Now Booking
Ohio Contemporary Ballet (OCBallet) formerly Verb Ballets is seeking booking for performances and outreach. For over 30 years, Ohio Contemporary Ballet has had deep roots in Northeast Ohio. Located in Cleveland, Ohio we bring bold and inspiring dances to the stage. The company has been an artistic ambassador with tours to Cuba and Taiwan. Today, the company is under the leadership of Dr. Margaret Carlson, former principal dancer for the original Cleveland Ballet, and Richard Dickinson, MFA, former Ohio Ballet dancer. Recognized as a premiere dance company in the region, we bring excellent performances that delight and captivate audiences. Ohio Contemporary Ballet commissions new contemporary works that reflect our times, performs beloved classical repertory while also staging cherished story ballets.
To discuss booking contact Dr. Margaret Carlson directly 216-577-0494.
Company Offerings
As a contemporary ballet company, we offer repertory programs from 21st century choreographers, mixed with restaged classics. The company has an extensive roster of award-winning choreographers, varying in styles to help put together a program to suit your audience. Our dancers all have a strong classical foundation, complemented by a virtuous vocabulary, that seamlessly transitions into contemporary styles. Every summer the company tours throughout the Great Lakes region performing in outdoor venues. Performances can be presented at but are not limited to main stage theatres, casino stages, outdoor amphitheaters and school stages. Programs can be put together to accompany a local orchestra or musicians. Offering audiences, the powerful experience of ballet with live music. The company has collaborated with many music organizations including BlueWater Orchestra, the Akron Symphony, Lakeside Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Chamber Symphony and with rock musician, Neil Zaza.
All performances can also add interactive educational opportunities for community engagement. The company offers outreach programs for all ages that can be taken into schools, community centers, arts institutions, nursing homes and more! In addition, we can also offer pre-show interactives, lectures, dance residencies and masterclass opportunities. We aim to bring programs out to the public, meeting people where they live, work, and learn. Children’s programs explore topics such as arts appreciation, literacy, STEM, and cultural diversity. We also offers programs for seniors that emphasize movement to encourage socialization and wellness.
Offering
- Mixed Rep Performances
- Family Programming
- Children’s Programming
- Community Outreach
- Master Classes
- Senior Movement Workshops
- Speaking Engagements
- Industry Experience Field Trips
Photo Gallery
Enough Talk, Let's Work Together
Youth + Family programming
Experience a family-friendly children’s ballet performed on the main stage by our professional company, featuring exquisite hand-painted European sets and beautifully crafted costumes. These enchanting productions provide a perfect opportunity to engage local children and community groups, creating unforgettable memories for audiences of all ages. Contact us to learn more!
Peter Pan
Ohio Contemporary Ballet presents the main stage production of Peter Pan, the enchanting tale of a boy who refuses to grow up. When Peter loses his shadow in the home of the Darling family, he makes new friends and shows them just how easy it is to fly off to Neverland. The production features vibrant sets hand painted in Europe donated by Kim and Jeremy White Foundation. The theatrical and fast-moving story makes this the perfect ballet for all ages. From the “tick-tock” of the crocodile, to Wendy’s dance with Peter, this ballet will charm and delight audiences. This production provides an excellent opportunity to involve local children and is an unforgettable chance to work with a professional company.
Mowgli’s Jungle Adventures
Ohio Contemporary Ballet presents Mowgli’s Jungle Adventure, a captivating children’s ballet based on Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale. Choreographed by Associate Artistic Director, Richard Dickinson, the story follows Mowgli, a young boy raised by wolves, as he faces the fearsome tiger Shere Khan and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Guided by Bagheera and Baloo, Mowgli encounters both friends and foes, including the hypnotic python Kaa and the cunning King Louie. This vibrant ballet highlights themes of acceptance and community. The creation of this ballet is supported from Shah Capital Management. This production has the option of working with local students to perform with the company.
Reaching beyond the stage
Ohio Contemporary Ballet offers outreach opportunities to learn through dance. Our children’s programs explore topics ranging from arts appreciation, literacy, STEM, and cultural diversity. We also offers programs for seniors that emphasize movement as a way to encourage socialization and wellness. The company connects with communities in various non-stage settings including schools, community centers, libraries, art institutions, nursing homes and more!
Community Outreach
Ohio Contemporary Ballet offers a variety of interactive programs for children including Shape Imagination and WiggleWords. These programs explore topics ranging from arts appreciation, literacy, and STEM. Most programs can easily be performed in small theaters, schools, gyms, libraries, museums, and community centers. These interactive educational opportunities that can be linked to Ohio’s curriculum standards. Ohio Contemporary Ballet is registered as an Ohio Artist on Tour through the Ohio Arts Council.
Lecture Demonstrations
Ohio Contemporary Ballet offers a variety of educational performances for children including Peter and the Wolf, Carnival of the Animals and Exploring Asia. Most programs can easily be performed in small theaters, schools, gyms, libraries, museums, and community centers. These performances can be paired with interactive educational opportunities that can be linked to Ohio’s curriculum standards.
Adult Movement Workshops
Moving Connections is a unique workshop crafted specifically for older adults, designed to spark creativity, foster social connections, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the arts—all through the joy of movement. Led by professionally trained dancers and movement specialists, this program offers a holistic approach to wellness, helping participants.
