative performance as part of their Heart of the Arts series. The event will start at 6:00 PM with a free ballet class for children ages 4-12. At 7:00 PM, the company will present a captivating performance featuring highlights from the repertoire. A special appearance by students from the Youth Academy will open the show.

This free performance is generously supported by the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Foundation.

To make this magical night accessible for everyone, we kindly ask all participants and attendees to register in advance. A limited number of folding chairs will be available to use; we recommend bringing lawn chairs to ensure you can sit during the performance. The event will be held in our studios at The Dealership in Shaker Heights, with free parking available for your convenience. Use the north driveway by Lewis Electronics.

For question about seating or to arrange accessibility accommodations call 216-397-3757 ext 2.

Directors’ Choice

By Performances

Directors' Choice

June 13, 2026 7:00PM

SHOW DETAILS

June 13, 2026 7:00PM

VENUE

Tri-C Eastern Campus
4250 Richmond Rd.
Highland Hills, OH 44122

TICKETS

FREE – Please RSVP

RSVP

Directors’ Choice

June 13, 2026 7:00PM

Tri-C Eastern Campus

Directors’ Choice at Tri-C East Campus invites audiences to an evening where vision and artistry converge. The company’s directors present a dynamic program featuring standout works from the season and exciting premieres. The audience favorite, Opaque by Nycole Ray, returns to the stage with dramatic movement and flowing black skirts that create sculptural extensions of the body. From the Street, choreographed by Gordon Peirce Schmidt, presents an interpretation of Leoš Janáček’s emotionally charged composition, 1.X.1905. Plus the premiere of two works, the revival of the classical duet Tarantella and the world premiere of Eternal by Avree Walker. These works collectively create a rich tapestry of movement, emotion, and storytelling. We kindly ask all attendees to register in advance for this FREE performance.

This free performance is generously supported by the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Foundation.

Meet Danielle Diniz

By Choreographers

Danielle Diniz

Ms. Diniz was Artist in Residence at Tribeca BMCC via CUNY Dance Initiative, Co Artistic Director of Jazz Choreography Enterprises and has been commissioned by Jacob’s Pillow, the Ailey BFA program, Stars of American Ballet, Ballet Hartford, Central Utah Ballet, Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, St. Paul’s School ballet program (dir. ABT’s Kate Lydon), Accent Dance NYC and Earl Mosley’s Diversity of Dance, among others. Last spring/summer she choreographed for St. Louis Ballet, AVID Dance, Woman in Motion, East Coast Contemporary Ballet, Chevalier Ballet and Revolve Dance. Upcoming she will choreograph for Jersey City Ballet, Mason Lee Dance Theater, Central Utah Ballet and Ballet Excel Ohio’s gala with a new work for New York City Ballet’s Daniel Ulbricht and Indiana Woodward.

She made her Off-Broadway choreographic debut at the AMT Theatre with ‘An Unbalanced Mind,’ choreographed New York Circus Project’s production of Hamlet, presented work at the McCallum Theatre/Palm Desert Choreography Festival and the New York Theatre Barn Choreography Lab and was awarded a grant from NYFA/City Artist Corps to present a full evening of her choreography. She also choreographed ‘My Way’ at Theatre by the Sea, the Vaudevillian musical ‘On the Air,’ musical theater showcases at AMDA and has served as Associate Choreographer for Broadway’s Lorin Latarro.

She is on faculty at the Steps on Broadway Academy and Manhattan Youth Ballet and enjoys teaching open, professional classes at Steps, Peridance and Mark Morris. She has a B.A. in English from Cornell University (concentration in Shakespearean Studies, minor in Dance). She is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Mount Saint Vincent.

Interview about the creation of Red Rhythm 

Red Rhythm

Red Rhythm, a world premiere choreographed by Danielle Diniz, brings the fire of Portuguese flamenco and the pulse of tango. Diniz combines her musical theater and ballet backgrounds to create a tango riddled with tension and rhythm.

Meet Avree Walker

By Choreographers

Avree Walker

Avree Walker began his early training at the West Las Vegas Arts Center, under the direction of Dr. Marcia Robinson. Mr. Walker is an alumnus of the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, and attended the University of Nevada Las Vegas, representing the dance department in South Korea, Canada, Europe, and throughout the U.S. Additional training includes Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Ballet Hispanico, and the Katherine Dunham Technique Seminar. Mr. Walker became an artist with the Las Vegas Contemporary Dance Theatre (Contemporary West Dance Theatre) touring and performing works by Alvin Ailey, Ulysses Dove, Elisa Monte, Rennie Harris, Milton Myers, Vernard Gilmore, Zane Booker, Hope Boykin, Tommie Waheed Evan’s, Donald Byrd, Don Bellamy, and others. Regional credits include Dreamgirls, Once on This Island, The Color Purple, Black Nativity (Las Vegas and Atlanta), The Music Man, Spamalot, The Wiz, Cinderella, Matilda the Musical(regional premiere), The Prince of Egypt the Musical (Dreamworks) and Stephen Sondheim Follies. Mr. Walker performed in Donn Arden’s Jubilee! at Bally’s Las Vegas and Extravaganza by T&R Entertainment. Mr. Walker is currently a dancer in Vegas! The Show at Planet Hollywood, Directed & Choreographed by Tiger Martina. Mr. Walker served as resident choreographer for Contemporary West Dance Theatre and Program Artistic Director of the CWDT Conservatory & pre-professional program. In 2019, Mr. Walker joined the dance faculty of Las Vegas Academy of the Arts as the first full-time African American dance instructor in the school’s history. Mr. Walker has had the privilege of creating work for universities/conservatory’s, pre professional and professional dance companies including, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Contemporary West Dance Theatre & Studio Company, Nevada Ballet Theatre II, The Ailey School, Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre Summer Institute, Houston Contemporary Dance Company (Institute of Contemporary Dance), Collage Youth Ensemble, St. Louis Dance Theatre II, Alabama State University, University of Nevada Las Vegas and Anthony Burrell Center for Dance. Mr. Walker is currently the Artistic Director of the City of Las Vegas Live Arts Institute.

Interview about the creation of Eternal

Enternal

Avree Walker, a dancer, choreographer, and educator from Las Vegas, Nevada, shares his journey and the creative process behind his latest work, Eternal, commissioned by Ohio Contemporary Ballet. Walker discusses how his early fascination with choreography shaped his career, leading to an organic transition into creating his own works. He reveals the inspiration for Eternal, drawing from the skies, stars, sun, and moon to craft an uplifting and atmospheric piece designed to resonate with audiences during challenging times. Walker also reflects on the healing power of dance, emphasizing its ability to serve as a vessel for hope, inspiration, and connection—a bridge for humanity. Eternal is a testament to the transformative power of the arts and a reminder of their role in carrying us through dark times.

Spring Gala 2026 RSVP

By Performances, News

Spring Gala RSVP & Donations

Use the form below to purchase Spring Gala tickets or make a donation if you can’t attend by credit card. If you need assistance with reserving tickets please email or please call (216) 397-3757 ext. 4. Checks can be sent to 3558 Lee Rd. Shaker Heights, OH 44120.

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

Spring Gala 2027

By 2026-27 Season, Gala, Performances
SAVE THE DATE

APRIL 10, 2027

2027 Spring Gala

Mark your calendar

As the season turns and the city returns to bloom, we invite you to celebrate with us at the 2027 Spring Gala. Join Ohio Contemporary Ballet on April 10, 2027 for a special evening benefiting the company and our vibrant community of dance. Guests will enjoy spirited refreshments, an delicious menu of small plates and desserts, and a captivating live performance by Ohio Contemporary Ballet. The night will also feature a live auction and a fund-a-need paddle raise, followed by music and dancing to close the evening in celebration.

Expect inspired artistry, warm company, and a night of renewal that moves you long after the final bow.

Your invitation and full details will follow.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsoring Ohio Contemporary Ballet’s Spring Gala is a unique and highly-visible way for your company, organization, or family foundation to help sustain the company. Proceeds from the Spring Gala will go directly towards supporting operations, performances, and outreach programs. Ohio Contemporary Ballet is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

  • 16 Gala Tickets
  • Full-page ad in self-produced programs through April 2026
  • Top billing on Gala marketing (print, web, social media visibility)
  • Gala night signage and company recognition video

  • 12 Gala Tickets
  • Half-page ad in self-produced programs through April 2026
  • Top billing on Gala marketing
  • Gala night signage and company recognition video

  • 6 Gala Tickets
  • Logo on Gala materials and website
  • Gala night signage and recognition

  • 4 Gala Tickets
  • Logo on Gala materials and website
  • Gala night signage and recognition

  • 2 Gala Tickets
  • Logo on Gala materials and website
  • Gala night signage and recognition

For more information or to pay by credit card click the button>>