Havana Nights Gala in honor of Verb Ballets return from Cuba

CLEVELAND, OH – Verb Ballets announces Havana Nights Gala to be held on Friday, April 20, 2018 at the beautifully restored The Ballroom at Park Lane in University Circle. Guest are invited to celebrate the company’s return from Cuba after the international debut of the Cleveland Havana Ballet in collaboration with ProDanza. The 2018 Gala is chaired by Nadia and Thomas Wearsch with Co-Chairs Leslie Davidson and Leslie Kaufman. Internationally acclaimed Verb Ballets will perform excerpts from Yarini: The Prince of Old Havana -a ballet never seen outside of Cuba! The ballet highlights passion, power and struggles for freedoms that are the essence of the Cuban spirit.

The evening will feature the music of the Sammy DeLeon Orchestra. Sammy DeLeon is a well-recognized fixture in the Ohio Latin jazz scene whom has gained popularity for his danceable groove-oriented music in the styles of Latin jazz, salsa, and merengue. DeLeon’s performance credits include performances with El Gran Combo, Tito Rojas, and Tony Vega. DeLeon has performed in New York, Chicago, Miami, and San Juan, Puerto Rico, as well as locally, and has opened for Tito Puente, whose praise he earned. He also fronts his own orchestra which features four vocalists, a trumpeter, saxophonist, pianist, bassist, and three percussion players.

Dancing the night away after a delicious dinner prepared by Driftwood Catering. Driftwood Catering redefines catering by preparing local and seasonal foods food fresh. Driftwood Catering is led by consulting chef and president Chris Hodgson. Hodgsonis a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu and was featured on Food Network’s: Food Network Star and 2014 FOOD AND WINE’s People’s Best New Chef for the Great Lakes Region.

The elegant affair is at The Ballroom at Park Lane which has been beautifully restored to its Beaux Arts grandeur. The Ballroom blends the old world and the new to create something truly timeless- just like the collaboration between Verb Ballets and ProDanza. The evening will also feature a delightful array of silent auction items and wine pull.

The annual Spring Gala directly supports the company’s operations, performances and outreach programs. Verb Ballets is one of the oldest professional dance companies in the region. The company has received international acclaim and is a true gem in Northeast Ohio! In addition to performing for over 15,000 people in Northeast Ohio last year, the company reached over 41,000 through education and outreach efforts.

Havana Nights is a benefit for Verb Ballets on Friday, April 20, 2018 from 7:00-11:00pm at The Ballroom at Park Lane located at 10510 Park Lane, Cleveland, OH 44106. Tickets start at $150. Reservations are required and can be made by visiting www.verbballets.org/havananights.

For information, tables, tickets, or sponsorship go to www.verbballets.org/havananights

Photos or interviews available upon request by contacting
Jennifer Garlando, Director of Marketing & PR at [email protected].

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
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