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Ohio Contemporary Ballet

Ohio Arts Professional Network

By News, Booking

Verb Ballets is excited to participate in the 2018 OAPN Block Booking Conference on October 14-16, 2018 in Dayton, Ohio. Come see us at Booth #1!

Verb Ballets brings exceptional dance into your venue or classroom. The internationally acclaimed and regionally loved professional ballet company engages audiences to experience the beauty of movement and stimulate creativity. Verb Ballets is one of the region’s longest sustaining dance companies and a leading force in Northeast Ohio’s dance community for over 30 years.

Performance packages can be customized ranging from dynamic repertory programs to children’s story ballets. Our educational residency programs are linked to the state standards to bring kinetic learning to life! Programs can easily be performed in different venues including theaters, schools, libraries, universities and community centers.

Learn more below about touring programs available.

Custom Repertory Programs

Touring programs can be custom built to fit time and format. Each customized program will feature dynamic repertory programs of captivating artistry, unique styles and technical excellence. The American contemporary ballet company is home to a diverse selection of repertory including national and international choreographers. Verb Ballets will help you select pieces for your program to meet your personal audience.

Children's Ballets

Verb Ballets offers a variety of children’s ballets including Peter and the Wolf and Carnival of the Animals. Also, the brand new Mowgli’s Jungle Adventures based on Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale of an Indian boy abandoned by his parents and raised by a pack of wolves. Programs can easily be performed in different venues including theaters, schools, libraries, universities and community centers.

Residences & Outreach

Verb Ballets educational residency programs are linked to the state standards to bring kinetic learning to life! Programs and lecture demonstrations can be set in a variety of settings, including schools, libraries, community centers, arts institutions, and healthcare facilities. By participating in a lecture demonstration, movement workshop, or residency, individuals interact first-hand with dance, learn about the creation of dance works, experience new ways of moving, and stimulate their own creativity.

Learn More

Interested in booking? Let's Talk!

Dr. Margaret Carlson, Producing Artistic Director
Cell: 216-577-0494
Email: mcarlson@verbballets.org

OAPN Booth #1 October 14-16, 2018

Grand Opening Celebration

By News

Verb Ballets is pleased to announce the community grand opening of the Verb Ballets Center for Dance on Friday, October 19, 2018 from 4:00pm-6:00pm. Verb Ballets will be joined by David E. Weiss, Mayor of Shaker Heights, members of City Council, the Cleveland Foundation, Shaker Heights Development Corporation and Village Capital Corporation.  The event will commemorate the completion of the Verb Ballets Center for Dance with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3558 Lee Road in Shaker Heights. The dedication will take place during the community open house on October 19, 2018 at 4:30pm.

The Verb Ballet Center for Dance is intended to serve as the new home base for the professional dance company, in addition to providing ample room for classes and workshops for the community. Work began last spring and cost $375,000 to complete the first phase to convert the facility. There will be continued fundraising efforts for Phases 2 and 3. The initial capital was made possible by the Cleveland Foundation, the City of Shaker Heights and the Shaker Heights Development Corporation. Verb Ballets will showcase the talent of the company with excerpts of repertory from 5:00-5:30pm in the new studios.

We are excited to open our doors to the neighborhood! Our new home elevates the company and allows us the opportunity to expand educational offerings to the area and beyond. We are grateful for the support of the community in creating this vision.

Dr. Margaret CarlsonProducing Artistic Director for Verb Ballets

Verb Ballets welcomes students wishing to study dance with its Dance For Everyone Community Dance Program. We offer a diverse array of ballet, stretch and jazz classes for adults and teens seven days a week. To commemorate the occasion Verb Ballets will offer a FREE Musical Theater Dance class on October 19, 2018 from 4:15-5:15pm class taught by Tony Award winning dancer, David Alvarez, who won for the role of Billy Elliott. The full schedule of classes is available here.

FREE Musical Theater Dance Class

October 19, 2018 from 4:15-5:15pm

Taught by Tony Award winning dancer, David Alvarez, who won for the role of Billy Elliott in the Broadway production of Billy Elliott the Musical. Class is intended for ballet or dance students from 12 years old and up, including adults.

David Alvarez studied dance on a full merit scholarship in the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at the American Ballet Theatre. When David was cast to play Billy in the Broadway production of Billy Elliott the Musical for two years on Broadway, won the Tony Award for best actor in a musical at the 62nd Tony Awards ceremony. He has received numerous awards, including the Astaire Award for best male dancer. After Billy, David continued his education and served in the US Army for two and a half years. He then returned to Broadway in a production of On the Town. Most recently, David came to Cleveland from Mexico City to complete his degree at Case Western Reserve University. While in Mexico, he trained and mentored the boys chosen as finalists for the first Mexican production of Billy Elliott the Musical.

Community engagement through movement is an important part of Verb’s philosophy. The Dance for Everyone Program allows people to nurture wellness, create a sense of identity and expression through dance and participate in healthy exercise. The program provides classes on an ongoing basis. Drop ins are welcome.

Richard Dickinson, MFAAssociate Artistic Director for Verb Ballets

With a rich 30-year history, Verb Ballets is one of the oldest dance companies in the region. The internationally acclaimed and regionally loved professional ballet company engages audiences to experience the beauty of movement and stimulate creativity. In addition to renowned performances the company cultivates dance appreciation through community classes, educational residencies, senior movement classes, and college course partnerships. The company has been named one of Five Great Tiny Troupes in America by Dance Magazine and was one of the 25 dance companies in America to watch. Under the director of Dr. Margaret Carlson, Producing Artistic Director and Richard Dickinson, Associate Artistic Director the company mounts exciting projects that embrace diversity, history and cultural exchange.

Schedule of Activities

October 19, 2018

4:00-4:30pm
Observe Company Class
Studio A
4:15-5:15pm
FREE Musical Theatre Dance Class by Tony Award winning dancer, David Alvarez
Studio B
4:30-5:00pm
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Front Enterance
5:00-5:30pm
Performance by Verb Ballets
Studio A
5:30-6:00pm
Studio Tours and Reception
Lobby and studios

New Verb Ballets Center for Dance

3558 Lee Rd. Shaker Hts, Ohio 44120

 

Studio Entrance

Entrance to the studio is located in the garages behind The Dealership. Pull in north driveway on right hand side of the building. Ample free parking is available.

Verb Ballets explores gravity through movement with second graders

By Press Releases

CLEVELAND, OH (August 29, 2018) – Verb Ballets will be in residence at Roxboro Elementary School October 11-17, 2018 utilizing dance to explore Forces in Motion. The professional dance company will deliver eight movement workshops for second grade students culminating to a final showing by the students. The company members will lead the students in explorations of the conditions of gravity and rest as it applies to basic elements of dance. Finding how the body moving with different energy through space change the motion of an object. Outreach ties into Ohio’s Learning Standards in Physical Science. Verb Ballets will also perform a piece Three Graces choreographed by Associate Artistic Director, Richard Dickinson. Roxboro Elementary is located at 2405 Roxboro Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44106. 

Photos or interviews available upon request by contacting  
Jennifer Garlando, Director of Marketing & PR at jgarlando@verbballets.org.  

About Verb Ballets  
Verb Ballets, a contemporary ballet company, presents dynamic programming through bold artistry, unique styles and technical excellence that captivates audiences. Under the direction of Dr. Margaret Carlson, Producing Artistic Director and Richard Dickinson, MFA, Associate Artistic Director, the company will present a season that ignites passion in the energy, beauty and athleticism of dance. Critics have hailed Verb Ballets for its abilities to, “Dashing preconceptions …with keen dramatic power.” -The Plain Dealer, “(Verb) is dance magnifique.” – The Examiner, “confident and polished, Verb’s dancers shone” – Dance International Magazine. Verb Ballets was named by Dance Magazine as one of 25 dance companies in America to watch. Internationally acclaimed, the company has toured Cuba and Taiwan. As one of the oldest dance organizations in Northeast Ohio we proudly produce high caliber work and continue to connect with our communities through performance and outreach. Additional information can be found at www.verbballets.org.

Verb Ballets performances are made possible through the generous support of The Cleveland Foundation, The George Gund Foundation, Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, Ohio Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, Shah Capital, Millie Carlson Trust, Peg’s Foundation, Lubrizol Foundation, The Char and Chuck Fowler Family Foundation, The Akron Community Foundation, John P. Murphy Foundation, Nordson, Laub Foundation, Margaret Wong & Associates, St. Ignatius and Cedar Hill Communications.

NEW ADDRESS: Verb Ballets 3558 Lee Rd. Shaker Heights, OH 44120 • 216-397-3757 • www.verbballets.org
Facebook  •  Twitter  • Instagram •  YouTube @verbballets

New Verb Ballets Center for Dance Opens

By News

Construction is finished! The drywall has been hung, walls have been primed, the sprung floors and marley have been installed. It’s official, the new home is open!  Located at 3558 Lee Road in the rear garages of The Dealership, The Verb Ballets Center For Dance features large open air studios. You can find us near the intersection of Lee Road and Lomond Boulevard south of Chagrin Boulevard.

In addition to serving as the new company home, Verb Ballets welcomes the community into the studio with classes and workshops through the Dance For Everyone Walk-In Dance Program. Dance For Everyone (DFE) offers a variety of dance classes for a range of ability levels from beginner to advanced. Beginning October 15th DFE will expand its schedule to offer a diverse array of ballet classes plus new classes in Stretch and Musical Theater Jazz.

Special thanks to our generous funders the Cleveland Foundation, the City of Shaker Heights and the Shaker Heights Development Corporation who made this phase to convert the facility possible.

New Verb Ballets Center for Dance

3558 Lee Rd. Shaker Hts, Ohio 44120

Studio Entrance

Entrance to the studio is located in the garages behind The Dealership. Pull in north driveway on right hand side of the building. Ample free parking is available.

Administrative Offices

The administrative offices are located in the showroom of the The Dealership. You can visit by entering in through the front door during normal business hours. Pull in north driveway on right hand side of the building. Ample free parking is available.

New Home & Offices

Located at 3558 Lee Road the new Verb Ballets Center for Dance is located at the rear garages of The Dealership. The company administrative office will be in the in the old showroom with other small businesses. The Dealership is an initiative of the Shaker Heights Development Corporation which has leasable office spaces as well as flexible, co-working space for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small businesses.

Verb Ballets to offer classes seven days a week

By News

Dance For Everyone will now offer classes seven days a week! Beginning October 15, 2018, Verb Ballets’ Dance For Everyone (DFE) program is launching an expanded roster of classes ! If you danced as a kid or always dreamed of dancing there is a class for you. Classes are available for a variety of different ability levels from beginner to advanced. Classes are ongoing and are open to anyone who shares the love of dance. The Verb Ballets Center For Dance features large open air studios located at 3558 Lee Road in the rear garages of The Dealership. You can find us near the intersection of Lee Road and Lomond Boulevard near Chagrin Boulevard. In addition to the expanded schedule we are excited to offer a diverse array of ballet classes and new classes in Stretch and Musical Theater Jazz.

New Studio Location Opens September 27th

3558 Lee Rd. Shaker Hts, OH 44120

Entrance to the studio is located in the garages behind The Dealership. Pull in north driveway on right hand side of the building. Ample free parking is available.

New Class Schedule Starting October 15th!

Dance For Everyone

Monday

6:00pm-7:30pm Int/Adv Ballet
7:30pm-8:30pm Adverb Project Rehearsal

Tuesday

6:00-7:00pm, New to Ballet
7:00-8:30pm, Intermediate/Adv Ballet
8:30-9:00pm, Intermediate/Adv Pointe

Wednesday

5:30-6:45pm, Beginning Ballet
6:45-8:15pm, Advanced Ballet

Thursday

5:30- 6:30pm, New to Ballet
6:00-7:30pm, Intermediate Ballet
7:30-8:00pm, Pointe

Friday

8:30-9:30am, Total Body Stretch
4:15-5:15pm, Musical Theater Jazz

Saturday

10:00-11:30am, Int/Adv Ballet
11:45-12:15pm, Pointe

Sunday

11:00-12:30pm, Int/Adv Ballet
12:45-1:15pm, Pointe

Read about class descriptions

Affordable Class Pricing

Classes are available for a variety of different ability levels from beginner to advanced. Drop ins welcome. No pre-registration necessary please come 10 minutes early to fill out paperwork. Discount available for Shaker Heights residents: $13/class or $110 for a 10 class card.

Single Class

$16

10 Class Pass

$130

The Dealership is an initiative of the Shaker Heights Development Corporation has leasable office spaces as well as flexible, co-working space for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small businesses. Verb Ballets’ administrative office are located the in the old showroom with other small businesses. The studios are built in the garage of the old dealership. The vast space in the garage allowed us to build two studios and expand the number of classes offered for the community every week!

Directors of Verb Ballets part of U.S. Delegation to the Internationale Tanzmesse NRW

By Press Releases

CLEVELAND, OH (August 29, 2018) – Verb Ballets’ Directors, Dr. Margaret Carlson and Richard Dickinson are proud to be part of the American Dance Abroad U.S. Delegation attending the internationale tanzmesse NRW in Germany from August 28- September 1, 2018. They will be working with American Dance Abroad hosting the American Corner booth #38, which includes U.S. organizations: Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Soham Dance Space, Heidi Duckler Dance, Verb Ballets, Palissimo, ChristineBonansea Company, BODYART, Valerie Green/Dance Entropy, Patricia Noworol Dance Theater, ODC, Clairobscur Dance, White Bird, zoe|juniper and inkBoat. The delegation consists of artists representing American dance. Visit Booth #38 to meet the Americans and talk with Verb Ballets!

While in Europe the Directors of Verb Ballets will talk to presenters and programmers from around the world seeking bookings for The Cleveland Havana Ballet Project for the 2019-20 season and beyond. The international collaboration that toured Cuba in 2018, led by Dr. Margaret Carlson of Verb Ballets and Laura Alonso of ProDanza will continue to highlight the technical virtuosity associated with Cuban ballet and the bold style of American contemporary ballet. The Cleveland Havana Ballet showcases uniquely Cuban story ballets and innovative American repertory. Touring programs of full-length classical ballets include Le Chevalier, The Black Mozart based on the life of Joseph Bologne-recognized as the first classical composer of African origin. Other tour packages can be customized featuring dynamic repertory programs of captivating artistry, unique styles and technical excellence. More information can be found online: www.verbballets.org/clevelandhavanaballet.

The internationale tanzmesse NRW encompasses parallel congresses of world meetings, a humanities program of workshops and professional development, a festival, and a marketplace. The marketplace is the core of the professional activities, as it includes numerous opportunities for professionals to meet, network, and exchange information. It is the largest single gathering devoted to contemporary dance in the world. American Dance Abroad gratefully acknowledges the U.S. Consulate General Düsseldorf’s generous support of the American booth at internationale tanzmesse NRW 2018.
Verb Ballets’ Directors, Dr. Margaret Carlson and Richard Dickinson are proud to be part of the American Dance Abroad U.S. Delegation attending the internationale tanzmesse NRW in Germany from August 28- September 1, 2018. They will be working with American Dance Abroad hosting the American Corner booth #38, which includes U.S. organizations: Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Soham Dance Space, Heidi Duckler Dance, Verb Ballets, Palissimo, ChristineBonansea Company, BODYART, Valerie Green/Dance Entropy, Patricia Noworol Dance Theater, ODC, Clairobscur Dance, White Bird, zoe|juniper and inkBoat. The delegation consists of artists representing American dance. Visit Booth #38 to meet the Americans and talk with Verb Ballets!

While in Europe the Directors of Verb Ballets will talk to presenters and programmers from around the world seeking bookings for The Cleveland Havana Ballet Project for the 2019-20 season and beyond. The international collaboration that toured Cuba in 2018, led by Dr. Margaret Carlson of Verb Ballets and Laura Alonso of ProDanza will continue to highlight the technical virtuosity associated with Cuban ballet and the bold style of American contemporary ballet. The Cleveland Havana Ballet showcases uniquely Cuban story ballets and innovative American repertory. Touring programs of full-length classical ballets include Le Chevalier, The Black Mozart based on the life of Joseph Bologne-recognized as the first classical composer of African origin. Other tour packages can be customized featuring dynamic repertory programs of captivating artistry, unique styles and technical excellence. More information can be found online: www.verbballets.org/clevelandhavanaballet.

The internationale tanzmesse NRW encompasses parallel congresses of world meetings, a humanities program of workshops and professional development, a festival, and a marketplace. The marketplace is the core of the professional activities, as it includes numerous opportunities for professionals to meet, network, and exchange information. It is the largest single gathering devoted to contemporary dance in the world. American Dance Abroad gratefully acknowledges the U.S. Consulate General Düsseldorf’s generous support of the American booth at internationale tanzmesse NRW 2018.

Photos or interviews available upon request by contacting  
Jennifer Garlando, Director of Marketing & PR at jgarlando@verbballets.org.  

About Verb Ballets  
Verb Ballets, a contemporary ballet company, presents dynamic programming through bold artistry, unique styles and technical excellence that captivates audiences. Under the direction of Dr. Margaret Carlson, Producing Artistic Director and Richard Dickinson, MFA, Associate Artistic Director, the company will present a season that ignites passion in the energy, beauty and athleticism of dance. Critics have hailed Verb Ballets for its abilities to, “Dashing preconceptions …with keen dramatic power.” -The Plain Dealer, “(Verb) is dance magnifique.” – The Examiner, “confident and polished, Verb’s dancers shone” – Dance International Magazine. Verb Ballets was named by Dance Magazine as one of 25 dance companies in America to watch. Internationally acclaimed, the company has toured Cuba and Taiwan. As one of the oldest dance organizations in Northeast Ohio we proudly produce high caliber work and continue to connect with our communities through performance and outreach. Additional information can be found at www.verbballets.org.

Verb Ballets performances are made possible through the generous support of The Cleveland Foundation, The George Gund Foundation, Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, Ohio Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, Shah Capital, Millie Carlson Trust, Peg’s Foundation, Lubrizol Foundation, The Char and Chuck Fowler Family Foundation, The Akron Community Foundation, John P. Murphy Foundation, Nordson, Laub Foundation, Margaret Wong & Associates, St. Ignatius and Cedar Hill Communications.

NEW ADDRESS: Verb Ballets 3558 Lee Rd. Shaker Heights, OH 44120 • 216-397-3757 • www.verbballets.org
Facebook  •  Twitter  • Instagram •  YouTube @verbballets

About internationale tanzmesse NRW
The internationale tanzmesse NRW was created in the early ’90s by Anne Neumann, director of the Gesellschaftfür Zeitgenössichen TanzNRW (GZT), to facilitate international exchange and understanding among dance people worldwide.  The GZT is a regional NGO that supports and provides service to the dance field of North Rhine Westphalia in Northwest Germany.  Begun as a regional gathering, the internationale tanzmesse NRW has grown into an international meeting point of dance drawing professionals from over 40 countries.  In 2002, Kajo Nelles and Carolelinda Dickey assumed leadership of the Tanzmesse. Kajo Nelles was named Director in 2004 and Carolelinda Dickey became the co-Director in 2006. In 2014, Felix Wittek became the Director of the Tanzmesse and with Carolelinda Dickey, Christian Wattyand Roman Arndt, a programming team was formed. Roman Arndt died in 2016.

Verb Ballets attends Internationale Tanzmesse NRW 2018

By News

Verb Ballets’ Directors, Dr. Margaret Carlson and Richard Dickinson are proud to be part of the American Dance Abroad U.S. Delegation attending the internationale tanzmesse NRW in Germany from August 28- September 1, 2018. They will be working with American Dance Abroad hosting the American Corner booth #38, which includes U.S. organizations: Agatha Wright, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Soham Dance Space, Heidi Duckler Dance, Verb Ballets, Palissimo, ChristineBonansea Company, BODYART, Valerie Green/Dance Entropy, Patricia Noworol Dance Theater, ODC, Clairobscur Dance, White Bird, zoe|juniper and inkBoat. The delegation consists of artists representing American dance.

Visit Booth #38 to meet the Americans and talk with Verb Ballets!

Verb Ballets seeking bookings for The Cleveland Havana Ballet Project

While in Europe the Directors of Verb Ballets will talk to presenters and programmers from around the world seeking bookings for The Cleveland Havana Ballet Project for the 2019-20 season and beyond. The international collaboration that toured Cuba in 2018, led by Dr. Margaret Carlson of Verb Ballets and Laura Alonso of ProDanza will continue to highlight the technical virtuosity associated with Cuban ballet and the bold style of American contemporary ballet. The Cleveland Havana Ballet showcases uniquely Cuban story ballets and innovative American repertory. Touring programs of full-length classical ballets include Le Chevalier, The Black Mozart based on the life of Joseph Bologne-recognized as the first classical composer of African origin. Other tour packages can be customized featuring dynamic repertory programs of captivating artistry, unique styles and technical excellence. More information can be found online here. 

The internationale tanzmesse NRW encompasses parallel congresses of world meetings, a humanities program of workshops and professional development, a festival, and a marketplace. The marketplace is the core of the professional activities, as it includes numerous opportunities for professionals to meet, network, and exchange information. It is the largest single gathering devoted to contemporary dance in the world. American Dance Abroad gratefully acknowledges the U.S. Consulate General Düsseldorf’s generous support of the American booth at internationale tanzmesse NRW 2018. 

American Dance Abroad is a national organization that seeks equitable cultural engagement among American dance artists and companies and their international counterparts. It facilitates introductions and creates opportunities for artistic discovery and dialogue. Acknowledging that international dance currently has a broad presence in the United States, American Dance Abroad’s primary mandate is to expand international visibility for American dance, fostering parity by increasing opportunities for individual artists and companies.

Verb Ballets unveils plans to relocate to The Dealership in Shaker Heights

By News

Verb Ballets unveils plans to relocate to The Dealership in Shaker Heights

"We have been exploring how we can elevate the company and expand our programs to the community,"

Dr. Carlrson CarlsonProducing Artistic Director

CLEVELAND, Ohio -In keeping with its active name, Cleveland’s Verb Ballets is moving.

Earlier this week, the troupe headed by Margaret Carlson announced that it is relocating a few blocks west and entering The Dealership, a cooperative workspace in a former automobile outlet and repair shop on Lee Rd. near Chagrin Blvd.

“Shaker Heights is a cross section of all walks of life similar to the styles of dance that Verb Ballets presents,” said Carlson, in a written statement. “[B]y establishing ourselves at [The Dealership] we position ourselves in a place for inclusion and connection.”

The new space affords the company significantly more room and outreach opportunity than its current home of nearly 10 years, the lower level of Christ Episcopal Church, Carlson said.

In addition to space for rehearsal, the new 6,000-square foot studio includes dressing, storage, reception, and office space. The new space also will allow the company to present work on site, instead of renting space for performances, and launch a series of classes in dance, creative movement, and wellness.

Continue Reading...

Cleveland Havana Ballet

By News, Performances

Verb Ballets and ProDanza of Cuba have joined forces in an international collaboration to form The Cleveland Havana Ballet Project. Lead by Dr. Margaret Carlson of Verb Ballets and Laura Alonso of ProDanza the project is seeking bookings for the 2019-20 season. The Cleveland Havana Ballet showcases uniquely Cuban story ballets and innovative American repertory. The Cleveland Havana Ballet highlights the technical virtuosity associated with Cuban ballet with the bold style of American contemporary ballet. View available customizable tour packages below.

Le Chevalier, The Black Mozart

Touring programs of full-length classical ballets include Le Chevalier, The Black Mozart based on Joseph Bologne-recognized as the first classic composer of African origin. The ballet highlights his life known as much for his symphonies as his swordsmanship.

Custom Repertory Programs

Other tour packages can be customized featuring dynamic repertory programs of captivating artistry, unique styles and technical excellence. Including works by Adam Houghland, Antonio Brown (Bill T Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company), and Tommie-Waheed Evans (Philadanco!).

Interested in booking? Let's Talk!

International Tanzmesse NRW 2018 Booth #38
August 29 – September 1, 2018 Düsseldorf, Germany

Ohio Arts Presenters Conference Both #1
October 14-16, 2018  Dayton, Ohio, USA

APAP: Association of Performing Arts Professionals Booth #408 Rhinelander
January 4-8, 2019

To arrange a meeting at APAP please contact Jen Garlando, Director of Marketing & PR at email

Dr. Margaret Carlson

Producing Artistic Director, Verb Ballets

Producing Artistic Director of Verb Ballets, Dr. Carlson has been with the organization for 15 years leading the company to national prominence. Having completed a successful tour of Taiwan in 2017, the company will be toured Cuba in early 2018. The company has been recognized as one of 25 dance companies to watch in America. Dr. Carlson had a long career as a performer, working as a principal ballet dancer with Cleveland Ballet and performer in numerous musical theatre tours across America. Later, she was a university professor, and was Dean of Dance at the Hong Kong Academy. She is currently working on a film called, No Dominion. Her doctorate is from Durham University, UK.

Laura Alonso

Directora General, ProDanza of Cuba

Laura Alonso, daughter of world famous ballerina Alicia Alonso is known as a teacher, coach and an expert at staging the classics. Ms. Alonso had a 25 year performing career with Ballet Nacional de Cuba. As an award winning teacher and coach she travels the world teaching and staging the classics. Ms. Alonso has 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 other competitions. Alonso founded the international dance school, Centro Pro Danza.

Announcing Verb Ballets New Home

By News

Verb Ballets is proud to announce it is moving to a new home at 3558 Lee Road in Shaker Heights. Located near the corner of Lee and Chagrin Boulevard, the more than 6,000-square-foot studio space will serve as the base for the Verb Ballets professional dance company, in addition to providing ample room for classes and workshops for the community. After a yearlong search for the right location, Verb Ballets selected the garages at The Dealership, a co-working community and initiative of the Shaker Heights Development Corporation.

The new home will include two studios, dressing rooms, costume wardrobe, set storage, a reception area and offices inside the showroom. The studio space features high ceilings and unique configurations that will enable Verb to present performances to the community in-house. Construction has begun on the build out of the studios in the new space and are planned to open this fall. The administrative offices are moving into The Dealership mid August. The new studio space was designed by Cleveland-based Vocon and the initial capital to convert the facility is made possible by the Cleveland Foundation, the City of Shaker Heights and the Shaker Heights Development Corporation.

Construction Underway

Verb Ballets has been ingrained in the Shaker Heights community for nearly a decade. In the search for a new home, one of the major points of emphasis was a focus on staying in the community.

“Shaker Heights is a cross section of all walks of life similar to the styles of dance that Verb Ballets presents. Our vision is to ignite passion and participation in contemporary ballet, and by establishing ourselves at the intersection of Lee and Chagrin we position ourselves in a place for inclusion and connection,” said Dr. Margaret Carlson, Producing Artistic Director for Verb Ballets.

Community engagement through movement is an important part of Verb’s philosophy. The new home will offer classes to the community to nurture wellness, create a sense of identity and expression through dance. The availability of multiple studios will enable the company to significantly expand its educational offerings.

“We have been exploring how we can elevate the company and expand our programs to the community. Designing our own space allowed us to envision a home base that can support future growth. The vast space in the garage will allow us to create a multi-use space including presentation of performances. We are thrilled to move forward in the new home and are honored by the support of the community in creating this vision,” said Dr. Carlson.

The Dealership is an initiative of the Shaker Heights Development Corporation has leasable office spaces as well as flexible, co-working space for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small businesses. Conference room and special event space use is also available. Verb Ballets administrative office will be in the in the old showroom with other small businesses. The studios are being built in the garage of the old dealership. The vast space in the garage will allow us to create a multi-use space including presentation of performances and the ability to expand in the future.