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Ohio Contemporary Ballet

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

    Meet Matthew Roberts

    By Choreographers

    Matthew Roberts

    Akron, native, Matthew Roberts’ latest creation is the signature blend of movement and storytelling in the exploration of addiction and relapse. Drawing from emotional depth, the performance seeks to offer a poignant reflection on how relapse affects both those battling addiction and their loved ones. Watch the video for the the insight into the work and rehearsal process. Catch the premiere at the Emerging Choreographers Showcase on March 22 & 23, 2024.

    Emerging Choreographers Showcase

    March 22 & 23, 2024

    Matthew Roberts

    Matthew Roberts

    Matthew Roberts is an Akron native who, at the age of 10, discovered he was bilingual and his real native language was dance. After studying at the University of Akron’s Dance Institute, he moved to New York looking to become more fluent and graduated from Marymount Manhattan College in 2013 with a B.F.A. in Dance with a concentration in Choreography. There he performed works by Lar Lubovitch, Robert Battle, Jessica Lang, and Shen Wei. He has danced with Lustig Dance Theatre, Oakland Ballet Company, Awakening Movement, Molissa Fenley, Tami Stronach Dance, Neos Dance Theatre, Bruce Wood Dance, Zion Dance Project, Pegasus Contemporary, Osage Ballet, Ballet Papillon, Störling Dance Theater and MooreDunson Co. He now freelances and teaches Choreography and Modern at the University of Akron, while he forges Frtrss Dance Theatre. He enjoys teaching dance, discussing movement, and leading worship jams, but his love for storytelling, choreography, and sharing the human experience are what fuel his passion to create.

    Meet Richard Oaxaca

    By Choreographers

    Richard Oaxaca

    Richard Oaxaca’s work Ebb & Flow is a harmonious marriage of movement and music, set to the timeless work of Johann Sebastian Bach. The dancers weave a tapestry of precise and fluid motion, embodying the dualities that resonate within the stirring tones of the harpsichord. Watch the video below for the the insight into the work and rehearsal process. Catch the premiere at the Emerging Choreographers Showcase on March 22 & 23, 2024.

    Emerging Choreographers Showcase

    March 22 & 23, 2024

    Richard Oaxaca

    Richard Oaxaca

    Richard Oaxaca is originally from Texas where he grew up competing in gymnastics and cheerleading and was named “America’s Number One Male Cheerleader” four times by the National Cheerleaders Association. He was an original member of the now Netflix Famous, Navarro College Cheer team, from Corsicana Texas. He graduated from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio with a Master of Fine Arts in Contemporary Dance. Upon graduating he studied at the Martha Graham School of Dance in New York City, where he was accepted into their teacher training program and had the honor of performing for the Next@Graham Studio Series. After that Oaxaca joined Kanopy Dance Company of Madison WI. In 2015, he performed as a member of the Los Angeles based dance company Diavolo: Architecture in Motion Company B. Notably, he was invited to perform at the 2012 World Expo in Yeosu, Korea and appeared on Season 7 of America’s Got Talent. He has danced for Princess, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and was a principal acrobat and dancer for Norwegian Cruise Lines. . In 2011, Oaxaca choreographed for Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. In 2017 Oaxaca performed as a mainstage dancer and performer in Disney’s Aladdin, A Musical Spectacular, on board the The Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship portraying the part of The Magic Carpet. He was nominated for a Broadway World Award for Best Choreography for his regional work in Boston, MA. While in Boston Oaxaca was the Director of Dance for Dance With Energy in Weymouth, MA. Most recently Oaxaca performed as a guest artist for Dancing Wheels Dance Company in Cleveland, OH. He has taught at Case Western Reserve University, University of Wisconsin, and is the former Assistant Director of Dance at Notre Dame College, in South Euclid, OH. Oaxaca is currently the Visiting Assistant Professor of Dance for the Case Western Reserve University Dance Department

    Emerging Choreographer Showcase

    By Performances, News

    Emerging Choreographers Showcase

    March 22-23, 2024

    Ohio Contemporary Ballet presents, Emerging Choreographers Showcase, a program featuring an extraordinary blend of creativity from rising choreographers Matthew Roberts, Janice Rosario, and Richard Oaxaca. Each piece serves as a testament to the company’s commitment to elevate marginalized voices and commission works that reflect our times. These performances are presented in our studio theater facility in Shaker Heights and provide an up-close opportunity to experience dance. Learn more about each piece below.

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

    SHOW DETAILS

    March 22, 2024 7:00PM
    March 23, 2024 4:00PM
    March 23, 2024 7:00PM

    THEATRE

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

    TICKETS

    $30
    Ticket fees apply

    TICKETS

    Emerging Choreographers Showcase

    To purchase tickets select from the available performance times below. All tickets cost $30 and are general admission.

    March 22, 2024

    March 23, 2024

    March 23, 2024

    Choreographers

    Each piece serves as a testament to the company’s commitment to elevate marginalized voices and commission works that reflect our times.

    Richard Oaxaca

    Richard Oaxaca is originally from Texas where he grew up competing in gymnastics and cheerleading and was named “America’s Number One Male Cheerleader” four times by the National Cheerleaders Association. He was an original member of the now Netflix Famous, Navarro College Cheer team, from Corsicana Texas. He graduated from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio with a Master of Fine Arts in Contemporary Dance. Upon graduating he studied at the Martha Graham School of Dance in New York City, where he was accepted into their teacher training program and had the honor of performing for the Next@Graham Studio Series. After that Oaxaca joined Kanopy Dance Company of Madison WI. In 2015, he performed as a member of the Los Angeles based dance company Diavolo: Architecture in Motion Company B. Notably, he was invited to perform at the 2012 World Expo in Yeosu, Korea and appeared on Season 7 of America’s Got Talent. He has danced for Princess, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and was a principal acrobat and dancer for Norwegian Cruise Lines. . In 2011, Oaxaca choreographed for Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. In 2017 Oaxaca performed as a mainstage dancer and performer in Disney's Aladdin, A Musical Spectacular, on board the The Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship portraying the part of The Magic Carpet. He was nominated for a Broadway World Award for Best Choreography for his regional work in Boston, MA. While in Boston Oaxaca was the Director of Dance for Dance With Energy in Weymouth, MA. Most recently Oaxaca performed as a guest artist for Dancing Wheels Dance Company in Cleveland, OH. He has taught at Case Western Reserve University, University of Wisconsin, and is the former Assistant Director of Dance at Notre Dame College, in South Euclid, OH. Oaxaca is currently the Visiting Assistant Professor of Dance for the Case Western Reserve University Dance Department.

    Richard Oaxaca

    Richard Oaxaca’s work is a harmonious marriage of movement and music, set to the timeless work of Johann Sebastian Bach. The dancers weave a tapestry of precise and fluid motion, embodying the dualities that resonate within the stirring tones of the harpsichord.

    Matthew Roberts

    Matthew Roberts is an Akron native who, at the age of 10, discovered he was bilingual and his real native language was dance. After studying at the University of Akron’s Dance Institute, he moved to New York looking to become more fluent and graduated from Marymount Manhattan College in 2013 with a B.F.A. in Dance with a concentration in Choreography. There he performed works by Lar Lubovitch, Robert Battle, Jessica Lang, and Shen Wei. He has danced with Lustig Dance Theatre, Oakland Ballet Company, Awakening Movement, Molissa Fenley, Tami Stronach Dance, Neos Dance Theatre, Bruce Wood Dance, Zion Dance Project, Pegasus Contemporary, Osage Ballet, Ballet Papillon, Störling Dance Theater and MooreDunson Co. He now freelances and teaches Choreography and Modern at the University of Akron, while he forges Frtrss Dance Theatre. He enjoys teaching dance, discussing movement, and leading worship jams, but his love for storytelling, choreography, and sharing the human experience are what fuel his passion to create.

    Matthew Roberts

    Akron, native, Matthew Roberts’ latest creation is the signature blend of movement and storytelling in the exploration of addiction and relapse. Drawing from emotional depth, the performance seeks to offer a poignant reflection on how relapse affects both those battling addiction and their loved ones.

    Janice Rosario

    Janice Rosario is a nationally recognized contemporary dance choreographer, educator, and activist. As a native New Yorker, Janice studied at some of NYC's most elite institutions including Ballet Hispánico, Ballet Academy East, and The Ailey School. She is a graduate of LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts and Hunter College. When not in the studio, she is running her nonprofit, The Good Neighbor Collective Inc, to support and empower those underserved in our communities.

    As a choreographer, Janice has been commissioned by numerous prestigious institutions throughout the United States including Barnard College/Columbia University, Montclair State University, The University of Alabama, Case Western University, Steps on Broadway Conservatory, Ailey/Fordham University, The Ailey School's Professional Division, Manhattanville College, Bucknell University, Howard University, Dean College, Brockport University, Baltimore School of the Arts, Grand Canyon University, Irvine Valley College, Sacred Heart University, Drexel University, Hunter College, The Martha Graham School, New York Dance Project, Steps on Broadway's Conservatory, Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts, the Dance Institute of Washington, the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, Davidson High School, Passaic County Technical Institute, The Thacher School, the Joy of Motion Dance Center, Frank Sinatra High School for the Performing Arts, Fort Hamilton High School, Norte Maar's Counterpointe Series, Periapsis Music and Dance, La MaMa Moves! Dance Festival and the Battery Dance Festival.

    In addition to her choreographic endeavors, Janice has taught at The Ailey School, Peridance Center, The Martha Graham School, The University of Alabama, Montclair State University, Barnard College/Columbia University, Cornish University, Bucknell University, Manhattanville College, the University of Oklahoma, the University of Florida, Ballet Hispanico, Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts, Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway, Gibney Dance Center, New York Dance Project, Frank Sinatra High School for the Performing Arts, Fort Hamilton High School, Sacred Heart University, Grand Canyon University, Hunter College, Harvard University, High Tech High School, the American Youth Dance Theater, Irvine Valley College, the Contemporary Dance Festival in Tobago and the Joy of Motion Dance Center.

    Through her work as an artist, educator and activist, Janice is driven to "create spaces where we can see each other past the divides to contribute to making an ever more inclusive community."

    Janice Rosario

    Janice Rosario, a renowned New York choreographer, explores themes of letting go, acceptance, and the quest for understanding, connecting the seasons with distinct emotional landscapes of ourselves. Set to Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, Rosario transcends traditional ballet boundaries, presenting an abstract interpretation of the seasons as reflections of the human condition.

    Choreographers

    Each piece serves as a testament to the company’s commitment to elevate marginalized voices and commission works that reflect our times.

    Richard Oaxaca

    Richard Oaxaca is originally from Texas where he grew up competing in gymnastics and cheerleading and was named “America’s Number One Male Cheerleader” four times by the National Cheerleaders Association. He was an original member of the now Netflix Famous, Navarro College Cheer team, from Corsicana Texas. He graduated from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio with a Master of Fine Arts in Contemporary Dance. Upon graduating he studied at the Martha Graham School of Dance in New York City, where he was accepted into their teacher training program and had the honor of performing for the Next@Graham Studio Series. After that Oaxaca joined Kanopy Dance Company of Madison WI. In 2015, he performed as a member of the Los Angeles based dance company Diavolo: Architecture in Motion Company B. Notably, he was invited to perform at the 2012 World Expo in Yeosu, Korea and appeared on Season 7 of America’s Got Talent. He has danced for Princess, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and was a principal acrobat and dancer for Norwegian Cruise Lines. . In 2011, Oaxaca choreographed for Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. In 2017 Oaxaca performed as a mainstage dancer and performer in Disney's Aladdin, A Musical Spectacular, on board the The Disney Fantasy Cruise Ship portraying the part of The Magic Carpet. He was nominated for a Broadway World Award for Best Choreography for his regional work in Boston, MA. While in Boston Oaxaca was the Director of Dance for Dance With Energy in Weymouth, MA. Most recently Oaxaca performed as a guest artist for Dancing Wheels Dance Company in Cleveland, OH. He has taught at Case Western Reserve University, University of Wisconsin, and is the former Assistant Director of Dance at Notre Dame College, in South Euclid, OH. Oaxaca is currently the Visiting Assistant Professor of Dance for the Case Western Reserve University Dance Department.

    Richard Oaxaca

    Richard Oaxaca’s work is a harmonious marriage of movement and music, set to the timeless work of Johann Sebastian Bach. The dancers weave a tapestry of precise and fluid motion, embodying the dualities that resonate within the stirring tones of the harpsichord.

    Matthew Roberts

    Matthew Roberts is an Akron native who, at the age of 10, discovered he was bilingual and his real native language was dance. After studying at the University of Akron’s Dance Institute, he moved to New York looking to become more fluent and graduated from Marymount Manhattan College in 2013 with a B.F.A. in Dance with a concentration in Choreography. There he performed works by Lar Lubovitch, Robert Battle, Jessica Lang, and Shen Wei. He has danced with Lustig Dance Theatre, Oakland Ballet Company, Awakening Movement, Molissa Fenley, Tami Stronach Dance, Neos Dance Theatre, Bruce Wood Dance, Zion Dance Project, Pegasus Contemporary, Osage Ballet, Ballet Papillon, Störling Dance Theater and MooreDunson Co. He now freelances and teaches Choreography and Modern at the University of Akron, while he forges Frtrss Dance Theatre. He enjoys teaching dance, discussing movement, and leading worship jams, but his love for storytelling, choreography, and sharing the human experience are what fuel his passion to create.

    Matthew Roberts

    Akron, native, Matthew Roberts’ latest creation is the signature blend of movement and storytelling in the exploration of addiction and relapse. Drawing from emotional depth, the performance seeks to offer a poignant reflection on how relapse affects both those battling addiction and their loved ones.

    Janice Rosario

    Janice Rosario is a nationally recognized contemporary dance choreographer, educator, and activist. As a native New Yorker, Janice studied at some of NYC's most elite institutions including Ballet Hispánico, Ballet Academy East, and The Ailey School. She is a graduate of LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts and Hunter College. When not in the studio, she is running her nonprofit, The Good Neighbor Collective Inc, to support and empower those underserved in our communities.

    As a choreographer, Janice has been commissioned by numerous prestigious institutions throughout the United States including Barnard College/Columbia University, Montclair State University, The University of Alabama, Case Western University, Steps on Broadway Conservatory, Ailey/Fordham University, The Ailey School's Professional Division, Manhattanville College, Bucknell University, Howard University, Dean College, Brockport University, Baltimore School of the Arts, Grand Canyon University, Irvine Valley College, Sacred Heart University, Drexel University, Hunter College, The Martha Graham School, New York Dance Project, Steps on Broadway's Conservatory, Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts, the Dance Institute of Washington, the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, Davidson High School, Passaic County Technical Institute, The Thacher School, the Joy of Motion Dance Center, Frank Sinatra High School for the Performing Arts, Fort Hamilton High School, Norte Maar's Counterpointe Series, Periapsis Music and Dance, La MaMa Moves! Dance Festival and the Battery Dance Festival.

    In addition to her choreographic endeavors, Janice has taught at The Ailey School, Peridance Center, The Martha Graham School, The University of Alabama, Montclair State University, Barnard College/Columbia University, Cornish University, Bucknell University, Manhattanville College, the University of Oklahoma, the University of Florida, Ballet Hispanico, Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts, Broadway Dance Center, Steps on Broadway, Gibney Dance Center, New York Dance Project, Frank Sinatra High School for the Performing Arts, Fort Hamilton High School, Sacred Heart University, Grand Canyon University, Hunter College, Harvard University, High Tech High School, the American Youth Dance Theater, Irvine Valley College, the Contemporary Dance Festival in Tobago and the Joy of Motion Dance Center.

    Through her work as an artist, educator and activist, Janice is driven to "create spaces where we can see each other past the divides to contribute to making an ever more inclusive community."

    Janice Rosario

    Janice Rosario, a renowned New York choreographer, explores themes of letting go, acceptance, and the quest for understanding, connecting the seasons with distinct emotional landscapes of ourselves. Set to Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, Rosario transcends traditional ballet boundaries, presenting an abstract interpretation of the seasons as reflections of the human condition.

    Meet Choreographer Robert Gardner

    By Choreographers, Performances

    Meet Choreographer

    Robert Gardner

    Robert Gardner was commissioned to re-imagining of Anna Pavlova’s, Bacchanale. While the actual choreography is lost, sculptor Malvina Hoffman preserved much it with 26 friezes of poses from the ballet along with a life-size bronze sculpture that sits in the outdoor gardens of the Cleveland Museum of Art. As it was being sculpted, it was overseen by Pavlova to maintain absolute balletic accuracy. This new company work will appear on the February 10th show at The Breen Center for the Performing Arts.

    Anna Pavlova is known as the world’s prima ballerina assoluta. Hitting her peak in the 1920’s, and forever known for her rendition of The Dying Swan, unknown to many is that she also choreographed. Those few works are lost to history but one, Bacchanale, was preserved by the sculptor, Malvina Hoffman. Pavlova and Hoffman’s friendship and subsequent partnership resulted in the creation of 26 friezes and one life-size sculpture of the ballet. Abraham Garfield, nephew of President Garfield and a Cleveland architect, commissioned Malvina Hoffman to make a life-sized copy of her original 14 inch tall sculpture, Bacchanale Russe for his client business leader and philanthropist, Henry G. Dalton. The original Dalton Bacchanale is currently in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art and is located out of doors on the southeast corner of the museum grounds. Choreographer Gardner reimagined the ballet choreographed by Pavlova referencing the artwork as historical inspiration. He embraced Pavlova’s iconic expressive and emotive style of ballet.

    The work of sculptor Malvina Hoffman

    Prima ballerina assoluta, Anna Pavlova

    Robert Garder

    Robert Gardner began his dance training in his hometown of Roanoke, Virginia. He furthered his training under scholarship at the North Carolina School of the Arts and at the School of American Ballet. He began his professional career in New York with the Eglevsky Ballet, the Joffrey II Dancers, then performed with the Joffrey Ballet where he danced works by Frederick Ashton, Anthony Tudor, Ruthanna Boris, and Choo San Goh throughout the United States, as well as internationally. His career moved him west, where with the San Jose/Cleveland Ballet he danced principal and soloist roles in works by George Balanchine, Agnes De Mille, Lar Lubovitch, Jose’ Limon, Dennis Nahat, and others. He appeared as a guest artist with the Houston Grand Opera, Chicago Lyric Opera, and Glimmerglass Opera in Cooperstown, New York. His world dance experience has enriched his vision, choreography, and teaching.

    Most recently, as Artistic Director of the Rochester City Ballet, Robert successfully led the company thorough the challenges of the pandemic, creating virtual performances, presenting programming such as his acclaimed “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in outdoor arenas and creating virtual educational outreach programming. While building the artistic excellence of the company through his original choreography, such as his contemporary retelling of “Carmen,” he helped to promote diversity through commissions of emerging artists.

    Prior to moving to New York, he served as the Artistic Director of the Minnesota Ballet for 12 years, where he choreographed over 40 works, including his original versions of “Sleeping Beauty,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Dracula,” “Firebird, and “Swan Lake,” described as a “lush dance epic.” His work has been hailed as having a “meticulous use of contrasting imagery, emotions and energy that make each dance moment exquisitely unique,” and has been presented to acclaim nationally and internationally. He has choreographed for opera and orchestra, as well as musical theater. His national connections have enabled him to bring masterworks by George Balanchine, Twyla Tharp, Agnes DeMille, Anthony Tudor, and Salvatore Aiello to the companies he has led, as well as promoting emerging regional and national choreographers, composers, and designers. His teaching career is wide ranging, from master classes at universities such as Yale and Park Point, to professional companies, dance schools and academies throughout the United States.

    Spring Gala Sponsorship

    By Gala, News

    Spring Gala Sponsorship 2026

    Sponsoring Ohio Contemporary Ballet Spring Gala on April 11, 2026, is a unique and highly-visible way for your company, organization, or family foundation to help sustain the company. Proceeds from the 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

    • 10 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

    • Contribute what you wish. Funds cover expenses including dancers’ dinners, auctioneer, valet, and performance costs.

    Ready to be a sponsor?

    Please complete the form below to register as a sponsor for the Spring Gala. If you have any questions please call Jessie Li at 216-397-3757 ext. 2 or email.

    As you wish to be listed in text.
    I will provide Ohio Contemporary Ballet with my logo.
    Name of Contact
    Mailing Address

    Sponsorship Details

    Minimum Price: $10.00

    Spring Gala 2024

    By News, Gala

    Up, Up & Away!

    Saturday, April 6, 2024

    Join us for Up, Up & Away! a reflection of Ohio Contemporary Ballet’s performance excellence and how the company continues to break barriers. At this exciting fundraiser, guests can explore the home of Vocon, an award-winning interior design and architectural firm, while engaging in interactive experiences. A presentation by Ohio Contemporary Ballet dancers will be followed by a Raise-the-Paddle fundraiser. Click here for the events of the evening.

    Ohio Contemporary Ballet’s (formerly Verb Ballets) annual Spring Gala provides the vital financial support necessary to maintain the company’s high level of artistry, its general operations, and education opportunities.

    I can not attend but wish to make a donation toward supporting the gala.

    Please click here to make a donation by credit card.

    Checks can be mailed to Ohio Contemporary Ballet 3558 Lee Rd. Shaker Heights, OH 44120.

    GALA DETAILS

    April 6, 2024 7:00PM

    Vocon Partners, LLC
    3142 Prospect Avenue East
    Cleveland, Ohio 44115 (Map)

    GALA TICKETS

    Patron $175.00 ($65.00 tax-deductible)
    Benefactor $275.00 ($165.00 tax-deductible)
    Group of Eight Patrons $1,200.00 ($40.00 tax-deductible per guest)

    RSVP by March 22, 2024

    RSVP

    Generous Sponsors

    Sponsorship

    Your company, organization or family foundation can support Ohio Contemporary Ballet  in a highly visible way by becoming a sponsor.

    Events of the Evening

    7:00PM
    Cocktails & Hors d’oeuvres
    Dinner Stations by Trifles Catering
    8:30PM
    Company Dance
    Live Auction and Raise-the-Paddle
    9:00PM
    Dessert and Dancing
    10:00PM
    Good night and Thank you!

    Cocktail Attire

    Vocon is a Top 100 architecture and design firm with a coast-to-coast clientele of Fortune 500 companies and an award-winning record of designing environments that reflect cultures, personalities, strategies and operational needs. Vocon has had the privilege of sponsoring Ohio Contemporary Ballet for many years, as well as many other Northeast Ohio organizations, including the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, ACE Mentorship Program and the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless, as well as many others.

    Let your spaces speak.

    create engage collaborate for you.

    Vocon Cleveland Headquaters

    3142 Prospect Avenue E
    Cleveland, OH 44115

    Complimentary Valet Parking