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Ohio Contemporary Ballet

Honoring Heinz Poll

By Performances, News

Honoring Heinz Poll

April 25, 2025 7:00pm

SHOW DETAILS

April 25, 2025 7:00pm

EJ Thomas
198 Hill Street
Akron, OH 44325-0501

TICKETS

$45 / $35 / $25

BUY TICKETS

EJ Thomas Box Office: 330-253-2488
Hours: 10 am-4 pm

Ohio Contemporary Ballet is renowned for its exceptional versatility and captivating presence that mesmerizes audiences. This performance invites audiences to celebrate the late Heinz Poll, founder of the Ohio Ballet and champion of dance in Akron. Whether you’re a devoted Heinz Poll fan, or unfamiliar with his name, this show is sure to captivate all with its vibrant choreography, dynamic music, and breathtaking artistry.

Experience the brilliance of Heinz Poll’s choreography as two masterpieces return to the stage after more than 20 years. Planes/Configurations dazzles with its bold geometric design and athletic precision. Light Breeze enchants with its playful ballroom-inspired movements infused with the grace of ballet. The program will also include audience favorite, Bolero, an enthralling piece with its electrifying energy, dramatic capes, and flawless synchronicity set to the world-famous score by Ravel.

Witness the magic of dance while celebrating a remarkable local icon that has left a lasting impact on the community and beyond.

Pre-Show Panel Discussion with Ohio Ballet dancer alumni
Join us in the EJ Thomas Hall lobby at 6:00 PM for a pre-show panel with original Ohio Ballet dancers. Hear their stories about working with Heinz Poll. The screening of Soaring a documentary of Heinz Poll’s career will play in the lobby at 5:45PM prior to the panel discussion.

Soaring Documentary

April 25, 2025 5:45pm

 Prior to the panel discussion in the lobby

Ohio Ballet Alumni

April 25, 2025 6:00pm

Pre-show panel discussion in the lobby

Performance

April 25, 2025 7:00pm

EJ Thomas Hall

Ohio Contemporary Ballet celebrates late Heinz Poll, founder of the Ohio Ballet

Paris Wolf, The Plain Dealer

AKRON, Ohio – Ohio Contemporary Ballet is performing three works by late Heinz Poll at 7 p.m., Friday, April 25, at EJ Thomas Hall in Akron. Poll, a leading figure in contemporary ballet, founded the Ohio Ballet in the mid-1970s. A visionary choreographer, he created more than 60 original works.

Ohio Contemporary Ballet Celebrates Visionary Choreographer Heinz Poll’s Legacy

Steve Sucato, Arts Air

AKRON, Ohio – Ohio Contemporary Ballet is performing three works by late Heinz Poll at 7 p.m., Friday, April 25, at EJ Thomas Hall in Akron. Poll, a leading figure in contemporary ballet, founded the Ohio Ballet in the mid-1970s. A visionary choreographer, he created more than 60 original works.

Former Ohio Ballet dancer from Akron restages 2 Heinz Poll masterpieces for Akron show

Kerry Clawson, Akron Beacon Journal

AKRON, Ohio – Ohio Contemporary Ballet will celebrate the legacy of Akron’s own choreographer with the dance concert “Honoring Heinz Poll” on April 25, a special event at E.J. Thomas Hall that will see two of Poll’s masterpieces restaged for the first time in 20 years.

The Little Nutcracker

By Performances, News

The Little Nutcracker

November 16-17, 2024

Experience a delightful twist on a classic holiday tale with Ohio Contemporary Ballet in the production of The Little Nutcracker. The new one hour ballet ignites the holiday spirit and imagination with the enchantment of the season. Accompanying the professional dancers on stage are the talented students from the Youth Academy and  along with our dedicated adult community students. This captivating ballet is an ideal holiday tradition for families and a wonderful introduction to the world of classical 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!

Children 5 and under can sit on a caregivers lap for free.

This event has limited seating; we recommend by your tickets early!

SHOW DETAILS

November 16, 2024 4:00pm
November 16, 2024 6:00pm
November 17, 2023 3:00pm

THEATRE

Ohio Contemporary Ballet Center
3558 Lee Rd Shaker Heights, OH 44120

TICKETS

Adult $25
Youth $15
Ticket fees apply

TICKETS

The Little Nutcracker Participation

By Performances, News

The Little Nutcracker Community Participation

November 16 & 17, 2024

Don’t miss the opportunity to perform alongside our professional company dancers in The Little Nutcracker as Party Parents or Angels! This adult community group will meet for 8 weeks and perform The Little Nutcracker on November 16 & 17 in the studio. Rehearsals will be held on Thursdays from 7:45-8:30pm starting September 19, 2024. The cost to participate in this production is $75 and covers your rehearsals. There is an additional $75 costume.
To view the full details of rehearsal and performance click here.

DETAILS

Rehearsals
September 16-November 17, 2024
Thursday, 7:45-8:30pm
Additional dress rehearsals

Participation fee: $75
Costume fee: $75

Register Now

Ballet Under the Stars 2024

By Performances, News

Ballet Under the Stars

August 3, 2024

Ballet Under the Stars

Ohio Contemporary Ballet invites you and your family to come out to experience an evening of ballet. The event begins at 6:00PM with free ballet classes for youth ages 3-12. After that, enjoy the company in a performance highlight of their work at 7:00PM. During the performance, students from both OCBallet Youth Academy and Adult Community classes will make special appearances.

To ensure everyone gets to be part of this magical night, we ask all participants and audience members to register. A limited number of folding chairs will be available to use; we recommend you bring lawn chairs to ensure you can sit during the performance. The studio is located at in the same building as The Dealership. Use the north drive way by Lewis Electronics. Free parking available.

The show will go on if it rains.

SHOW DETAILS

August 3, 2024
Youth classes at 6:00pm
Performance at 7:00pm

3558 Lee Rd.
Shaker Hts, OH 44120

TICKETS

Must register for FREE tickets and classes

TICKETS

Register for FREE Classes and Tickets

Arts in August 2024

By Performances, News

Arts in August

August 10, 2024 7:00pm

Arts in August

Tremont’s Arts in August presents Ohio Contemporary Ballet for a captivating community performance at Lincoln Park on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 7:00pm.The evening will feature a new ballet from rising choreographer Nicholas Rose, the mesmerizing work Light Rain by Gerald Arpino, and the audience favorite Dark Matter by Tommie-Waheed Evans. This performance marks the company’s first performance of the season in Cleveland’s west side.

This event is brought to you through the collaboration of Tremont West Development Corporation, LAND Studio, Cleveland Public Theatre, and Ward 3. This event is free and family friendly. Guests are invited to bring blankets and/or a chair.

SHOW DETAILS

August 10, 2024 7:00pm

Raindate August 11, 2024

Lincoln Park
W. 14th and Starkweather
Cleveland, OH 44113

TICKETS

FREE tickets

Lakeside Chautauqua 2024

By Performances, News

Lakeside Chautauqua

August 9, 2024 7:30pm

Lakeside Chautauqua

Ohio Contemporary Ballet performs with the Lakeside Symphony Orchestra led by Music Director and Conductor Daniel Meyer at Lakeside Chautauqua. Prepare for an unforgettable evening as we present a mesmerizing blend of dance performed with the cherished Lakeside Symphony Orchestra featuring the premiere of a work by a rising choreographer and a fresh adaptation of the classic Carmen. The orchestra will also play Dvorak’s Hungarian Dances which will envelop the listener in a tapestry of vibrant rhythms and soul-stirring melodies that celebrates the spirited essence of Hungarian folklore. This program not only highlights the extraordinary talent and versatility of our dancers but also marries contemporary ballet with timeless narratives for a truly captivating experience. Join us for a night where modern creativity meets classic elegance.

The show is free with a day pass to Lakeside Chautauqua. Day passes are $23.50 for adults. Admission is free for kids under 12 and guests over age 90.

SHOW DETAILS

August 9, 2024 7:30pm

THEATRE

Lakeside Chautauqua
Hoover Auditorium
119 W 3rd St.
Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440

TICKETS

The show is free with a day pass to Lakeside Chautauqua
Day passes are $23.50 for adults

TICKETS

Lakeside Chautauqua
Hoover Auditorium
119 W 3rd St.
Lakeside Marblehead, OH 43440

GET DIRECTIONS

Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival 2024

By Performances, News

Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival

July 26-27, 2024 8:45pm

The Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival presents Ohio Contemporary Ballet on July 26-27, 2024, 8:45pm at Forest Lodge Park in Akron. Experience an enchanting evening featuring Gerald Arpino’s Light Rain and the audience favorite, Dark Matter, alongside the newest rendition of Carmen. This program showcases our dancers’ talent and versatility, blending the contemporary ballet with the timeless for a memorable experience.

The performance is FREE. Guests are invited to bring blankets and/or a chair for lawn seating. Pre-show children’s dance activities led by The University of Akron Dance Institute start at 7:45pm.

SHOW DETAILS

July 26 & 27, 2024 8:45pm

Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival
Forest Lodge Park
260 Greenwood Ave, Akron, OH 44313

TICKETS

FREE

Guests are invited to bring blankets and/or a chair for lawn seating

Triple your donation

By Performances, News

Triple Your Donation

The first $10,000 received before our end-of-month fundraising deadline will be matched twice by two anonymous donors! 

To make a donation by check

Send to:
Ohio Contemporary Ballet
3558 Lee Rd.
Shaker Heights, OH 44120

For assistance in making a donation please call 216-397-3757 or email.

Community Open House

By Dance Classes, News

Community Open House Week

June 3-8, 2024

Join us for the Ohio Contemporary Ballet Center an Open House Week running June 3-8, 2024 featuring FREE dance classes for new Teens/Adult students. Classes are specifically designed for students ages 14+ and include an array of ballet classes in varying ability levels from new-to-ballet to advanced.

Ohio Contemporary Ballet Center for Dance studios are located at 3558 Lee Road in Shaker Heights behind The Dealership.

Click here for directions. Free parking available use lot closest to Chagrin Rd.

Looking for children's classes?

OCBallet Youth Academy offers dance classes for ages 2 – 14 years old! Check out our free class trials for new students June 3-8, 2024.

Register for FREE Adult/Teen Dance Classes for new students from June 3-8, 2024

What to Expect in Class

Frequently Asked Questions

Whatever you want! Athletic wear, sweats, or a leotard and tights-whatever makes you feel comfortable and ready to dance! Certain more advanced ballet classes do require ballet slippers, but for Beginning and New to Ballet classes socks are just fine! For yoga, please use bare feet.

In The Dealership at 3558 Lee Road in Shaker Heights.

Yes, everyone must register for class online 24 hours prior to the start of class.

Yes! We have a free parking lot on the north side of The Dealership Building, connecting directly to the OCBallet Center studio door.

YES! Having water on hand is encouraged during every class you take with us. Feel free to keep your water bottle next to you in the studio for a quick sip whenever you need it!

We love our students and they love the studio

Community classes at verb helped me hone in on fundamental skills in order to build the muscle memory and coordination necessary as a foundation to build a more artistic expression as a performing artist. The joy, dedication and focus of the DFE staff is unmatchable. Richard’s classes specifically felt more lyrical I believe this gave me opportunity to explore motion inside the technique more naturally.

Justine SantoraStudent

I love taking class at Dance for Everyone at Verb! As an adult beginner, I found every single teacher to be incredibly encouraging and supportive. If you are interested in learning ballet, even if you have never danced before, Dance for Everyone provides great instruction in a warm and welcoming environment with students of all different ages, levels, and backgrounds.

AnonymousStudent

As someone who took my first dance class when I was almost fifty, I am tremendously grateful for the atmosphere of encouragement, respect, and inclusivity that all the Verb teachers cultivate. Each and every teacher has shown the rare gift of being able to meet where I am, while still challenging me to grow.

Pauline ChenStudent

Three Reasons Dance is for Everyone

When people think of ballet, they might imagine kids twirling around on stage. Or maybe they think of The Nutcracker. While these are fair associations, ballet is not just for kids or the professionals! In fact, there are many benefits to joining ballet regardless of your age or experience. We’ll discuss three reasons why you should consider signing up for a class today!

01

Flexibility & Strength

One of the most obvious benefits of taking ballet as an adult is that it can help you become more flexible, but can be a great way to improve your overall fitness level. This is due to the combination of stretching and strengthening exercises that are a part of every ballet class. Don’t make the common mistake of thinking that you can’t participate in ballet because you’re not flexible enough. Everyone can improve their flexibility with practice. Increased flexibility can lead to better posture and an overall improved quality of life. In addition to becoming more flexible, you will become stronger because ballet combines both cardio and strength-training exercises. There are few exercises as physically demanding, but don’t let that intimidate you! Ballet classes offer opportunities at every stage in one’s journey. Whether you’re an just starting or danced as a kid, ballet allows people to infinitely scale and develop their capabilities!

2

Improved Mental Wellness

Ballet is unique in that it provides both an outlet for creative expression and a challenging physical workout. This combination is perfect for those who are looking to improve their mental well-being. If you struggle from anxiety or depression, ballet may be the perfect way to help improve your symptom with exercise. It can provide an escape from reality while also helping to strengthen and move your body. Using music and movement can even improve your ability to remember things over time.

3

You’ll Be Part of a Community

When you join a ballet class as an adult, you’ll be joining a supportive community of other dancers. This can provide you with a much-needed sense of belonging. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with people of all ages and backgrounds, all of whom share a love of dance. These relationships can provide you with valuable moral support, both emotionally and practically.

Daily Class Schedule

Teen/Adult classes are drop-in. Please make sure that you preregister for all classes at least 2 hours before the start of class to ensure we can facilitate a seamless, touchless check-in experience. Normal class rates are $18/ class or $160 for a 10 pack class card.

Still have a question? Shoot us an email and we’ll get back to you!

    Fresh Inventions

    By Performances, News

    Fresh Inventions

    April 25-27, 2024 7:30pm

    Ohio Contemporary Ballet presents Fresh Inventions, a program of new works created by company dancers: Isaac Hileman, Mathis Joubert & Tailys Poncione, Antonio Morillo, and Martin Skocelas-Hunter. Each piece within the program is thoughtfully choreographed, bringing a unique, personal touch. Expect a mosaic of styles, from the raw power of modern ballet to the subtle nuances of contemporary movement.  It all starts with a spark of creativity, an idea that ignites into a produced work. Witness these Fresh Inventions unfold on stage with this unique initiative to provide opportunities for aspiring choreographers.

    Every year, Cleveland Public Theatre welcomes Northeast Ohio’s most adventurous contemporary dance companies to the CPT stage for remarkable and premiere dance performances.

    Thursday performances are Covid-conscious where masks are required. Click here for COVID-19 Safety Protocols. 

    Every Friday is Free Bev Friday where select post-show beverages are on CPT. 

    SHOW DETAILS

    April 25-27, 2024 7:30PM

    THEATRE

    Cleveland Public Theatre
    6415 Detroit Ave
    Cleveland, OH 44102

    TICKETS

    “Choose What You Pay” and will be offered online, over the phone, and at the Box Office at Cleveland Public Theatre. 

    TICKETS