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Performances

Dec 06
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The Cleveland Havana Ballet Project

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The Cleveland Havana Ballet Project

Postponed- Sunday, March 15, 2020 2:00 PM

Sunday’s performance at the Akron-Summit County Library of The Cleveland Havana Ballet has been postponed due to the recent findings of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) being present in the Northeast Ohio community and the Library programs, events, and outreach activities suspended beginning Saturday, March 14 and last until at least Tuesday, March 31. We plan on rescheduling the performance with the date to be determined. We are offering to refund your ticket or you can apply your ticket as a donation to Verb Ballets.

The Cleveland Havana Ballet Project returns to Northeast Ohio following a international tour in Havana, Cuba. Upon returning the dancers of Verb Ballets will perform excerpts of Romeo and Juliet. The Cleveland Havana Ballet Project toured Cuba last season and was nationally noted by Pointe Magazine for this one of a kind partnership.

This performance is general admission. Doors open at 1:45pm.

This performance is made possible by Peg’s Foundation and the Akron Community Foundation. The Cleveland Havana Ballet Project is made possible through the support of the Cleveland Foundation.

SHOW DETAILS

Postponed
March 15, 2020 2:00pm

THEATRE

Akron-Summit County Public Library Auditorium
60 South High Street
Akron, OH 44326

TICKETS

Tickets $10

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Akron-Summit County Public Library Auditorium

60 South High Street
Akron, OH 44326

Dec 06
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4X4

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4X4

Saturday, February 8, 2020 8:00PM

Four Women. Four Works. This performance presents the work of four female choreographers, each bringing their distinctive style to this diverse repertory program. It includes a company premiere by sought-after dancemaker Stephanie Martinez titled Wandering On, a classical variation favorite by Agrippa Vaganova, a new work by company dancer Kate Webb, and the return of Mendelssohn Italian Symphony by Kay Eichman.

Award-winning Chicago dance artist Stephanie Martinez will mount Wandering On inspired by the Sanskrit word Samsara that translates as wandering through the constant cycle. Kay Eichman, a principal for over 15 years, will bring quick musical visualization to this well-loved score. As part of the Cleveland Havana Ballet Project, Laura Alonso restaged Diana y Actaeon. This thrilling excerpt epitomizes the fierce goddess Diana to highlight the dancers’ immense strength and technical confidence. Inspired by celestial life cycles, company dancer Kate Webb‘s new work is set to an improvisational jazz score by Akron musician, Pat Pace, mirroring the voracious piano to the unexpected growth of stars.

Works on the program
Stellar Syncopations (2019 Premiere), Kate Webb
Mendelssohn Italian Symphony (2019), Kay Eichman
Diana y Acteon Pas de Deux, (Verb Ballets Premiere 2020)Agrippa Vagonova restaged by Laura Alonso
Wandering On (2017, Verb Ballets Premiere 2020), Stephanie Martinez

SHOW DETAILS

February 8, 2020 8:00pm

THEATRE

The Breen Center
2008 W 30th St.
Cleveland, OH 44113

TICKETS

Tickets $10 / $25 / $28 / $35

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The Breen Center for the Performing Arts

2008 W 30th St.
Cleveland, OH 44113

Dec 05
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Mowgli’s Jungle Adventures

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Mowgli's Jungle Adventures

Sunday, January 26, 2020 2:00 PM

Verb Ballets presents Mowgli’s Jungle Adventures choreographed by Associate Artistic Director Richard Dickinson, MFA. The full-length story ballet integrates a unique blend of dance styles and evocative instrumental music to illustrate the value of acceptance and importance of community. The updated revival is based on Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale of an Indian boy abandoned by his parents and raised by a pack of wolves.  This exciting new work utilizes ballet to tell the story of Mowgli and his wild adventures. Shah Capital Management is proud to be the Producer and Exclusive Sponsor for Mowgli’s Jungle Adventures.
This FREE performance is made possible by Peg’s Foundation as a gift to the community.

SHOW DETAILS

January 26, 2020 2:00pm

THEATRE

Akron-Summit County Public Library Auditorium
60 South High Street
Akron, OH 44326

TICKETS

Tickets FREE

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Akron-Summit County Public Library Auditorium

60 South High Street
Akron, OH 44326

Sep 19
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Neil Zaza’s One Dark Night…

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One Dark Night...

Saturday, October 19, 8:00PM

Rock maestro Neil Zaza presents an orchestral exploration that mixes dark, powerful arrangements of macabre classical music masterpieces with the fury of a rock band and string orchestra. Verb Ballets will make a guest appearance merging rock and ballet together to bring the supernatural to life in spirit of the Halloween season. Verb Ballets will perform the critically acclaimed Adagio Reimagined choreographed by Sabatino Verlezza plus two new works by company dancers Antonio Morillo and Daniel Cho. Together these artists will build upon these classic selections to demonstrate technical virtuosity with rock style that fit the dark tale of the monster within.

Newly Commissioned Works
Adaigo Reimagined (2019 Premiere), Sabatino Verlezza
Dance Macabre (2019 Premiere), Antonio Morillo
Carnaval des Animaux (2019 Premiere), Daniel Cho

SHOW DETAILS

October 19, 2019 8:00pm

THEATRE

Akron Civic Theatre
182 South Main Street
Akron, Ohio 44308

TICKETS

Tickets $25-35 / $75 VIP
Tickets call 330-253-2488

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Ohio Contemporary Ballet
By In News

Meet Neil Zaza

Read Article
Ohio Contemporary Ballet
By In News

Metal Head + Choreographer

Read Article

Akron Civic Theatre

182 South Main Street
Akron, Ohio 44308

Sep 10
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Tuesday Musical Akron Legends

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Akron Legends of Jazz & Dance

Thursday, October 10, 7:30 PM

Honoring the work of Akron composer Pat Pace and Ohio Ballet Founder Heinz Poll, Tuesday Musical presents Verb Ballets and The Chamber Music Society of Ohio. Verb Ballets will perform Poll’s Rococo Variations in original costumes; its first staging since Ohio Ballet’s closing. Also premiering is Shéhérazade Retold; a re-conceived tale of women as warriors, choreographed by Loretta Simon. Set to Pat Pace’s composition Excursions, dancer Kate Webb will present a new full ensemble ballet inspired by celestial life cycles.

Preshow Talk

Enjoy our intimate “Concert Conversation” with creators of this special evening George Pope and Dr. Carlson at 6:30 p.m. in EJ’s Flying Balcony. Easily accessed by elevator, the Flying Balcony offers comfortable seating and a cash bar.

Program
Stellar Syncopations (2019 Premiere), Kate Webb
Shéhérazade Retold (Premiere 2019), Loretta Simon
Rococo Variations (1993), Heinz Poll

SHOW DETAILS

October 10, 2019 7:30pm

THEATRE

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

TICKETS

Tickets $45
Students FREE with voucher
Tickets call 330-761-3460

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E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall

198 Hill St.
Akron, OH 44325

Jun 07
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Summer Series Kicks Off The 2019-20 Season

By News, Performances

Verb Ballets will delight audiences this summer with performances throughout Northeast Ohio with entertaining programming and brilliant dancing. The featured works will range from story ballets to instrumental rock ballets. The contemporary ballet company’s Summer Season includes return appearances at the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival on July 26-27th at a brand-new location, Lakeside Chautauqua on August 3rd with the Lakeside Symphony Orchestra and Tremont’s Arts in August on August 10th. And, for the first time, the company will open its doors to the studio and welcome the community in for a family series, Ballet Under the Stars, on July 19th and August 16th.

Ballet Under the Stars
July 19, 2019 7:30pm

Verb Ballets kicks off the summer season by opening the doors to its studio and welcoming the community in with the original series, Ballet Under the Stars. The evening will feature a free all-ages dance class and performance of Mowgli’s Jungle Adventures. The ballet is based on Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale of an Indian boy abandoned by his parents and raised by a pack of wolves. Shah Capital Management is proud to be the Producer and Exclusive Sponsor for Mowgli’s Jungle Adventures choreographed by Associate Artistic Director, Richard Dickinson. Ballet Under the Stars is made possible by RPM and Dominion. A 30-minute ballet class and a 45-minute performance. An additional performance and class has been added due to popular demand. Guests are invited to bring blankets and/or a chair and a picnic dinner. The Verb Ballets Center for Dance is located at 3558 Lee Rd., Shaker Heights, OH 44120.

Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival
July 26-27, 2019 8:45PM

Verb Ballets returns to The Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival at the new West Akron location of Forest Lodge Park on July 26 & 27, 2019. The performances at Forest Lodge will mark the company premier of the Cuban Ballet Majisimo, as part of the Cleveland Havana Ballet Project! Also premiering on the program will be The Adagio Reimagined Project; fusing the work of Heinz Poll and rock guitarist Neil Zaza and choreographer Sabatino Verlezza. Back by popular demand, Carmen: The Story of Passion, choreographed by Associate Artistic Director, Richard Dickinson returns to the stage. Witness the timeless tale as it unfolds with a new interpretation of the classic love saga of obsession and desire. Guests are invited to bring blankets and/or a chair. On stage children’s activities lead by Dance Institute start at 7:45pm. Forest Lodge Park is located at 260 Greenwood Ave, Akron, OH 44313.

Lakeside Chautauqua
August 3, 2019 8:15pm

Verb Ballets performs with the Lakeside Symphony Orchestra conducted by Daniel Meyer at Lakeside Chautauqua in the Hoover Auditorium on Saturday, August 3, 2019, at 8:15 PM. Witness the timeless tale of Carmen: The Story of Passion as it unfolds with a new interpretation of the classic characters choreographed by Associate Artistic Director, Richard Dickinson. Accompanied by the Lakeside Symphony Orchestra, the music drives the tale of obsession in desperate acts of desire in this love saga. Also on the program, Kay Eichman’s neo-classical ballet, Mendelssohn Italian Symphony, brings music visualization in the exuberant Allegro that will sweep you off your feet with the dancers’ technical virtuosity. The performance is free with day passes to the Lakeside Chautauqua which are available for $23.50 for Adults and kids age 12 & under and guests over age 90 are free. Lakeside Chautauqua is a gated community located at 236 Walnut Avenue Lakeside, Ohio 43440.

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Tremont Arts in August
August 10, 2019 8:30PM

Verb Ballets returns to perform at Tremont’s Arts in August on Saturday, August 10, 2019. This free community performance at Lincoln Park will feature, Majisimo, a thrilling new ballet staged by Cuban dance legend, Laura Alonso as part of the Cleveland Havana Ballet Project. First created in 1965 for the National Ballet of Cuba this fan snapping Spanish-infused ballet is in the repertory of major ballet companies across the hemisphere. Paganini Rhapsody, choreographed by Associate Artistic Director, Richard Dickinson will showoff the speedy footwork and inventive partnering of the Verb Ballets dancers. Guests are invited to bring blankets and/or a chair. The performance will start at 8:30pm. Lincoln Park, located at W. 14th and Starkweather in the heart of Tremont.

Ballet Under the Stars
August 16, 2019 7:30pm

Join us for our second performance in the new series and welcome the community in with, Ballet Under the Stars. The evening begins with a free children’s dance class followed by a performance featuring highlights from the summer repertory. Ballet Under the Stars is made possible by RPM, Inc and Dominion. The class begins at 6:30pm followed by the performance at 7:30pm. Guests are invited to bring blankets and/or a chair and a picnic dinner. The Verb Ballets Center for Dance is located at 3558 Lee Rd., Shaker Heights, OH 44120.

May 18
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Dance Showcase

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Dance Showcase

Join us for a celebratory evening of dance, Dance Showcase presented by Terry and Sheldon Adelman, featuring many of Northeast Ohio’s finest dancers. This year, Playhose Square is thrilled to present Dance Showcase as part of the Dance/USA 2019 Annual Conference and to showcase these fine artists in front of industry leaders from across the country! Featured Companies ABREPASO Flamenco/Alice Blumenfeld, Cleveland State University Dance Program, ELEVATED, GreeneWorks Project, GroundWorks DanceTheater, Inlet Dance Theatre, Neos Dance Theatre, Shri Kalaa Mandir and Verb Ballets. Plus a special guest appearance from BalletMet. Dance Showcase is an official event of the Dance/USA 2019 Annual Conference.

SHOW DETAILS

June 13, 2019 7:00pm

THEATRE

Playhouse Square
KeyBank State Theatre
1519 Euclid Ave
Cleveland, OH 44115

TICKETS

FREE but tickets required

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KeyBank State Theatre

1519 Euclid Ave
Cleveland, OH 44115

May 18
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Cain Park

By Performances, News

Mowgli's Jungle Adventures

Verb Ballets presents Mowgli’s Jungle Adventures choreographed by Associate Artistic Director Richard Dickinson on June 28, 2019, at 8PM at Cain Park. Shah Capital Management is proud to be the Producer and Exclusive Sponsor for Mowgli’s Jungle Adventures. The ballet includes the professional dancers of Verb Ballets plus a special appearance from Shri Kalaa Mandir-Center for Indian Performing Arts. The new full-length story ballet integrates a unique blend of dance styles and evocative instrumental music to transcend barriers to illustrate the value of acceptance and importance of community. The updated revival is based on Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale of an Indian boy abandoned by his parents and raised by a pack of wolves, this exciting new work utilizes ballet to tell the story of Mowgli and his wild adventures. The story ballet features new costumes by Janet Bolick and mesmerizing lighting design by Ben Gantose.
This FREE performance is made possible by Cleveland Heights residents and Verb Ballets’ board members, James D. Graham and David M. Dusek, as a gift to the community. Then let the night continue with the Afterglow Party to benefit Verb Ballets. Details below!

SHOW DETAILS

June 28, 2019 8:00pm

THEATRE

Cain Park Evans Ampitheater
14591 Superior Rd
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

TICKETS

FREE: Register Below

Afterglow Party

Join us for an afterglow party to benefit Verb Ballets following the performance at the beautiful home of James D. Graham and David M. Dusek, conveniently located just minutes from Cain Park.

Tickets are $30 per guest, advanced RSVP is required.
Purchase tickets online or send checks to Verb Ballets 3558 Lee Rd. Shaker Heights, OH 44120

Cain Park

14591 Superior Rd.
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

Apr 29
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Fresh Inventions at DanceWorks 2019

By Performances, News

Fresh Inventions

Verb Ballets returns to DanceWorks 2019 with vibrant performances that highlight bold artistry through a dancer’s lens. Fresh Inventions provides an artistic development opportunity for dancers to experience the other side of creation – choreography. Built on the creative talent of company members the evening premieres new works by Associate Artistic Director Richard Dickinson, MFA, company dancers Kate Webb, Daniel Cho, Michael Escovedo, and Antonio Morillo.

Fresh Inventions reflects Verb Ballets’ vision to be recognized as a catalyst to promote learning and encourage dialogue about dance as an art form. Each season Producing Artistic Director, Dr. Margaret Carlson, presents a different challenge for the dancers to bring to the choreographic process. For this year the dancers are to work with orchestral music. Each year, Verb Ballets provides the support and education needed to grow  in choreographic technique. By providing the opportunity to experiment and learn, the company aims to elevate the quality and diversity of choreographic success in the field.

SHOW DETAILS

May 16-18, 2019 7:30pm

THEATRE

Cleveland Public Theatre
6415 Detroit Ave
Cleveland, OH 44102

TICKETS

Thu $15 Fri/Sat $25
Students & Seniors $5 off on Fri/Sat
Tickets call 216-631-2727 x501

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2019 Choreographers

Richard Dickinson

Associate Artistic Director

Kate Webb

Dancer & Choreographer

Daniel Cho

Dancer & Choreographer

Michael Escovedo

Dancer & Choreographer

Antonio Morillo

Dancer & Choreographer

2019 Fresh Inventions

Learn more about the choreographers and the story behind their new works.

Cleveland Public Theatre

6415 Detroit Ave
Cleveland, OH 44102

Mar 26
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Mowgli’s Jungle Adventures

By Performances, News

SHOW DETAILS

April 17 & 18, 2019

THEATRE

EJ Thomas Hall
198 Hill St. Akron, OH 44325

TICKETS

$5 Tickets- Processing fees apply
The 12:30pm shows are open to the general public.

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Mowgli’s Jungle Adventures

Producer and Exclusive Sponsor: Shah Capital Management

March 17 & 18, 2019 9:45am & 12:30pm (9:45am SHOWS SOLD OUT)

Children’s Concert Society presents Verb Ballets new story ballet Mowgli’s Jungle Adventures choreographed by Associate Artistic Director Richard Dickinson on April 17 & 18, 2019 at EJ Thomas Hall in Akron. Shah Capital Management is proud to be the Producer and Exclusive Sponsor for Mowgli’s Jungle Adventures. The ballet includes the professional dancers of Verb Ballets plus a special guest appearance by Josie Wolfenbarger with A Special Wish. The updated revival is based on Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale of an Indian boy abandoned by his parents and raised by a pack of wolves, this exciting new work utilizes ballet to tell the story of Mowgli and his wild adventures. Verb Ballets’ new story ballet integrates a unique blend of dance styles and evocative instrumental music to transcend barriers to illustrate the value of acceptance and importance of community. The story ballet will feature new costumes by Janet Bolick and original lighting design by Ben Gantose. The story has a special appearance from Shri Kalaa Mandir-Center for Indian Performing Arts with traditional Indian dancers to feature the characters of Kaa, the python and Hathi, the elephants.

Children Concert Society presents the Concert Hall Series to tie performances into curriculum and offer an enriching opportunity of arts education for students. Children’s Concert Society works with schools across the county to bring in student to witness the magic of the theatre. The 45-minute story ballet is presented for two performances at 9:45am (SOLD OUT) and 12:30pm on April 17 & 18, 2019. Cost is $5 per student. Limited scholarships are available for students who cannot pay the entire admission fee. For schools or groups of five or more please call our office 330-972-2504.

The 12:30pm shows on April 17 & 18, 2019 are open to the general public and tickets are $5.

Producer and Exclusive Sponsor

The Children’s Concert Society (CCS) is a non-profit educational, volunteer organization founded in 1947 in Akron, Ohio. The first three concerts for the children of our community were given by the newly-formed Akron Symphony Orchestra during the 1947-48 school year. They were so enormously successful that, despite the demise of the orchestra, the women’s committee was determined to continue to provide musical pleasure and education to the school children of the Akron area. Accordingly, they formed a new organization–the Children’s Concert Society (CCS). CCS presented the Cleveland Orchestra from 1948 until 1975 and also presented concerts by the Akron Symphony Orchestra throughout it’s history.

CCS is an all-volunteer Board, except for one part-time administrator. Except for minimal office and operating costs, CCS channels all funding into artistic productions. Through time CCS has formed close collaborative relationships with schools, local Ohio artists and The University of Akron School of Music to connect children to music in our community. Bringing the highest caliber of artistic talent to the expanding minds of children. This is often many students first concert hall musical experience.