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News

Cain Park

By Performances, News

Cain Park

June 29, 2024 8:00pm

Kick off the summer season with an exhilarating, FREE performance at Cain Park. This performance is a gift to the community from board members David M. Dusek, James D. Graham, Leslie Kaufman and Scott Cowen. Gather your friends and family for an enchanting evening of stunning dance.

This performance will feature Heinz Poll’s Schubert Waltzes with live music by Byeol Kim the third-place winner of the 2021 Cleveland International Piano Competition hosted by Piano Cleveland.”

The performance is FREE. Registration is encouraged to anticipate the guests.

Gates will open at 7:00pm and seating is general admission. No tickets are required for entrance. Evans Amphitheater is covered and protected from the rain. The performance will start promptly at 8:00pm.

Afterglow Party
Join us at the beautiful home of James D. Graham and David M. Dusek for a VIP reception following the Cain Park performance. Experience the breathtaking mansion in Shaker Heights while mingling with the directors and company dancers of Ohio Contemporary Ballet. Tickets are $75 per guest and include drinks, appetizers and desserts. Details here>>

SHOW DETAILS

June 29, 2024 8:00pm
Cain Park
14591 Superior Road
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

TICKETS

FREE tickets
All seating is general admission

TICKETS
AFTERGLOW TICKETS

Register for FREE Tickets and Order T shirts

Join the Afterglow Party following the performance

Join us at the beautiful home of James D. Graham and David M. Dusek for a VIP reception following the Cain Park performance. Experience the breathtaking mansion in Shaker Heights while mingling with the directors and company dancers of Ohio Contemporary Ballet.

Tickets are $75 per guest and include drinks, appetizers and desserts.
Tickets are limited, so advance RSVP is required.

Fresh Inventions at DanceWorks 2023

By Performances, News

Fresh Inventions

April 27-29, 2023 7:00pm

Cleveland Public Theatre welcomes Northeast Ohio’s most adventurous contemporary dance companies to the stage each year for DanceWorks. Verb, “Ohio Contemporary Ballet”, presents Fresh Inventions, an exciting evening of dance full of innovative ideas and expression created by company dancers Emily Dietz, Antonio Morillo, Bryan Salinas, Benjamin Shepard, Kate Webb and former company member, Christina Lindhout. The choreographers will be challenged by this unique initiative to push boundaries with their artistic vision by exploring original movement. A powerhouse of talent and passion will bring you into a new world of imagination and possibility through every move on stage!

SHOW DETAILS

April 27-29, 2023 7:00pm

THEATRE

Cleveland Public Theatre
6415 Detroit Ave
Cleveland, OH 44102

TICKETS

Choose What You Pay
Tickets call the box office at 216.631.2727 ext. 501between 12pm-5pm, Wednesday- Saturday

GET TICKETS

Fresh Invention Choreographers

Emily Dietz

Antonio Morillo

Bryan Salinas

Benjamin Shepard

Kate Webb

Christina Lindhout

Cleveland Public Theatre

6415 Detroit Ave
Cleveland, OH 44102

Mowgli’s Jungle Adventures

By Performances, News

Mowgli's Jungle Adventures

June 11, 2023 3:30 PM

Mowgli‘s Jungle Adventures, the story ballet, showcases a unique blend of ballet and Indian dance styles with colorful costumes to mesmerize viewers of all ages!  It highlights the re-telling of Rudyard Kipling’s beloved story of an Indian boy abandoned by his parents and raised by a pack of wolves. This performance emphasizes themes of acceptance and community – demonstrating the importance of including everyone no matter how different they are. This entertaining ballet has captured both the hearts and imaginations of audiences. Shah Capital Management is proud to be the Producer and Exclusive Sponsor for Mowgli’s Jungle Adventures.  This ballet was choreographed by Richard Dickinson, MFA.

SHOW DETAILS

June 11, 2023 3:30pm

THEATRE

Akron Civic Theatre
182 S. Main St.
Akron, Ohio 44308

TICKETS

Adults: $14
Children Ages 5 to 12: $8
Children Under 5: Free
GET TICKETS

Akron Civic Theatre

182 S. Main St.
Akron, Ohio 44308

Spring Gala 2023

By News, Gala

Through the looking glass...

Saturday, April 1, 2023

Join us as we follow  Through the Looking Glass . . . Come explore the unexpected during an evening featuring pop-up dances, an interactive scavenger hunt, merriment and secret surprises! Click here for the events of the evening.

Honorary Chairs, Deb and Mac Donley and Jeannine and Paul Voinovich, welcome you down the rabbit hole at Vocon headquarters to experience the wonder of Verb, “Ohio Contemporary Ballet” in this curious and curiouser fundraiser.

Verb’s annual Spring Gala provides the vital support necessary to maintain the company’s artistic excellence and fund general operations and educational programming.

Purchase tickets online. If you wish to send a check for gala tickets please send to Verb Ballets 3558 Lee Rd. Shaker Heights, OH 44120.

I can not attend but wish to make a donation. Please click here.

GALA DETAILS

April 1, 2023 7:00PM

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

GALA TICKETS

Patron $165 ($60 tax deductible )
Benefactor $265 ($160 tax deductible)
RSVP by March 22, 2023

RSVP

I can not arttend and wish to support the organization with a tax deductible donation.

DONATE

Let your spaces speak.

create engage collaborate for you.

Meet The Vocon Honorary Co-Chairs

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 Verb, "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.

Founder & CXO | Vocon

Debbie Donley

Vocon Founder and Chief Experience Officer Debbie Donley is an active volunteer in the community, pursuing professional development opportunities with groups such as In Counsel With Women, the Greater Cleveland Partnership, the Group Plan Commission and the Cuyahoga Community College Foundation. In addition, Debbie is a member of the University School Board of Directors and the Elon University Parent Council. Mac Donley is the CEO of Donley’s Concrete Group. Founded over 80 years ago in Northeast Ohio, they specialize in concrete, restoration and parking deck services and have grown significantly in the Southeast portion of the country. Mac and Deb enjoy spending their free time with their adult children in New York and love to travel.

READ FULL BIO
CEO | Vocon

Paul M. Voinovich

Paul M. Voinovich, Vocon CEO, is committed to progress throughout Northeast Ohio and has been the Past Chapter, Learning and Membership Chair for Cleveland Young Presidents Organization and is a current John Carroll University and Greater Cleveland Sports Commission Board Member. He and his wife, Jeannine, spend their free time enjoying the many activities which surround two teenage boys.

READ FULL BIO

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

Sponsorship

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

every adventure requires a first step...

~The Cheshire Cat

Vocon Cleveland Headquaters

3142 Prospect Avenue E
Cleveland, OH 44115

Complimentary Valet Parking

Spring Gala Sponsorship 2023

By Gala, News

Spring Gala Sponsorship 2023

Sponsoring Verb, “Ohio Contemporary Ballet” Spring Gala on April 1, 2023, 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 Verb’s operations, performances, and outreach programs. Verb, “Ohio Contemporary Ballet” is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. Select level and complete the form to proceed. Please submit the agreement and logo by March 7, 2023, to ensure brand recognition in Gala marketing materials. All sponsors will be honored on the night of the Gala.

Ready to be a sponsor?

Select level below to process by credit card. If you wish to pay by check, please call Jennifer Forcucci-Marzluf at 216-397-3757 ext. 2 or email to make arrangements.

Impresarios

16 Gala Tickets
16 complimentary tickets to a Verb Ballets performance
Full page ad in Verb programs through April 2024
Top billing on Gala marketing (print, web, radio, social media visibility)
Gala night signage and company recognition video

$20,000

Learn more

Etoiles

12 Gala Tickets
12 complimentary tickets to a Verb Ballets performance
Half page ad in Verb programs through April 2024
Top billing on Gala marketing (print, web, radio, social media visibility)
Gala night signage and company recognition video

$10,000

Learn more

Principals

6 Gala Tickets
6 complimentary tickets to a Verb Ballets performance
Logo on Gala materials and website
Gala night signage and recognition

$5,000

Learn more

Soloists

4 Gala Tickets
4 complimentary tickets to a Verb Ballets performance
Logo on Gala materials and website
Gala night signage and recognition

$2,500

Learn more

Corps De Ballet

2 Gala Tickets
2 complimentary tickets to a Verb Ballets performance
Logo on Gala materials and website
Gala night signage and recognition

$1,500

Learn more

April 1, 2023

Join us as we follow Alice Through the Looking Glass . . . Enjoy the unexpected throughout the evening featuring pop-up dances, an interactive scavenger hunt, merriment and secret surprises!

Sponsorship Questions

If you have any questions please contact Jennifer Forcucci-Marzluf at 216-397-3757 ext 2 or email.

Spring Classes for Youth

By News

Enrolling students now

This spring we will be offering PreBallet and Ballet 1. The session starts February 2, 2023 and runs through April 27, 2023 with no classes on March 30th for spring break. Also, current students will have an opportunity to perform with the company in April! Registration is processed through Mindbody online. If you would like to request a payment plan, please email. Read our FAQ’s here about the studio policies.

PreBallet (Ages 3-5)

Ms. Andrea

Thursdays, 5:30-6:15pm
$175 or divided evenly into 3 payments

In Pre-Ballet young dancers will learn the basics of ballet technique, including ballet positions, vocabulary, and general class structure. Students will enjoy using imagery, music, games, and props to increase their posture, coordination, flexibility, and musicality. Ballet slippers are encouraged but not required.

Ballet  I (Ages 6-8)

Ms. Jennifer

Thursdays, 6:30-7:30pm
$225 or divided evenly into 3 payments

Ballet I is the beginning of classical ballet training. In this class dancers will learn proper ballet technique, follow a set class structure, learn basic ballet steps and vocabulary, and begin learning basic choreography. Ballet slippers are required.

Registration for Spring Semester

Enrollment is now open! In-studio class sizes are limited to 15 students in-studio. Registration is processed through MindBody online. If you would like to request a payment plan, please email here.

Looking for adult classes?

Verb Ballets offers dance classes for adults too!

Andrea Belser

Andrea is a Performing and Teaching Artist from Cleveland with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Studies, emphasizing in Dance and Applied Voice, from Wright State University. She teaches various dance, theater acting, and musical theater to all ages and abilities with theaters and companies around Northeast Ohio, including but not limited to Playhouse Square, Dancing Wheels, Cleveland Play House, and DANCECleveland. Under the stage name Andrea Belser, she also continuously works on and off stage as an actor, dancer, singer, choreographer, stage manager, and dresser.

Jennifer Forcucci-Marzluf

Jennifer grew up dancing at her mother’s studio, Cathleen Forcucci Dance Academy in Orange County, CA. After her mother’s passing, she owned and directed CF Dance Academy in Fullerton, CA for 18 years. During that time Jennifer also directed the award-winning Fullerton Youth Ballet Junior and Senior companies. She presented annual ballets including Coppélia, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Paquita and The Nutcracker as well as original works including The Little Mermaid and The Jungle Book. In 2017, two of Jennifer’s advanced students represented the United States at the Cecchetti International Ballet Competition in Florence, Italy. Jennifer is currently serving her second term and eighth year as Secretary on the Board of Directors for Cecchetti USA Classical Ballet. Jennifer holds her Licentiate Teaching Certification for Cecchetti Classical Ballet and is looking forward to training as an International Examiner.

Studio Policies

  • Tuition will not be prorated to accommodate for missed classes for any reason, and no make-up classes will be issued in the event your student misses a class.
  • Verb Ballets will allow each class ONE snow day/cancellation per semester.
  • If class is cancelled by Verb Ballets or the instructor for any reason (beyond the one allowed snow day/cancellation mentioned above), a make-up class will be scheduled.
  • If you would like to request a payment plan, please email school@verbballets.org

Frequently asked questions

Verb Ballets has developed a Health and Safety Policy is to keep students, guests, dancers and staff of the Verb Ballets Center for Dance safe, healthy and to encourage confidence to return to our programs. All individuals including guests and teachers who enter will be required to wear masks at all times. Every student is also required to complete a contact tracing form prior to entering the studio. Click here to read all the safety measure in place at the studio.

Classes will be offered in-studio for small socially spaced groups of twelve students. Masks are recommended.

Yes, we ask that all students enroll for the session.

Spring semester dates:
Classes run February 2, 2023- April 27, 2023. No classes on March 30th for spring break.

Verb Ballets does offer a payment plan of three equal installments over the course of the semester.  A valid credit card saved on file is required to set up a payment plan. If you would like to request a payment plan, please email school@verbballets.org

Yes, for all level Ballet I and up we ask the girls wear a black leotard with tights and ballet slippers. Hair must be secured off the face and in a bun. Boys are asked to wear gym shorts and a white shirt and ballet slippers.

In The Dealership at 3558 Lee Road in Shaker Heights.

In order to allow for social distancing we ask that parents drop students at the door and the teacher will walk them to class. The teacher will walk them to the door for pick up.

Tuition will not be prorated to accommodate for missed classes for any reason, and no make-up classes will be issued in the event your student misses a class. Verb Ballets will allow each class ONE snow day/cancellation per semester. If class is cancelled by Verb Ballets or the instructor for any reason (beyond the one allowed snow day/cancellation mentioned above), a make-up class will be scheduled.

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!

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

    Celebrations

    By Performances, News

    Celebrations

    February 18, 2023 7:30pm

    Celebrations

    Verb, “Ohio Contemporary Ballet” returns to the Breen Center for the Performing Arts on February 18, 2023, at 7:30pm. The program will highlight a range of talent with the restaging of Celebration by Gerald Arpino, Joffrey Ballet Co-Founder and Former Artistic Director and a new commission by choreographer Levi Marsman, former dancer with Ailey II. Gerald Arpino’s Celebration, is staged as part of the Centennial to honor what would have been the American choreographer’s and co-founder of Joffrey Ballet, 100th birthday. Marsman will create a new ballet utilizing his expressive unique style. The evening will also showcase Verb’s Associate Artistic Director, Richard Dickinson’s, Four Last Songs from 2013. This well-crafted contemporary ballet depicts the sorrow of loss to the beautiful sound of a mezzo-soprano singing the lush poetry of Hermann Hesse and Joseph von Eichendorff.

    For question about seating call 216-397-3757 ext 2.

    The performance of “Celebration”, an Arpino ballet, is presented with the permission of The Gerald Arpino Foundation and has been produced in accordance with the Foundation service standards established and provided by the Foundation.

    SHOW DETAILS

    February 18, 2023 7:30pm

    Breen Center for the Performing Arts
    St. Ignatius High School
    2008 West 30th St
    Cleveland, OH 44113 (Map)

    TICKETS

    $35 Preferred Seating
    $28 Center Seating
    $25 Side Seating
    $10 Seating

    Ticketing fees apply

    If you need assistance placing an order or accessible seating call 216-397-3757 ext 2.

    GET TICKETS

    Purchase Tickets

    To pick specific seats click “Buy on Map” button below the theatre seating. If you select a number you will be a assigned best seats available.

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    Jingle Bells…Pointe Shoes

    By News

    Fund a pair of pointe shoes

    Jingle bells…pointe shoes smell! Since most pointe shoes are made of natural materials, they break down quickly and for a professional dancer have a short lifespan. Pointe shoes extend our dancers’ beautiful lines by allowing them to dance on their toes. This gives a sense of lightness and the ethereal illusion of floating on air. Our company spends thousands of dollars each year on them.

    Pointe shoes now average over $100 a pair and depending on the brand that works for a dancer’s foot structure can go as high as $150. They will last only a week or two. Please consider donating $100 toward our pointe shoe budget!

    The Akron Nutcracker

    By Performances, News

    The Akron Nutcracker

    December 22 & 23, 2022 7:30pm

    The Dance Institute at The University of Akron presents The Akron Nutcracker in collaboration with Verb “Ohio Contemporary Ballet” and the Akron Symphony on December 22 & 23, 2022 at E.J. Thomas Hall. This local twist on the traditional Nutcracker reflects Akron’s history and celebrates the city’s cultural diversity. The production, now in its second year, features stunning sets of Akron landmarks in the 1930’s created by community artists and video projections inspired by sights around the world. Maestro Christopher Wilkins brings to life Tchaikovsky’s magical score as the story unfolds at Stan Hywet, the home of the Seiblerling family on Christmas eve. This holiday tradition will bring families the joy of The Nutcracker with iconic Akron nostalgia.

    The artistic vision for this production is led by Dr. Margaret Carlson and is produced by the Dance Institute at The University of Akron.

    Performance in collaboration with:

    SHOW DETAILS

    December 22 , 2022 7:30PM

    December 23, 2022 – Cancelled due to inclement weather

    THEATRE

    E.J. Thomas Hall
    198 Hill St
    Akron, OH 44325

    TICKETS

    $23 – $43
    Ticket fees apply

    Call the E. J. Box Office at 330-972-7570
    10AM – 4PM Monday-Friday

    Order online through Ticketmaster, fees apply

    TICKETS

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    Hispanic Heritage Month Workshop

    By News

    Cleveland Dance Movement and Verb “Ohio Contemporary Ballet” are kicking off Hispanic Heritage month with an open community workshop on September 17, 2022 featuring artists, Bryan Andres Salinas and Norma Jean Barnes! The evening will encompass two masterclasses by the artists in residence followed by a meet-and-greet reception. Verb dancer Bryan Andres Salinas, from Colombia, will take participants through a beginner salsa lesson and Norma Jean Barnes, from Pittsburgh, will take participants through a beginner/intermediate Dunham lesson. Participants of all ages (10-adult) and ability levels are welcome. Together the two organizations seek to bring the community a deeper appreciation and understanding of cultures while finding community in dance.

    4:00- 4:55pm Intro to Salsa taught by Bryan Andres Salinas
    Bryan Andres Salinas joined Verb Ballets in 2022 from Colombia as a part of the International Cultural Exchange Program. He will be sharing South America’s dance traditions and will be teaching a beginner salsa lesson! This class is 55 minutes long and open to all.

    5:00-6:00pm Dunham taught by Norma Jean Barnes
    Norma Jean Barnes will be sharing the Dunham technique developed by Katherine Dunham. Which is based in the integration of mind, body, and spirit and marries the language of ballet with traditional dance forms from the African diaspora! This class is an hour long and open to all.

    6:00-6:30pm Meet and greet with light refreshments

    Salsa and Dunham Workshop

    Saturday, September 17th 4:00-6:30pm
    $15/class or both for $25 (registration required)

    About Cleveland Dance Movement

    Cleveland Dance Movement (CDM) is an arts coalition comprised of dancers, choreographers, educators, and community stakeholders, committed to the support and preservation of various dance forms through access, and integration of diverse world cultures! As an essential part of its commitment to dance, CDM brings to the region a series of professional development and masterclasses, beginning with hosting the International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) in January of 2015! It is time we continue the legacy with “Back to school Back to Dance” Masterclass and lecture series.

    Bryan Andres Salinas

    Bryan Andres Salinas began his dance studies at the age of 10 at the Colombian Institute of Classical Ballet (Incolballet). In addition to studying ballet at Incolballet, he studied Colombian dances, contemporary dance, jazz, and salsa. After graduating high school, he participated in programs at Earl Mosley’s Diversity of Dance, Joffrey Ballet School in New York City, and Manhattan Youth Ballet. In 2015, he joined the Incolballet classical ballet company under the directorship of Jose Manuel Ghiso, where he danced in regional festivals and toured both nationally and internationally. During his time with the company, he worked with choreographers Anabelle Lopez Ochoa, Tatiana Martinez, Ruben Bañol, Viviana Hurtado, and Marcos Rodriguez. He was also a founding member of the Fundación Ballet Capital company under the direction of Julian Garay. Bryan joined Verb Ballets in 2022 as a part of Verb’s International Cultural Exchange Program. He will be sharing South America’s dance traditions with Verb Ballets.

    Norma Jean Barnes

    Ms. Barnes has had a decades-long arts career dedicated to improving lives and community through artistic process and presentation. In July 2022, Ms. Barnes taught Dunham/Afro-Modern classes for the Afro-Caribbean Dance & Drum Intensive for youth and adults. Ms. Barnes also directed “A Shout Over Jordan” for Black History Month for the Theater Ministry at Bidwell Presbyterian Church. On February 27, 2018, Ms. Barnes was honored to receive a Keepers of the Flame Award from The Legacy Arts Project for her commitment to and longevity in dance and the creative arts.Ms. Barnes designed and coordinated the TDYCC Arts Program at theTheodore D. Young Community Center in White Plains, New York from April 2002-August 2014. In this role, she taught classes along with, and supervised a staff of professional teaching artists, directed dance/theater productions, and arranged cultural field trips. Artistically, Ms. Barnes is a fluent dancer and choreographer in Modern and African dance techniques. She performed with companies, choreographers, and theater productions in New York, Pittsburgh, national tours, Scotland and Italy. She was a dancer/aerialist for two years with Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey Circus. Ms. Barnes also had the pleasure of appearing in numerous productions with the Kuntu Repertory Theatre. From 1992-2001 she founded and directed the award-winning Xpressions Contemporary Dance Company in Pittsburgh, a non-profit organization, professional company, which provided a creative outlet for dancers in diaspora contemporary dance traditions. In addition, Ms. Barnes worked at the Pittsburgh Dance Council, a dance presenter, to coordinate artist residencies for major touring companies such as Alvin Ailey, Ballet Hispanico, Joffrey Ballet, Philadanco, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, the Hittite Empire and others. She also administered Building Bridges which helped to build and diversify PDC’s audience.She earned a B.F.A. summa cum laude dance/arts management studies at Point Park University-Conservatory of Performing Arts, and attended graduate courses at New York University-Steinhardt School of Education. Professional development include the Urban Bush Women Summer Institute at Florida State University in 1999, and New York City Board of Education’s Katherine Dunham Institute in 2002 and 203.

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