By Steve Sucato

One of Northeast Ohio’s most beloved dancers, Ohio Contemporary Ballet’s Kate Webb, will take her final bow with the company this coming Saturday, June 21, in a free performance at Cain Park’s Evans Amphitheater. 

A native of Richmond, Virginia, Webb trained in dance at the School of Richmond Ballet, where she was also a trainee with the professional company. After graduating from the Appomattox Regional Governor’s School for the Arts, she attended Butler University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Dance Arts Administration. While at Butler, she performed with its student dance company in Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.  

In 2015, Webb joined Ohio Contemporary Ballet (then known as Verb Ballets) and has performed and taught for the company. She has participated in international tours with the company to Cuba and Taiwan, and in 2024, she performed in Chicago at the Gerald Aprino Centennial Celebration. She has also been a guest dancer with Starr Foster Dance Project, Ballet Legato, Hudson Conservatory, and Cleveland City Dance.  

I recently spoke with 31-year-old Webb about her dance career, retirement from OCB, and what’s next for her.

As a child, what was it that drew you to dance?
I felt most like myself when I was dancing. I think that was a combination of being able to move physically and the soaring feeling that came from it, as well as expressing myself artistically and the creativity that came with choosing my own movements.

Were your parents or any siblings in the arts?
I am an only child. My parents knew nothing about dance, but have always been incredibly supportive of my dancing.

You studied at Richmond Ballet’s school and were a trainee with the company. Why the choice to go to Butler University instead of a professional ballet company?
I was an academic overachiever, and I knew I wanted to go to college to prepare for my life after dance. I also experienced a late growth spurt, growing five inches between my junior and senior years of high school, so I was really having to learn to adapt to my new body and gain coordination. As such, I didn’t feel ready to join a company yet. 

Did you have career interests other than dance?
I am a curious person by nature, and there are many things I could have gone for, but I couldn’t visualize any of them until I had given my all to pursuing a dance career.

How did you end up joining Ohio Contemporary Ballet (formerly Verb Ballets)?
After graduating from Butler University, I knew I wanted to find a company that performed a mix of classical ballet and contemporary repertory. To save money on auditions, I began an Internet search of nearby cities to Indiana, and when I googled Cleveland contemporary ballet companies, up popped Verb Ballets. I auditioned and was hired, and the rest is history. 

Why retire from OCB now?
I am at a crossroads in my life where I want to give my body the space it needs to take the next step toward starting a family. I also believe there is a lot I can do outside of dance to help our society. I am growing increasingly concerned about the direction our country is taking, and I am ready to roll up my sleeves as a program developer to make a tangible contribution to improving our communities’ health.

Do you see yourself dancing or choreographing as a freelance artist?
Nothing is closed off, but I don’t want the majority of time to be devoted to either. 

What will you miss about dance company life?
A lot. I will miss the daily grind of no matter how you feel, showing up in the studio or onstage and giving your all with a group of people who are all doing the same. I will miss the camaraderie and relationships I have with the other dancers. We really rely on one another to get through our days. I will also miss the company leadership pushing me to improve and grow as an artist. And of course, I will miss dancing and performing. It has been my life, and I love it.  

What won’t you miss?
I won’t miss having my work so tied to my body and every second of my life. It will be nice to be able to go on a hike without worrying about injuring myself, or stay home instead of performing when I’m sick. I also won’t miss the frustration over things I cannot control, such as the limitations on what I can do with my body because of the facility I was born with. I have made peace with that, but I will not miss that feeling of having a ceiling on what I can accomplish, no matter how hard I try.

What were some favorite roles or ballets that you have danced in?
Two character roles in Heinz Poll ballets stand out: the lady in purple in Songs without Words, who is a scorned woman looking back on her life, and the Lady in Black role in Eight by Benny, which had a musical theater joy to it. I also loved performing Tommie-Waheed Evans’ Dark Matter and choreographer Charles Anderson’s Aposiopesis. Both were challenging and fun.

What role is at the top of your bucket list that you didn’t get to dance?
Juliet in Romeo & Juliet. There is such drama in the role that you can lose yourself in. I would have also loved to do a Justin Peck sneaker ballet.

What is your biggest strength as a dancer?
I always show up and give my all. I  am also not afraid to connect with my emotions to tell a story.

What is the best piece of advice you got about dancing?
I am someone who cares a lot about what others think and doesn’t want to let them down. A former dance partner reminded me that the only thing that matters is enjoying every moment of my performances. 

What advice do you have for young dancers wanting to pursue a career in dance?
Hold onto yourself fiercely. Everyone will offer you corrections or their advice. Ultimately, you know yourself better than anyone else. If those don’t resonate with you, keep experimenting to find what works for you as an artist. Trying to be like somebody else doesn’t work.

Do you have any hobbies outside of dance?
I’m an adventurer, and I love exploring new places. Next, I am going backpacking in Southeast Asia.

Do you and your husband, Alexander, have a favorite place or restaurant you like to frequent?
Voinovich Park has always been a special spot for us. For food, The Fairmount in Cleveland Heights is a favorite.

What is next?
I have been accepted into a couple of graduate degree programs and am waiting for funding to make a decision.  

Follow Kate on Instagram @katestahgram