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Press Releases

Feb 13
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Ballet UpClose with Cuban dance legend Laura Alonso

By Press Releases

CLEVELAND, OH – Join Verb Ballets for an exclusive lunch time rehearsal viewing with Cuban dance legend Laura Alonso. The daughter of legendary ballet royalty Alicia Alonso, Laura Alonso is herself an award-winning ballet teacher with a 25-year career performing with Ballet Nacional de Cuba. Witness the artistic process as she sets the ballet Yarini- which has never been seen in America! Verb Ballets will travel to Havana, Cuba the next day for nearly three weeks to join ProDanza. Together the two ballet companies will join forces in an international collaboration to form the Cleveland Havana Ballet to present the Cuban ballet, Yarini. Yarini is based on an historical hero who reached mythical proportions within popular Cuban culture and imagination. The ballet centers around Alberto Yarini, known as the Prince of Old Havana, Louis Lotot, Yarini’s notorious rival, and the women they loved. The ballet is set in Havana during the Cuban War of Independence against Spain; during Yarini’s rise to power that led to his inevitable tragic death in 1910. The battle highlights passion, power and struggles for freedoms that are the essence of the Cuban spirit. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to see rehearsal before the company leaves for Cuba!

Ballet UpClose Luncheon is on Friday, March 2, 2018 at 12:00pm at the Verb Ballets studio located at 3445 Warrensville Center Rd. Shaker Hts, OH 44122.  Tickets are $17 and includes a light lunch. Tickets available online at verbballets.org or calling 216-397-3757.

Interviews and photos available by contacting Jennifer Garlando Director of Marketing & PR at jgarlando@verbballets.org. 

 

Laura Alonso
Laura Alonso, daughter of world famous ballerina Alicia Alonso and renowned teacher and coach Fernando Alonso, is herself known as a teacher, coach and an expert at staging the well-known classics. For seven years she served as the personal coach and teacher for international prima ballerina assoluta, Alicia Alonso. Dance Theatre of Harlem artistic director, former prima ballerina and former editor of Pointe magazine, Virginia Johnson, calls her an, “international master teacher extrordinare.”

Ms. Alonso’s 25 year performing career with Ballet National de Cuba included soloist work in all of the traditional classics. Today she travels around the world teaching and staging the classics for pre-professional as well as professional companies such as London’s Royal Ballet School and The Royal Danish Ballet.
Although born in the United States, Alonso is a resident of Havana where she has an international dance school, Centro Pro Danza, which welcomes 1,500 students, and a professional performing company, The Ballet Classic of Havana.

A teacher of world-class experience, Ms. Alonso has taught Ms. Alonso has taught for professional ballet companies all over the world including Cuban National Ballet, the Royal Danish Ballet, the Australian Ballet, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, the Cleveland/San Jose Ballet, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Tokyo Ballet, the Toronto Ballet, the Alberta Ballet. She was a member of the faculty at the Regional Dance America’s National Festival in 1997 as well as at the RDA/NE Festival 1998 and the RDA/SE 1999. For seven years, she served as the personal coach for international ballerina Alicia Alonso.

Ms. Alonso was honored with an award as the best coach at the Jackson International Ballet Competition in 1990. Her student, Jose Manuel Carreno, won the Grand Prix de Ville, the highest award possible. Ms. Alonso has served as coach, jury member and teacher at the Jackson IBC and as jury member of the Concours International de Dance de Paris, France, the Alicia Alonso International Ballet Competition and other competitions around the world.
Along with her expertise in working with professionals and aspiring professionals, Ms. Alonso is extremely gifted at working with young dancers of all ages and experiences. She is willing to instruct anyone who wants to learn and has transformed students in just a few classes. Alonso’s mission is to bring the highest quality dance to students everywhere.

Performance Details:
Friday, March 2, 2018 at 12:00pm
Ballet UpClose Luncheon with Laura Alonso
Verb Ballets studio located at 3445 Warrensville Center Rd. Shaker Hts, OH 44122.
Tickets: $17 Adults
verbballets.org 

About Verb Ballets  
Verb Ballets, a contemporary ballet company, presents dynamic programming through bold artistry, unique styles and technical excellence that captivates a broad audience. Under the direction of Dr. Margaret Carlson, Producing Artistic Director and Richard Dickinson, MFA, Associate Director, the company will present a season that ignites passion in the energy, beauty and athleticism of dance. Critics have hailed Verb Ballets as, “Dashes 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 cultivates dance appreciation and nurtures wellness through movement in community dance classes, school residencies, senior outreach, library programs, master classes and college course partnerships. Verb Ballets has also 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. As one of the oldest dance organizations in Cleveland we are proud to produce high caliber work and continue to connect with communities across a four-county reach. Additional information can be found at www.verbballets.org. Additional information can be found at www.verbballets.org.

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

Jan 10
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Verb Ballets program highlights nationally recognized African American choreographers

By Press Releases

CLEVELAND, OH – Verb Ballets, Northeast Ohio’s premiere contemporary ballet company, has brought critically acclaimed performances to Northeast Ohio audiences for over 30 years. In celebration of Black History Month, the company will remount original works commissioned by Verb Ballets from nationally recognized African American choreographers. The performance on February 3, 2018 at the Breen Center for the Performing Arts in Cleveland will feature the work of award winning Philadelphia choreographer, Tommie-Waheed Evans and Cleveland native and former Bill T Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company dancer, Antonio Brown. Both choreographers will lead a pre-show discussion at 7:15pm on their experiences in the dance field. To attend the pre-show discussion, please arrive at the Breen Center lobby by 7:10PM. This performance is generously supported by the Cleveland Foundation.

The audience favorite, Dark Matter, returns to the stage by choreographer Tommie-Waheed Evans. Critics described Verb dancers’, “sleek encounters that brim with contrasting patterns and connections”. This intensely driven physical work was complemented by the stage design with hanging fluorescent light bulbs that were rhythmically controlled providing a breathtaking visual effect by lighting designer’ Trad A Burns. Also returning to the stage is Surge.Capacity.Force. which he created on Verb Ballets this past summer. This modern work is moving a reflection on the human experience and the complex struggles of immigration. Evans was a former dancer with PHILADANCO! and Complexions Contemporary Ballet before starting his own company Waheed Works in 2006. He received 2017 Philadelphia Tribune’s “10 under 40” Honoree Award and was selected nationally as an emerging leader by Dance/USA. Evans strives to create work built upon the human experience to connect audiences through a fierce physical language while communicating statements about social justice. The Dance Journal described his work as, “vocabulary is deeply rooted in a classical ballet aesthetic blended with modern sensibilities and jazz influences.”

Also featured on the program will be two original commissions by Antonio Brown, a former Bill T Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company dancer. The Cleveland native and graduate of the Cleveland School of the Arts recently retired from dancing to focus on his company Antonio Brown Dance, whose works have been performed across the U.S. including NYC Summer Stage. The company will restage Continuum, a contemporary work that intertwines patterns and bodies for a visually vivacious performance. Critics hailed the Verb Ballets performance of his work as, “nothing can restrain the thrust that the Verb cast lavishes on Brown’s exuberant brainstorm”. Also, on the program will be Passing By, an abstract work where the dancers explore relationships and space. The modern movement pulls the dancers away from the synchronized group into shafts of light over white rectangles. The use of shadows and space adds to this intriguing work that caught the attention of the audiences and critics alike.

Verb Ballets’ performance on February 3, 2018 at 8:00pm is at The Breen Center for the Performing Arts located at 2008 W. 30th St. in Cleveland. Single tickets are $25-$35. Student ticket discount available. Tickets can be purchased at through Eventbrite at verbballets.org. For more information, visit www.verbballets.org.

Antonio Brown, Choreographer
Antonio Brown was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, where he began his dance training at the Cleveland School of the Arts. With tons of love and support from his fam­ily and friends Antonio jumped hurdles very fast in his training and received many awards and scholarships in and outside of the Cleveland area. After graduating from the Cleveland School of the Arts Antonio made his way to New York City to study at the Juilliard School where he received his BFA under the direction of Lawrence Rhodes. While there, he had the opportunity to perform works by Jose Limon, Ohad Naharin, Jiri Kylian, Eliot Feld, Aszure Barton, Jessica Lang, Susan Marshall, Larry Keigwin, among others. Mr. Brown has also worked with many companies and artist throughout New York City including Malcolm Low/Formal Structure, Stephen Pier, Ni­las Martins Dance Company, Damage Dance and Sidra Bell Dance New York. In 2007 Antonio became a member of the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company. In addition to working with BTJ/AZ, Mr. Brown also finds time to perform with Camille A. Brown & Dancers, and Gregory Dolbashian’s “The Dash Ensemble”. Throughout all of his years Antonio has had an appetite for choreography starting in his living room as child and now on many stages around the world. Brown has choreographed works for Verb Ballets, August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble, The Juilliard Dance Ensemble, Cleveland School of the Arts, Stivers School for the Arts, Perry Mansfield Performing Arts School and Camp, and various other schools and intensives across the Country. Mr. Brown’s work has also been showcased during NYC’s Central Park Summer Stage, Center for Performance Research, Tanzania, Africa; The Isle of Wight, UK and was the featured guest for the Friends of Cleveland School of the Arts fundraising GALA in 2010. Antonio is so grateful to be creating art that means so much to him and looks forward to sharing his gifts and talents around the world.

Tommie-Waheed Evans, Choreographer
Tommie-Waheed Evans began his formal training with Michelle Blossom at the Dance Connection in Los Angeles California. He continued his studies under the mentorship of Andrea Calomee and Karen McDonald at Hamilton High School before receiving a fellowship at the Ailey School. As a student, Evans performed the work of Matthew Rushing, Benoit-Swan Pouffer, Karol Armitage, and Debbie Allen. He was an assistant to current artistic director of Ailey II, Troy Powell. Evans professional appearances include the popular sitcom “The Parkers”, the Emmy Awards, HopeBoykinDance, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Lula Washington Dance Theater, the Philadelphia Dance Company (Philadanco) and Complexions Contemporary Ballet. In 2006 he founded his company, Waheed-Works. Evans has set choreography on The Garden State Dance Festival, Philadelphia Dance Boom Festival, Grace Dance Theater, Verb Ballets, Eleone Dance Theatre, and Boston Conservatory. Evans is the Artist-in-Residence at PHILADANCO! and is currently on faculty at the University of the Arts. His awards include a Dance/USA Philadelphia Rocky Award, Billy Penn: Who Next Arts, Howard Gillman Foundation Fellowship Winner, and a BalletX 2017 Ballet Choreographic Fellowship. Evans recently received his Master of Fine Arts in Choreography from Jacksonville University.

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All programs and artists are subject to change. Photos or interviews available upon request by contacting  
Jennifer Garlando, Director of Marketing & PR at jgarlando@verbballets.org.  

Performance
February 3, 2018 8:00PM
Celebrating Black History Month
Breen Center for the Performing Arts 2008 W. 30th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
Tickets: $25-$35 Student discount available

About Verb Ballets  
Verb Ballets, a contemporary ballet company, presents dynamic programming through bold artistry, unique styles and technical excellence that captivates a broad audience. Under the direction of Dr. Margaret Carlson, Producing Artistic Director and Richard Dickinson, MFA, Associate Director, the company will present a season that ignites passion in the energy, beauty and athleticism of dance. Critics have hailed Verb Ballets as, “Dashes 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 cultivates dance appreciation and nurtures wellness through movement in community dance classes, school residencies, senior outreach, library programs, master classes and college course partnerships. Verb Ballets has also 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. As one of the oldest dance organizations in Cleveland we are proud to produce high caliber work and continue to connect with communities across a four-county reach. Additional information can be found at www.verbballets.org. Additional information can be found at www.verbballets.org.

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

Jan 08
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ORMACO presents Verb Ballets in Lorain County

By Press Releases

MEDINA, OH – Ohio Regional Music Arts and Cultural Outreach (ORMACO) presents Verb Ballets on February 17, 2018 at 7:00pm at the Patricia Lindley Center for the Performing Arts in Wellington. The program entitled Made in America: Dances that Transform you through Time and Movement will delight audiences with both classical selections and bold adventures works. Featured is an intense physical contemporary work by award winning Philadelphia choreographer Tommie-Waheed Evans described by critics as, “sleek encounters that brim with contrasting patterns and connections”. Audiences can’t resist when ballet meets ballroom in Eight by Benny Goodman set to the famous orchestral music of the 1940s choreographed by Ohio Ballet Founder, Heinz Poll. Verb Ballets’ dancers will dazzle in display of classical technique full of speed and high spirits in Tarantella staged staged by former Cleveland Ballet dancer, Pamela Pribisco. The epic music of Ravel’s Bolero comes to life in this visual masterpiece by Heinz Poll with a drive, propulsion and intensity that build with the famous crescendo. International dance critics have reviewed Verb Ballets’ performances as, “classical ballet with a dash of American modern dance”. Verb Ballets has been named Dance Magazine as one of the 25 dance companies in America to watch.

Ohio Regional Music Arts and Cultural Outreach (ORMACO) will bring Verb Ballets to various schools in Lorain County the week of February 12, 2018. The weeklong residency and concert are made possible with underwriting from The Nordson Corporation, The Ohio Arts Council, Wellington Schools Endowment, Gossman Insurance Agency and Bosela Enterprises.

Verb Ballets’ performance on February 17, 2018 at 7:00pm is at Patricia Lindley Center for the Performing Arts located 27 N Main St. in Wellington. Single tickets are $15. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ormaco.org (credit card fee applies) or by calling 330-722-2541. The Wellington Chamber of Commerce will host a special VIP pre-concert reception from 5:30 to 6:50 pm to celebrate Wellington’s 200th Bicentennial. Indulge in heavy hor d’oeuvres and delectable pastries, mix and mingle with friends old and new and view some of Wellington’s history that will be on display. Combined reception and concert tickets are $30 and are available at the ORMACO website or through the Wellington Chamber of Commerce at 440-647-2222.

All programs and artists are subject to change. Photos or interviews available upon request by contacting  
Jennifer Garlando, Director of Marketing & PR at jgarlando@verbballets.org.  

Performance
February 17, 2018 7:00PM
ORMACO presents Verb Ballets
Made in America: Dances that Transform you through Time and Movement
Patricia Lindley Center for the Performing Arts 27 N Main St. in Wellington
Tickets: $15

About Verb Ballets  
Verb Ballets, a contemporary ballet company, presents dynamic programming through bold artistry, unique styles and technical excellence that captivates a broad audience. Under the direction of Dr. Margaret Carlson, Producing Artistic Director and Richard Dickinson, MFA, Associate Director, the company will present a season that ignites passion in the energy, beauty and athleticism of dance. Critics have hailed Verb Ballets as, “Dashes 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 cultivates dance appreciation and nurtures wellness through movement in community dance classes, school residencies, senior outreach, library programs, master classes and college course partnerships. Verb Ballets has also 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. As one of the oldest dance organizations in Cleveland we are proud to produce high caliber work and continue to connect with communities across a four-county reach. Additional information can be found at www.verbballets.org. Additional information can be found at www.verbballets.org.

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

Jan 05
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Cleveland Havana Exchange

By Press Releases

CLEVELAND, OH- In the spring of 2018, two ballet companies will join forces in an international collaboration to form the Cleveland Havana Ballet to present the Cuban ballet, Yarini. Starring the dancers of Cleveland’s Verb Ballets led by Dr. Margaret Carlson, and Havana’s ProDanza under the direction Laura Alonso, this cultural exchange is a groundbreaking partnership supported through the Cleveland Foundation’s Creative Fusion initiative. This significant collaboration will encompass performances in Cuba by the combined companies in March 2018.  Bringing Verb Ballets to Cuba for the first time is an enormous cultural exchange and will integrate American dancers to the very best of Cuba’s ballet scene.

Until 2014 there was a travel and trade embargo from Cuba that halted the art exchanges for decades. Cuban ballet has been at the pinnacle of international dance for years and Cuba continues to produce some of the ballet world’s best dancers. The daughter of legendary ballet royalty Alicia Alonso, Laura Alonso is herself an award-winning ballet teacher with a 25-year career performing with Ballet Nacional de Cuba. This is the second year of the cultural exchange with Alonso through the Cleveland Foundation’s Creative Fusion: Cuba Edition. She came to Cleveland, Ohio for two months this past spring to train Verb Ballets dancers in the Cuban method likely the first-of-its-kind exchange connecting cultural institutions of a major Midwestern city with a selection of celebrated Cuban artists for an extended project-based residency.

“The collaboration this year among Cuban and Cleveland artists has been nothing short of phenomenal,” said Ronn Richard, president and CEO of the Cleveland Foundation. “It is exciting to be able to expand the partnership between the nationally-renowned Verb Ballets company and legendary Cuban artist Laura Alonso to catalyze a new work in Havana as part of our Creative Fusion initiative. In a climate of increasing divisiveness, it’s never been more important to show how the universal language of dance can bring people together across geographic and cultural boundaries.”

Presented as The Cleveland Havana Ballet, the two companies will perform the full length classical ballet, Yarini, by international dancer and choreographer, Iván Alonso, the grandson of Alicia Alonso. The combined company premiere of Yarini will run March 9-11, 2018 in the Alicia Alonso Grand Theater in Havana. Yarini is based on an historical hero who reached mythical proportions within popular Cuban culture and imagination. The ballet centers around Alberto Yarini, known as the Prince of Old Havana, Louis Lotot, Yarini’s notorious rival, and the women they loved. The ballet is set in Havana during the Cuban War of Independence against Spain; during Yarini’s rise to power that led to his inevitable tragic death in 1910. The battle highlights passion, power and struggles for freedoms that are the essence of the Cuban spirit.

Verb Ballets, a contemporary ballet company based in Cleveland, Ohio will travel to Havana, Cuba on March 3, 2018 for nearly three weeks to join ProDanza. Verb Ballets’ international tour will commence with a shared repertory program with ProDanza running March 16-18, 2018 highlighting the unique styles of American and Cuban ballet at The National Theatre in Havana, Cuba. “We believe this is the first time in history a Cuban and American ballet company have performed together,” said Dr. Carlson, Producing Artistic Director of Verb Ballets. “To be able to perform on stage with some of the best dancers in the world is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our company.”

Join Verb Ballets for the cultural immersion trip of a lifetime March 15-19, 2018. Led by To Cuba Now, the people-to-people exchange program will provide an experience far beyond the typical cars and cigars tours in Cuba. You will have the opportunity to see a Cuba few others have ever seen, with an authentic and personal view of Cuba’s art, music and dance communities, along with a customized program and tour of Cuba’s iconic cultural treasures. The customized five days/four nights immersion travel program provides a unique opportunity to support Verb Ballets and to personally experience the people, arts and culture of Cuba in a way few others could imagine. For more details visit www.verbballets.org or call To Cuba Now at 440-835-4040.

All dates are subject to change.  Photos or interviews available upon request by contacting  
Jen Garlando, Director of Marketing & PR at jgarlando@verbballets.org.  

Performances  

March 9-11, 2018
The Teatro Miramar
Havana, Cuba

March 16-18, 2018
The Alicia Alonso Grand Theater of Havana
Havana, Cuba

About Verb Ballets  
Verb Ballets, a contemporary ballet company, presents dynamic programming through bold artistry, unique styles and technical excellence that captivates a broad audience. Under the direction of Dr. Margaret Carlson, Producing Artistic Director and Richard Dickinson, MFA, Associate Director, the company will present a season that ignites passion in the energy, beauty and athleticism of dance. Critics have hailed Verb Ballets as, “Dashes 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 cultivates dance appreciation and nurtures wellness through movement in community dance classes, school residencies, senior outreach, library programs, master classes and college course partnerships. Verb Ballets has also 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. In 2017 Verb Ballets begins a year long celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the company. As one of the oldest dance organizations in Cleveland we are proud to produce high caliber work and continue to connect with communities across a four county reach. Additional information can be found at www.verbballets.org.

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

About ProDanza 
Centro de Promoción de la Danza, better known as Pro Danza, is a world-renown center for the study and performance of dance located in Havana, Cuba. Since its founding in 1988, the center has been under the direction of revered ballet dancer and teacher Laura Alonso, the daughter of famous Cuban ballet dancers Alicia and Fernando Alonso. Training is based on the methodology and technique of the Cuban School of Ballet, which began in the 1930s as a distinctive and highly respected approach derived from older European and American methods. Pro Danza consistently produces dancers for major companies around the world. Pro Danza companies perform around the globe but, as a big part of the center’s mission is to foster the love of dance in the Cuban people, performances are staged regularly across the island.

Iván Alonso, Choreographer 
He began his studies in Classical Dance in 1967 at the National School of Art (ENA), where he graduated in 1975 as a teacher dancer. From there he joined the National Ballet of Cuba reaching the soloist level. He was part of the Young Guard of which he is founder. In 1998 he was awarded the main teaching category of Adjunct Assistant of the Higher Institute of Art. He was appointed choreographer by the Evaluation Committee whose president is Alicia Alonso. He currently serves as Ballet Master and Choreographer of the Center for the Promotion of Dance.

Oct 25
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Verb Ballets 2017-18 Ticket Season

By Press Releases

CLEVELAND, OH – Verb Ballets, Northeast Ohio’s premiere contemporary ballet company announces its 2017-18 ticket season. Verb Ballets has brought critically acclaimed performances that dash preconceptions to Northeast Ohio audiences for over 30 years. Following last seasons’ international tour to Taiwan the company has garnished international acclaim as, “classical ballet with a dash of American modern dance”. The company will remount original commissions of works by African American choreographers on the front of the rising choreographic at Celebrating Black History Month at The Breen Center for Performing Arts on February 3, 2018. The company broadens its regional reach with Made in America at the Patricia Lindley Center for the Performing Arts in Lorain County presented by ORMACO. Enjoy a journey through dances that transform you through time and movement on February 17, 2018 for a program that will be appreciated by both new audiences and dance enthusiasts alike. Known for innovative works that highlight its classically trained dancers the company will make its premiere the Spring Series at EJ Thomas Hall in Akron on April 27, 2018 with an exciting mix of dances on the program including a company premiere. Having participated in Cleveland Public Theatre’s DanceWorks since its inception audiences should return to see Verb Ballets an exciting and versatile program. The vibrant performances running May 17-19, 2018 will highlight bold artistry through the dancers’ creative lens.

The company will continue the Ballet UpClose in-studio series for its third year to engage audiences in the creative process on January 26, 2018, March 2, 2018 and June 22, 2018. This in-studio experience brings an intimate perspective into the artistry and work that goes into producing dance on stage.

Tickets are available for purchase by visit verbballets.org website for further information.

Verb Ballets season is 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 Captial, Millie Carlson Trust, The Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation, Lubrizol Foundation, The Char and Chuck Fowler Family Foundation, The Akron Community Foundation, John P. Murphy Foundation, Nordson, RPM, Laub Foundation, Margaret Wong & Associates, St. Ignatius, Cedar Hill, Scene Magazine.

Verb Ballets 2017-18 Ticket Season
February 3, 2018 8:00PM
Celebrating Black History Month
Breen Center for the Performing Arts 2008 W. 30th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
Tickets: $25-35

February 17, 2018 7:00PM
Made in America
ORMACO presents Verb Ballets
Patricia Lindley Center for the Performing Arts 627 N. Main St., Wellington, OH 44090
Tickets: $15 general admission

April 27, 2018 8:00PM
Spring Series
EJ Thomas Hall 198 Hill St., Akron, OH 44325
Tickets: $17-35

May 17-19, 2018 7:30pm
DanceWorks 2018
Cleveland Public Theatre 6415 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44102
Tickets: $17-35

Ballet UpClose In-Studio Series
Verb Ballets Studio 3445 Warrensville Center Rd. Shaker Heights, OH 44122
January 26, 2018
March 2, 201
June 22, 2018
Tickets: $12-17

All programs and artists are subject to change.

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Jul 28
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Verb Ballets receives support of the Ohio Arts Council to continue Moving Connections

By Press Releases

CLEVELAND, OH – Verb Ballets is honored to receive support of the Ohio Arts Council to continue Moving Connections program in Northeast Ohio for the 2017-18 season. Moving Connections, a wellness program of Verb Ballets, is a movement workshop designed for older adults 50 and over to encourage creativity, engage social interaction and deepen an appreciation of the arts through the joy of movement. Led by professionally trained dancers and movement experts, Moving Connections help older adults develop flexibility, increase breath, exercise concentration that connects mind to body and increase cognitive function. The program is designed for all ability levels and can be done while seated. Verb Ballets has expanded this increasingly popular movement program to a tri-county area in Ohio to include Lorain and Summit counties. The program provides older adults with an opportunity to observe and experience new ways of moving, regardless of personal limitations. It has been particularly helpful in building community and in giving Alzheimer’s patients a new avenue for connecting with friends, family, caregivers and facility staff as well as others. The program has been featured in The Plain Dealer as an excellent example of how local dance companies are reaching out to the community.

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Jul 21
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Verb Ballets returns to Cain Park in celebration of the company’s 30th anniversary season with a free performance

By Press Releases

CLEVELAND, OH – Verb Ballets returns to Cain Park Evans Amphitheatre on August 19, 2017 for a free community performance in honor of the company’s 30th anniversary season. The performance is sponsored by Cleveland Heights residents James Graham and David Dusek.

Verb Ballets will perform the new work by Philadelphia choreographer Tommie-Waheed Evans, Surge.Capacity.Force. His new work draws upon the human experience to connect audiences through a fierce physical language while communicating relevant statements about social justice issues. Evans danced with PHILADANCO! and Complexions Contemporary Ballet before starting his own company Waheed Works in 2006. The Dance Journal described his work as, “vocabulary is deeply rooted in a classical ballet aesthetic blended with modern sensibilities and jazz influences.”

Returning to the stage is the Heinz Poll favorite, Eight By Benny Goodman. This fun loving piece combines ballet and ballroom to the exuberant big-band sounds of the master musician, Benny Goodman. Verb Ballets’ dancers will also perform Poll’s, Schubert Waltzes. The classical piece was noted as “catapults ordinary waltz steps into a delightful combination of classicism and wit”. The couples embrace characters through their dancing to bring inventiveness to the music.

Verb Ballets’ performance will start at 8:00pm. The performance is free and no tickets are required. Gates will open at 7:00pm. Seating is general admission. Cain Park is located at 14591 Superior Rd, Cleveland, OH 44118. Entrances are located at Superior, Lee and Taylor Rd.

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Jul 21
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Verb Ballets brings diverse styles to Arts in August marking its 12th year at Tremont

By Press Releases

CLEVELAND, OH – Verb Ballets returns to Arts in August at Tremont’s Lincoln Park on August 12, 2017. This free community performance will showcase Verb Ballets as the company celebrates both its 30th anniversary season and marking its 12th year at Tremont.

The program will feature the Cleveland debut of Surge.Capacity.Force. by choreographer Tommie-Waheed Evans. His new work draws upon the human experience to connect audiences through a fierce physical language while communicating relevant statements about social justice. Evans danced with PHILADANCO! and Complexions Contemporary Ballet before starting his own company Waheed Works in 2006. The Dance Journal described his work as, “vocabulary is deeply rooted in a classical ballet aesthetic blended with modern sensibilities and jazz influences.”

Returning to the stage is Anthony Kruztkamp’s, Appropriated Memories. This contemporary ballet is a highly kinetic work then seamlessly weaves one movement into the next. The work explores tender moments from past relationships as passing memories that fade in and out. Verb Ballets’ dancers will also perform a series of duets on the program that feature their technical abilities and personalities including the return of the thrilling Tarantella staged by former Cleveland Ballet dancer, Pamela Pribisco.

Guests are invited to bring blankets and/or a chair. Onstage stage interactive activities start at 7:45pm. Verb Ballets’ performance will start at 8:30pm. Arts in August performances are free and open to the public. Lincoln Park, located at W. 14th and Starkweather in the heart of Tremont, is the perfect venue for this signature outdoor performance series.

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Jul 21
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Verb Ballets brings diverse styles to The Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival at Firestone Park

By Press Releases

AKRON, OH – Verb Ballets returns to The Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival at Akron’s Firestone Park on July 28 & 29, 2017. These free community performances will showcase Verb Ballets as the company celebrates the 30th anniversary season by featuring a diverse dynamic program including a world premiere. Verb Ballets is proud to present a season that highlights the artistry of contemporary choreographers paired with balletic works that have moved audiences for decades.

Verb Ballets will premiere a new work by Philadelphia chorographer Tommie-Waheed Evans at the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival. In 2013 Evan’s created Dark Matter on Verb Ballets that audiences and critics alike enjoyed. Evans danced with PHILADANCO! and Complexions Contemporary Ballet before starting his own company Waheed Works in 2006. The Dance Journal described his work as, “vocabulary is deeply rooted in a classical ballet aesthetic blended with modern sensibilities and jazz influences.” Evans strives to create work built upon the human experience to connect audiences through a fierce physical language while communicating statements about social justice.

Returning to the stage is the Heinz Poll favorite, Eight By Benny Goodman. This fun loving piece combines ballet and ballroom to the exuberant big-band sounds of the master, Benny Goodman. Verb Ballets’ dancers will debut the amazing technique of the Cuban Ballet style as the company performs Don Quixote Grand Pas de Deux staged by renowned Cuban ballerina, Laura Alonso.

Guests are invited to bring blankets and/or a chair. Onstage children’s activities lead by the Dance Institute start at 7:45pm. Verb Ballets performance begins at 8:45pm. Firestone Park is located at 1480 Girard St, Akron, Ohio 44301. Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival performances are free and open to the public.

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Jul 21
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Choreographer Tommie-Waheed Evans to Create New Work on Verb Ballets

By Press Releases

CLEVELAND, OH – It is with great excitement that Verb Ballets hosts guest choreographer Tommie-Waheed Evans in-studio from June 26-30, 2017. Evans danced with PHILADANCO! and Complexions Contemporary Ballet before starting his own company Waheed Works in 2006. Evans recently finished a Choreographic Fellowship for Ballet X and was selected nationally as an emerging leader by Dance/USA.

The Dance Journal described his work as, “vocabulary is deeply rooted in a classical ballet aesthetic blended with modern sensibilities and jazz influences.” Evans strives to create work built upon the human experience to connect audiences through a fierce physical language while communicating statements about social justice. Verb Ballets will debut Evans’ new work for its upcoming summer season at performances including Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival on July 28-29, Tremont’s Arts in August on August 12 and Cain Park on August 19.

In 2013 Evans’ created Dark Matter on Verb Ballets that audiences and critics alike enjoyed. This intensely driven physical work was set to a score comprised of a mix of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor with sounds of shattering glass and African drum rhythms. The dance was complemented by the stage design with hanging fluorescent light bulbs that were rhythmically controlled providing a breathtaking visual effect. This audience favorite will return to the stage throughout the 2017-18 season.

Tommie-Waheed Evans, Choreographer

Tommie-Waheed Evans began his formal training with Michelle Blossom at the Dance Connection in Los Angeles California. He continued his studies under the mentorship of Andrea Calomee and Karen McDonald at Hamilton High School before receiving a fellowship at the Ailey School. As a student, Evans performed the work of Matthew Rushing, Benoit-Swan Pouffer, Karol Armitage, and Debbie Allen. He was an assistant to current artistic director of Ailey II, Troy Powell. Evans professional appearances include the popular sitcom “The Parkers”, the Emmy Awards, HopeBoykinDance, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Lula Washington Dance Theater, the Philadelphia Dance Company (Philadanco) and Complexions Contemporary Ballet. In 2006 he founded his company, Waheed-Works. Evans has set choreography on The Garden State Dance Festival, Philadelphia Dance Boom Festival, Grace Dance Theater, Verb Ballets, Eleone Dance Theatre, and Boston Conservatory. Evans is the Artist-in-Residence at PHILADANCO! and is currently on faculty at the University of the Arts. His awards include a Dance/USA Philadelphia Rocky Award, Billy Penn: Who Next Arts, Howard Gillman Foundation Fellowship

Winner, and a BalletX 2017 Ballet Choreographic Fellowship. Evans recently received his Master of Fine Arts in Choreography from Jacksonville University.

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