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Performances

Nutcracker Adventure: Passport to the Land of Sweets

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This event has been cancelled

Nutcracker Adventure: Passport to the Land of Sweets

Bring the whole family and step into a world of wonder as you experience the enchanting Land of Sweets! Designed for young children and their families, this magical event combines fun, dance, and sweet delights to create an unforgettable holiday adventure.

Begin your Nutcracker Journey with a special passport in hand and explore a host of interactive activities and photo opportunities perfect for capturing the joy of the season. Indulge in delicious sweets and treats and follow the festive path to delightful excerpts from the classic Nutcracker ballet performed by Ohio Contemporary Ballet. From sugar-coated fun to twirls and spins, it’s a family-friendly holiday celebration you won’t want to miss.

SHOW DETAILS

This event has been cancelled

December 15, 2025 3:00-5:00pm

OCBallet Center
3558 LeeRd.
Shaker Heights, OH 44120

TICKETS

Adults $25 / Kids $20

Under 2 free with guardian

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Echoes & Innovation

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Echoes & Innovations

February 28, 2025 7:00pm

Ohio Contemporary Ballet is a company known for its unparalleled energy, versatility, and charisma that leaves audiences spellbound. Echoes and Innovations invites audiences on a journey filled with bold choreography, deep emotions, and powerful connections.

The company will premiere solos and duets from Donald McKayle’s iconic Rainbow ‘Round My Shoulder, a groundbreaking work on the theme of social justice that has continued to inspire traditionally marginalized choreographers to this day. The program will also feature Stephanie Martinez’s World of Another, which critics have hailed as “pure gold,” praising its reflection on human connection. A stunning duet from Joffrey Ballet’s repertoire will enchant audiences with its irresistible allure. The program will conclude with Tommie-Waheed Evans’ Dark Matter, a work that combines urban street dance with contemporary movement delivering a raw, bold, powerful performance loved by audiences.

Experience an unforgettable evening at Playhouse Square with this exclusive one-night-only performance!

SHOW DETAILS

February 28, 2025 7:00pm

Playhouse Square
Mimi Ohio Theatre
1511 Euclid Ave
Cleveland, OH 44115

TICKETS

$55 / $45 / $35 / $10

Call The Playhouse Square Box Office at 216-241-6000

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Meet the Choreographers on the Program

Click on the photos to learn more about the choreographers and watch behind the scenes videos

Gerald Arpino

Tommie-Waheed Evans

Stephanie Martinez

Donald McKayle

Honoring Heinz Poll

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival 2024

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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

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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.