Press Releases

CLEVELAND, OH (June 1, 2019) – 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 11th. 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.

July 19, 2019 7:30pm
Ballet Under the Stars
Verb Ballets Center for Dance located at The Dealership
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 begin with a free all-ages dance class followed by a 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 for all ages at 6:30pm is 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.

July 26-27, 2019 8:45PM
Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival
Forest Lodge Park
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.

August 3, 2019 8:15pm
Lakeside Chautauqua
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, Kaye 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.

August 10, 2019 8:30PM
Tremont Arts in August
Lincoln Park
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.

August 16, 2019 7:30pm
Ballet Under the Stars
Verb Ballets Center for Dance located at The Dealership
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.

CLEVELAND, OH (August 29, 2018) – Verb Ballets will be in residence at Roxboro Elementary School October 11-17, 2018 utilizing dance to explore Forces in Motion. The professional dance company will deliver eight movement workshops for second grade students culminating to a final showing by the students. The company members will lead the students in explorations of the conditions of gravity and rest as it applies to basic elements of dance. Finding how the body moving with different energy through space change the motion of an object. Outreach ties into Ohio’s Learning Standards in Physical Science. Verb Ballets will also perform a piece Three Graces choreographed by Associate Artistic Director, Richard Dickinson. Roxboro Elementary is located at 2405 Roxboro Road, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44106. 

About Verb Ballets  
Verb Ballets, a contemporary ballet company, presents dynamic programming through bold artistry, unique styles and technical excellence that captivates audiences. Under the direction of Dr. Margaret Carlson, Producing Artistic Director and Richard Dickinson, MFA, Associate Artistic Director, the company will present a season that ignites passion in the energy, beauty and athleticism of dance. Critics have hailed Verb Ballets for its abilities to, “Dashing preconceptions …with keen dramatic power.” -The Plain Dealer, “(Verb) is dance magnifique.” – The Examiner, “confident and polished, Verb’s dancers shone” – Dance International Magazine. Verb Ballets was named by Dance Magazine as one of 25 dance companies in America to watch. Internationally acclaimed, the company has toured Cuba and Taiwan. As one of the oldest dance organizations in Northeast Ohio we proudly produce high caliber work and continue to connect with our communities through performance and outreach. Additional information can be found at www.verbballets.org.

Verb Ballets performances are made possible through the generous support of The Cleveland Foundation, The George Gund Foundation, Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, Ohio Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, Shah Capital, Millie Carlson Trust, Peg’s Foundation, Lubrizol Foundation, The Char and Chuck Fowler Family Foundation, The Akron Community Foundation, John P. Murphy Foundation, Nordson, Laub Foundation, Margaret Wong & Associates, St. Ignatius and Cedar Hill Communications.

NEW ADDRESS: Verb Ballets 3558 Lee Rd. Shaker Heights, OH 44120 • 216-397-3757 • www.verbballets.org
Facebook  •  Twitter  • Instagram •  YouTube @verbballets

CLEVELAND, OH (August 29, 2018) – Verb Ballets’ Directors, Dr. Margaret Carlson and Richard Dickinson are proud to be part of the American Dance Abroad U.S. Delegation attending the internationale tanzmesse NRW in Germany from August 28- September 1, 2018. They will be working with American Dance Abroad hosting the American Corner booth #38, which includes U.S. organizations: Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Soham Dance Space, Heidi Duckler Dance, Verb Ballets, Palissimo, ChristineBonansea Company, BODYART, Valerie Green/Dance Entropy, Patricia Noworol Dance Theater, ODC, Clairobscur Dance, White Bird, zoe|juniper and inkBoat. The delegation consists of artists representing American dance. Visit Booth #38 to meet the Americans and talk with Verb Ballets!

While in Europe the Directors of Verb Ballets will talk to presenters and programmers from around the world seeking bookings for The Cleveland Havana Ballet Project for the 2019-20 season and beyond. The international collaboration that toured Cuba in 2018, led by Dr. Margaret Carlson of Verb Ballets and Laura Alonso of ProDanza will continue to highlight the technical virtuosity associated with Cuban ballet and the bold style of American contemporary ballet. The Cleveland Havana Ballet showcases uniquely Cuban story ballets and innovative American repertory. Touring programs of full-length classical ballets include Le Chevalier, The Black Mozart based on the life of Joseph Bologne-recognized as the first classical composer of African origin. Other tour packages can be customized featuring dynamic repertory programs of captivating artistry, unique styles and technical excellence. More information can be found online: www.verbballets.org/clevelandhavanaballet.

The internationale tanzmesse NRW encompasses parallel congresses of world meetings, a humanities program of workshops and professional development, a festival, and a marketplace. The marketplace is the core of the professional activities, as it includes numerous opportunities for professionals to meet, network, and exchange information. It is the largest single gathering devoted to contemporary dance in the world. American Dance Abroad gratefully acknowledges the U.S. Consulate General Düsseldorf’s generous support of the American booth at internationale tanzmesse NRW 2018.
Verb Ballets’ Directors, Dr. Margaret Carlson and Richard Dickinson are proud to be part of the American Dance Abroad U.S. Delegation attending the internationale tanzmesse NRW in Germany from August 28- September 1, 2018. They will be working with American Dance Abroad hosting the American Corner booth #38, which includes U.S. organizations: Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Soham Dance Space, Heidi Duckler Dance, Verb Ballets, Palissimo, ChristineBonansea Company, BODYART, Valerie Green/Dance Entropy, Patricia Noworol Dance Theater, ODC, Clairobscur Dance, White Bird, zoe|juniper and inkBoat. The delegation consists of artists representing American dance. Visit Booth #38 to meet the Americans and talk with Verb Ballets!

While in Europe the Directors of Verb Ballets will talk to presenters and programmers from around the world seeking bookings for The Cleveland Havana Ballet Project for the 2019-20 season and beyond. The international collaboration that toured Cuba in 2018, led by Dr. Margaret Carlson of Verb Ballets and Laura Alonso of ProDanza will continue to highlight the technical virtuosity associated with Cuban ballet and the bold style of American contemporary ballet. The Cleveland Havana Ballet showcases uniquely Cuban story ballets and innovative American repertory. Touring programs of full-length classical ballets include Le Chevalier, The Black Mozart based on the life of Joseph Bologne-recognized as the first classical composer of African origin. Other tour packages can be customized featuring dynamic repertory programs of captivating artistry, unique styles and technical excellence. More information can be found online: www.verbballets.org/clevelandhavanaballet.

The internationale tanzmesse NRW encompasses parallel congresses of world meetings, a humanities program of workshops and professional development, a festival, and a marketplace. The marketplace is the core of the professional activities, as it includes numerous opportunities for professionals to meet, network, and exchange information. It is the largest single gathering devoted to contemporary dance in the world. American Dance Abroad gratefully acknowledges the U.S. Consulate General Düsseldorf’s generous support of the American booth at internationale tanzmesse NRW 2018.

About Verb Ballets  
Verb Ballets, a contemporary ballet company, presents dynamic programming through bold artistry, unique styles and technical excellence that captivates audiences. Under the direction of Dr. Margaret Carlson, Producing Artistic Director and Richard Dickinson, MFA, Associate Artistic Director, the company will present a season that ignites passion in the energy, beauty and athleticism of dance. Critics have hailed Verb Ballets for its abilities to, “Dashing preconceptions …with keen dramatic power.” -The Plain Dealer, “(Verb) is dance magnifique.” – The Examiner, “confident and polished, Verb’s dancers shone” – Dance International Magazine. Verb Ballets was named by Dance Magazine as one of 25 dance companies in America to watch. Internationally acclaimed, the company has toured Cuba and Taiwan. As one of the oldest dance organizations in Northeast Ohio we proudly produce high caliber work and continue to connect with our communities through performance and outreach. Additional information can be found at www.verbballets.org.

Verb Ballets performances are made possible through the generous support of The Cleveland Foundation, The George Gund Foundation, Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, Ohio Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, Shah Capital, Millie Carlson Trust, Peg’s Foundation, Lubrizol Foundation, The Char and Chuck Fowler Family Foundation, The Akron Community Foundation, John P. Murphy Foundation, Nordson, Laub Foundation, Margaret Wong & Associates, St. Ignatius and Cedar Hill Communications.

NEW ADDRESS: Verb Ballets 3558 Lee Rd. Shaker Heights, OH 44120 • 216-397-3757 • www.verbballets.org
Facebook  •  Twitter  • Instagram •  YouTube @verbballets

About internationale tanzmesse NRW
The internationale tanzmesse NRW was created in the early ’90s by Anne Neumann, director of the Gesellschaftfür Zeitgenössichen TanzNRW (GZT), to facilitate international exchange and understanding among dance people worldwide.  The GZT is a regional NGO that supports and provides service to the dance field of North Rhine Westphalia in Northwest Germany.  Begun as a regional gathering, the internationale tanzmesse NRW has grown into an international meeting point of dance drawing professionals from over 40 countries.  In 2002, Kajo Nelles and Carolelinda Dickey assumed leadership of the Tanzmesse. Kajo Nelles was named Director in 2004 and Carolelinda Dickey became the co-Director in 2006. In 2014, Felix Wittek became the Director of the Tanzmesse and with Carolelinda Dickey, Christian Wattyand Roman Arndt, a programming team was formed. Roman Arndt died in 2016.

CLEVELAND, OH (August 9, 2018) – Verb Ballets is proud to announce it is moving to a new home at 3558 Lee Road in Shaker Heights. Located near the corner of Lee and Chagrin Boulevard, the more than 6,000-square-foot studio space will serve as the base for the Verb Ballets professional dance company, in addition to providing ample room for classes and workshops for the community. After a yearlong search for the right location, Verb Ballets selected the garages at The Dealership, a co-working community and initiative of the Shaker Heights Development Corporation.

The new home will include two studios, dressing rooms, costume wardrobe, set storage, a reception area and offices inside the showroom. The studio space features high ceilings and unique configurations that will enable Verb to present performances to the community in-house. Construction has begun on the build out of the studios in the new space and are planned to open this fall. The administrative offices are moving into The Dealership mid August. The new studio space was designed by Cleveland-based Vocon and the initial capital to convert the facility is made possible by the Cleveland Foundation, the City of Shaker Heights and the Shaker Heights Development Corporation.

Verb Ballets has been ingrained in the Shaker Heights community for nearly a decade. In the search for a new home, one of the major points of emphasis was a focus on staying in the community.

“Shaker Heights is a cross section of all walks of life similar to the styles of dance that Verb Ballets presents. Our vision is to ignite passion and participation in contemporary ballet, and by establishing ourselves at the intersection of Lee and Chagrin we position ourselves in a place for inclusion and connection,” said Dr. Margaret Carlson, Producing Artistic Director for Verb Ballets.

Community engagement through movement is an important part of Verb’s philosophy. The new home will offer classes to the community to nurture wellness, create a sense of identity and expression through dance. The availability of multiple studios will enable the company to significantly expand its educational offerings.

“We have been exploring how we can elevate the company and expand our programs to the community. Designing our own space allowed us to envision a home base that can support future growth. The vast space in the garage will allow us to create a multi-use space including presentation of performances. We are thrilled to move forward in the new home and are honored by the support of the community in creating this vision,” said Dr. Carlson.

Verb Ballets is one of the oldest dance company in the region with a rich 30-year history. In addition to critically acclaimed performances the company cultivates dance appreciation and nurtures wellness through movement, achieved through community classes, school residencies, senior movement classes, library programs and college course partnerships. The company has been named one of Five Great Tiny Troupes in America by Dance Magazine and was one of the 25 dance companies in America to watch. With two international tours under its belt the company has shared a piece of the Cleveland community with the world.

About Verb Ballets  
Verb Ballets, a contemporary ballet company, presents dynamic programming through bold artistry, unique styles and technical excellence that captivates audiences. Under the direction of Dr. Margaret Carlson, Producing Artistic Director and Richard Dickinson, MFA, Associate Artistic Director, the company will present a season that ignites passion in the energy, beauty and athleticism of dance. Critics have hailed Verb Ballets for its abilities to, “Dashing preconceptions …with keen dramatic power.” -The Plain Dealer, “(Verb) is dance magnifique.” – The Examiner, “confident and polished, Verb’s dancers shone” – Dance International Magazine. Verb Ballets was named by Dance Magazine as one of 25 dance companies in America to watch. Internationally acclaimed, the company has toured Cuba and Taiwan. As one of the oldest dance organizations in Northeast Ohio we proudly produce high caliber work and continue to connect with our communities through performance and outreach. Additional information can be found at www.verbballets.org.

Verb Ballets performances are made possible through the generous support of The Cleveland Foundation, The George Gund Foundation, Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, Ohio Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, Shah Capital, Millie Carlson Trust, Peg’s Foundation, Lubrizol Foundation, The Char and Chuck Fowler Family Foundation, The Akron Community Foundation, John P. Murphy Foundation, Nordson, Laub Foundation, Margaret Wong & Associates, St. Ignatius and Cedar Hill Communications.

NEW ADDRESS: Verb Ballets 3558 Lee Rd. Shaker Heights, OH 44120 • 216-397-3757 • www.verbballets.org
Facebook  •  Twitter  • Instagram •  YouTube @verbballets

CLEVELAND, OH (July 10, 2018) – Verb Ballets announces the promotion of Richard Dickinson, MFA to Associate Artistic Director. Dickinson has been with the company for over eight years in different capacities. In addition to his professional work, Dickinson had an extensive dance career including principal and soloist roles at Ohio Ballet, Boston Ballet, Chicago Ballet, Honolulu City Ballet and various regional companies. Previously, he served as Artistic Associate for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and the Artistic Director of Ballet Western Reserve, Great Lakes Festival Ballet, Chamber Dance Theatre. He has also directed Boston Ballet II and has a Master of Fine Arts degree in Contemporary Dance from Case Western Reserve University.

In the new role he will assist Dr. Margaret Carlson, Producing Artistic Director, in maintaining the highest possible presentation for the company and be a key part in the development of the community class program. “Richard’s contribution to Verb Ballets has been valuable for many years, dating back to his initial role as Rehearsal Director” says Carlson. “During my tenure at Verb Ballets, he has been a key to developing the company dancers to support a high-quality level of production for the company. I am honored to announce Richard’s promotion to the role of Associate Artistic Director and for Verb Ballets to continue to provide him with an artistic home.”

“I’m honored to work with Verb Ballets who I consider unparalleled in commitment to dance in Northeast Ohio and beyond,” Dickinson commented. “We’re in the middle of a growth opportunity to promote ballet to the next generation in the region. I’m grateful to be a part of a company that carries on the legacy of ballet in our community while fostering the development of the art form. I feel lucky to be a part of Verb Ballets, in the company of so many memorable dancers, audience members and colleagues.”

About Verb Ballets  
Verb Ballets, a contemporary ballet company, presents dynamic programming through bold artistry, unique styles and technical excellence that captivates audiences. Under the direction of Dr. Margaret Carlson, Producing Artistic Director and Richard Dickinson, MFA, Associate Artistic Director, the company will present a season that ignites passion in the energy, beauty and athleticism of dance. Critics have hailed Verb Ballets for its abilities to, “Dashing preconceptions …with keen dramatic power.” -The Plain Dealer, “(Verb) is dance magnifique.” – The Examiner, “confident and polished, Verb’s dancers shone” – Dance International Magazine. Verb Ballets was named by Dance Magazine as one of 25 dance companies in America to watch. Internationally acclaimed, the company has toured Cuba and Taiwan. As one of the oldest dance organizations in Northeast Ohio we proudly produce high caliber work and continue to connect with our communities through performance and outreach. Additional information can be found at www.verbballets.org.

Verb Ballets performances are made possible through the generous support of The Cleveland Foundation, The George Gund Foundation, Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, Ohio Arts Council, National Endowment for the Arts, Shah Capital, Millie Carlson Trust, Peg’s Foundation, Lubrizol Foundation, The Char and Chuck Fowler Family Foundation, The Akron Community Foundation, John P. Murphy Foundation, Nordson, Laub Foundation, Margaret Wong & Associates, St. Ignatius and Cedar Hill Communications.

Verb Ballets 3445 Warrensville Center Rd. Shaker Heights, OH 44122 • 216-397-3757 • www.verbballets.org
Facebook  •  Twitter  • Instagram •  YouTube @verbballets