Verb Ballets returns to live theatre after a year off due to the pandemic. As a result of the state changes in COVID regulations, the company will now present its first live in theatre performance on June 26, 2021. Following the live performance, a virtual encore will be available via Verb’s streaming services from June 27- July 3, 2021. For this special perf­­ormance, Verb’s Directors have chosen highlights from the 2020-21 season. The program features the new commission by sought-after dance maker Stephanie Martinez titled World of Another, audience favorite, Bolero, and the company premiere of Heinz Poll’s Triptych.

All theatre ticket buyers will receive a complimentary virtual encore pass. The virtual encore will be sent by email from Verb Ballets on June 27 at 7:00pm ET. If you have not received a link email here.

Photo: Melissa Mendise

Verb Ballets presents a private livestream performance of neoclassical ballets. These works will feature the bold, clean aesthetic lines of ballet with a modern take on the classical form. Returning to the stage is Grace, a moving contemporary ballet by Howard University professor and choreographer, Royce Zackery. In it, the couples dancing tell the story of the strength, perseverance, and elegance of the human condition. The company will also remount Heinz Poll’s Adagio for Two Dancers. This breathtaking duet highlights luxurious partnering with lifts that make for ravishingly sculpted closeness. Also, on the program will be a new work choreographed by Associate Artistic Director, Richard Dickinson, MFA.

Due to closures of theatres and prohibited gatherings of large crowds caused by COVID-19, Verb Ballets continues to look for ways to innovate and bring new dance experiences to the community. This season will be unlike any other in the history of the company. Verb Ballets is committed to presenting work while ensuring a safe environment for its dancers and patrons while following all health recommendations by the state. For the 2020-21 season, Verb Ballets launched a new series, ACCESS/Verb, of private live stream performances.

Suggested ticket price is $25. Any amount over $10 is tax deductible. For example, for a $25 ticket, $15 is tax deductible.

Photo Bill Naiman

Since 1997, SpectorDance has presented the Choreographers Showcase with the vision of nurturing creativity and fueling creativity in dance arts. They have presented over 400 choreographers original, cutting-edge works in their state-of-the-art venue in Marina, California.  Due to coronavirus, SpectorDance & New Dawn Studios are now producing the 2020 Choreographers Showcase as a virtual event for the first time. Verb Ballets has been selected to showcase two works on the program.  Nine works have been selected from choreographers across the United States including Kyla Barkin & Aaron Selissen, John Castagna, Winifred Haun, Sandra Scheuber, Fran Spector Atkins, Margaret Wingrove, Tina Zoccoli Mayers.

Photo: Kolman Rosenberg

This show is sold out! For those with tickets please enter the parking lot near 2120 West 11th. Entrance opens at 6:15pm. All guests must wear a mask outside the vehicle and observe social distancing.

Arts in August reconceives their annual festival into a drive-in performance with Verb Ballets at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Tremont. This free community performance will feature audience favorite, Bolero, with the energy, propulsion, and intensity of Ravel’s famous crescendo to a visual masterpiece. The company remounts Tommie-Waheed Evans’ Surge.Capacity.Force., a moving work with a fierce physical language that communicates relevant statements about social justice. Plus, a new work by company dancer Kate Webb that was created as a response to the isolation of COVID-19, showcases the power of art to get us through this time.

Arts in August performances are free and open to the public. A free ticket is required per car through Eventbrite. Vehicles will be directed to parking to allow for social distancing. If guests sit outside your vehicle, they are required to wear a mask and maintain at least 6′ social distance with other audiences members. If guests are sick with COVID-19, have symptoms or have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19, it is important to stay home for the safety of all.

Arts in August is presented in partnership by Tremont West Development Corporation, LAND Studio, Cleveland Public Theatre and Councilman Kerry McCormack, Ward 3.

Photo: Liz Cooper

Verb Ballets presents Peter and the Wolf! The story ballet choreographed by Pamela Pribisco is a captivating 30-minute work set to the well known classical music of Sergei Prokofiev. In 1936, Prokofiev composed Peter and the Wolf to introduce children to the different instruments of the orchestra. Verb Ballets performs the story of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf as told through dance. The ballet introduces the plot through the different instruments and the dancers bring the colorful characters to life. There will be an opportunity to learn the movements of some of the characters prior to the beginning of the performance. With a donation by August 14, 2020 a ticket link will be provided at 5:30pm EST to the performance.

Due to closures of theatres and large gatherings caused by COVID-19, Verb Ballets continues to look for ways to innovate and bring new dance experiences to the community. For the 2020-21 season, Verb Ballets launched a new series of private live stream performances called ACCESS/Verb. Peter and the Wolf is geared towards engaging young audiences in ballet for the ACCESS/Verb series.

Photo Jackie Sajewski