Photo: Shawnae Neujahr
Dr. Margaret Carlson
Producing Artistic Director
Dr. Margaret Carlson leads the Ohio Contemporary Ballet as Producing Artistic Director. During her 20-year tenure she has championed a vibrant blend of tradition and innovation. She is a dynamic force in the dance world and has made significant contributions as a performer, choreographer, educator, and arts administrator, both nationally and internationally.
Her performing career spans diverse genres, from gracing the stage as a principal dancer with the original Cleveland Ballet (1972-1983) to starring in numerous national tours of beloved musical theatre productions throughout the 1970s, including Sweet Charity, Ballroom, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Brigadoon, Mame, Hello Dolly! and The Merry Widow.
Her artistic talents extend well beyond performance. For many years, she choreographed extensively for the Cleveland Opera and, as a dedicated educator and arts advocate, she has served as Director of the School of Dance at the University of Akron (1985-1993) and Dean of the School of Dance at the prestigious Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (1993-1999). She consulted both nationally and locally through her company, Carlson Consulting Group, Inc., with groups that have included The American Dance Guild, Chinese Performing Artists of America, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, Ohio Ballet, Dancing Wheels, Ohio Youth Ballet, Ohio Conservatory of Dance, Tom and Susana Evert Dance Theatre, and White Cloud Studios, among others.
Dr. Carlson is highly regarded in the dance community and works tirelessly promoting dance. She founded the American Alliance of Dance Artists, held the position of secretary for the International Organization for Transition for Professional Dancers (a sub-committee of UNESCO), and served on the boards of prominent organizations such as DANCECleveland, the American Dance Guild, and the Hong Kong Ballet. Currently, she serves on the boards of Cleveland Dance Movement, OAAE (Ohio Alliance of Arts Educators), and OAPN (Ohio Arts Professionals Network). Dr. Carlson has served as a volunteer member of the Shaker Heights Community Emergency Response Team since 2007.
Recognized for her expertise as the regisseur for the works of Ian (Ernie) Horvath, Dr. Carlson played a key role in the making of the film about his life, No Dominion. Her commitment to preserving dance history reflects her deep understanding of the art form’s enduring value.
Dr. Carlson received her doctorate from Durham University in the United Kingdom.
Zachary Tuazon
Rehearsal Director
Zachary Tuazon is the Rehearsal Director for Ohio Contemporary Ballet, a role he steps into during his third season with the company, having first joined as a dancer. As a performer, choreographer, educator, and musician, Zachary brings a well-rounded artistic perspective and an intuitive coaching instinct that make him well-suited for this new chapter. His journey from the stage to the front of the room reflects a deep understanding of both the artistry and discipline that shape great performances.
A Chicagoland native, Zachary spent nine years performing with Minnesota Dance Theatre in Minneapolis. He then joined the company in 2023 and has danced many famous works including Elliot Feld’s Mr. XYZ, Donald McKayle’s Rainbow Suite, and Paul Taylor’s Airs.
Zachary earned a BA in Dance Pedagogy from Butler University, complemented by a minor in music with a focus in piano. His ballet training foundation was built at some of the country’s most respected summer intensives, among them Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Next Generation Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, and the Gelsey Kirkland Academy of Classical Ballet.
Beyond the studio, Zachary is an accomplished choreographer, creating original works for Minnesota Dance Theatre, Ohio Contemporary Ballet, and the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus, where he also lent his voice as a singer.
Jen Garlando
Director of Marketing & PR
Jen Garlando is an Akron-based creative consultant specializing in marketing, content, and design. She also brings a deep and rich background in dance, which shapes her unique artistic perspective and fuels her lifelong passion for the performing arts. She graduated from the University of Akron with a degree in Business & Organizational Communication. For the past 15 years, Jen has served as the Director of Marketing & PR for Ohio Contemporary Ballet, shaping the company’s brand identity and establishing its prominent presence in Northeast Ohio. As a consultant, she supports the arts sector and has expanded her practice to work as a designer in the publishing industry. Her professional experience includes working with the National Center for Choreography (NCCAkron), the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival, the National Sweets & Snacks Expo, and All City Musical. She is also a yoga instructor who enjoys sharing her practice with the community. Jen volunteers with the Akron Art Museum and serves on the Advisory Board for Firestone CLC’s Academy of Performing Arts.
Photo: Shawnae Neujahr
Spring Healy
Business Operations Manager
Spring Healy (she/her) is an arts administrator from Toledo, Ohio with a background in dance and an interest in the various ways the arts–especially dance–can engage with communities and activate public spaces. She holds a BA in English with a minor in Arts Management from Bowling Green State University and an MA in Arts Administration from The University of Akron where she was a Graduate Assistant with the School of Dance, Theatre, and Arts Administration. She also spent a semester of her undergraduate program at Keele University in the United Kingdom. Her interest in arts administration was sparked when she interned at the Toledo Arts Commission and was able to see firsthand the behind-the-scenes of an arts organization. Spring’s professional experience includes work with the American Dance Festival, National Center for Choreography in Akron (NCCAkron), Ohio Contemporary Ballet, Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival, and Jacob’s Pillow. She has also spent the past 14 years working as a barista at local coffee shops when she can fit it into her schedule.
