We are filled with pride and gratitude when we reflect on last season’s successes. Take a moment to share in the what the company has brought to the community this past year. Thank you for supporting dance in our community, whether as a ticket buyer, class participant, donor, or in any other way. Your contribution is invaluable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7sGfpqb_Rs
2024 Impact Report
25
Performances
19
Pieces of repertory performed
21476
Audiences
”I have created a vision for our community—one that blends contemporary dance with classical ballet, reflecting the pulse of current times while honoring timeless traditions.
Dr. Margaret CarlsonProducing Artistic Director
Season benchmarks
Renaming the company
- Verb Ballets is now Ohio Contemporary Ballet.
- This name change aligns with our artistic vision and establishes a unique presence within the state.
Elevate marginalized voices
- The company showcased 19 works created by 14 different choreographers, including minority artists.
- The company licensed works from the Arpino Foundation and Heinz Poll’s estate.
Provide community access to dance education
- The company created a Nutcracker that integrates community partners.
- Reached over 1,300 students and adults in Cuyahoga, Summit and Portage counties.
- Presented 121 outreach activities to the public.
121
Outreach Activities
Community Partners
We depend on donors like you
Your donation directly supports our growth and sustainability as a cornerstone dance institution in the region, enriching the community with captivating performances and valuable educational opportunities.
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Looking to the future
Return to Playhouse Square
Ohio Contemporary Ballet returns to Playhouse Square on February 28, 2025 to present Echoes & Innovations. The performance will feature works by choreographic legends Donald McKayle and Gerald Arpino, alongside the rising talent of Tommie-Waheed Evans and Stephanie Martinez. Anticipate a remarkable program that blends the echoes of tradition with the innovations of 21st-century dance.
Honoring Choreographer Heinz Poll
Join us for our return to EJ Thomas Hall on April 25, 2025 for Honoring Heinz Poll. The program is dedicated to the legacy of Heinz Poll, a visionary choreographer whose influence continues to resonate within the dance community, both in Akron and beyond. This performance will celebrate his diverse and acclaimed works, featuring two pieces unseen since his passing: Planes & Configurations and Light Breeze.
Black Box Theatre
We are completing the expansion of our studio into a black box theatre that will provide an intimate performance experience. This initiative arose from the scarcity of local theater spaces and the acquisition of production resources through COVID grants and a capacity grant from the Ohio Arts Council.
Support dance in our community
Your donation directly supports our growth and sustainability as a cornerstone dance institution in the region, enriching the community with captivating performances and valuable educational opportunities. In addition to our annual operating expenses we also are working to grow our endowment. For assistance in making a donation or donate a stock gift please call 216-397-3757 or email.
Ohio Contemporary Ballet is a 501c3 organization. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Checks
Ohio Contemporary Ballet
3558 Lee Rd.
Shaker Heights, OH 44120
