A monthly digest of select dance news and performance impressions, primarily from the regions I cover in Ohio, and parts of Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania.

By Steve Sucato

[NEWS AND NOTES]

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre announced the appointment of Nicolas Gaudreau as its new director of development. Gaudreau will begin his role on July 7, 2025, just prior to the start of PBT’s 2025-2026 season. He joins PBT from the Oregon Ballet Theatre, where he has served as Director of Development. He is a seasoned fundraising executive with over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, including roles as an arts administrator, former ballet dancer, and lifelong arts advocate. <<

Canton Ballet has announced its new Dancing Through the Canvas program, running from July 3 to 24, 2025, a four-week initiative designed to make arts education more accessible to new students in the community. Supported by the Stark Community Foundation, the program fuses story ballet-themed dance classes with complementary art instruction, offering a unique multidisciplinary learning experience. The program’s curriculum will explore beloved ballet narratives, with each week dedicated to a different classic. Week 1 will feature Sleeping Beauty, followed by Coppélia in Week 2, Cinderella in Week 3, and concluding with The Nutcracker in Week 4. This thematic approach aims to immerse young participants in the storytelling and artistry of ballet through both movement and visual arts. Dancing Through the Canvas is a collaborative effort that brings together expertise from both the Canton Ballet and the Canton Museum of Art.  Visit cantonballet.com to enroll. <<

The Academy of Cleveland Ballet will hold its 4-week summer camp program from July 7 to August 8, 2025, at Cleveland Ballet’s studios, 3020 Miles Road, Cleveland, OH. The camps are designed to elevate the skills and knowledge of students at all levels, from beginner to advanced dancers. For more information, pricing, and to register, visit cleveballet.org/academy-summer-classes. <<

Cult of Zouk presents Wu-Wei Zouk 2025 featuring 10+ Brazilian Zouk and transformative workshops for skill levels ranging from newcomer to advanced, social dance parties, performances, and more! Prepare yourself for 20+ hours of Brazilian Zouk featuring, for the first time ever in Cleveland, Adayl & Deblin (Brazil & Portland, OR) and Parker Amsel (Cleveland, OH), with more guest artists soon TBA. July 11-13, 2025, hosted by Viva Dance Studio, 1541 E. 38 St., Cleveland, OH.  Click here for more information and to purchase tickets. <<

DANCECleveland kicks off its 2025-2026 season Saturday, July 26, 2025, with Community Dance Day across the Playhouse Square District, as well as the Northeast Ohio Student Showcase in the Allen Theatre. The community-focused day features FREE movement classes for all ages and abilities in a wide variety of styles, including contemporary, ballet, African drum and dance, stepping, hip-hop, musical theatre, Pilates, family dance, jazz, and more. Visit dancecleveland.org/master-classes for the class schedule and to register. <<

Deos Contemporary Ballet in Grand Rapids, Michigan, announced its 2025-26 season. It includes the premiere of Tess Sinke’s bold, full-length reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, swapping Prospero for Prospera and featuring stunning Art Nouveau set and costume designs. November 7-9, 2025, in Grand Rapids. Info and tickets at deosballet.com/2025-2026-season. <<

[PERFORMANCE IMPRESSIONS]

Dancing Wheels Company and School’s annual Benefit Gala, Remember…Reimagine…Renew on June 14 at downtown Cleveland’s Public Hall was a testament to the 44-year-old, physically integrated dance company’s longevity and its ability to intrigue and entertain audiences. (Full disclosure, my wife, Sara Lawrence-Sucato, is the company’s Education Director).

This year’s Gala was no different. Pre- and post-performance dance performances from members of the Cleveland Federation of Square and Round Dance Clubs, a giant police Percheron draft horse named Leonard giving free rides to attendees, roping demonstrations from Detroit-based roller skating performer Keara (a.k.a. Tumbleweed Circus), and music from Cleveland’s Urban Cattle added ambiance to evening’s Western theme. 

The Gala’s main event, performances by the Dancing Wheels Company and School, featured three world-premiere works, beginning with choreographer Catherine Meredith’s latest work for the professional company, “Little Sure Shot.” It compactly told the story of sharpshooter and folk heroine Annie Oakley’s childhood as a Quaker growing up in Drake County, Ohio, to her marriage to sharpshooter Frank E. Butler and their time touring with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show in the 1880s and 1890s. The modern/contemporary dance piece, infused with Western-style movement, was an inventive and well-crafted work. Meredith, an Associate Professor at Kent State University, has gradually built a choreographic career to rival her prior stellar performance career. 

A thoroughly engaging and spirited work, “Little Sure Shot” was wonderfully danced by the Dancing Wheels cast of nine, led by Kylie Karam as Oakley. 

After a heart-warming performance by Dancing Wheels’ student performance ensemble in “Be Kind,” choreographed by Sara Lawrence-Sucato, the professional company returned in the evening’s marquee work, “Rodeo Reimagined.”

Choreographed by New York City-based choreographer Amy Hall Garner, who has coached and choreographed for Grammy Award-winner Beyoncé, the work was a reimagining of Agnes De Mille’s iconic 1942 ballet Rodeo, set to music by American composer Aaron Copland. Garner’s 26-minute version, in four sections, told the story of a family with two daughters who had come of age, and whose father advocated for them to get married. The youngest daughter wanted to, but the eldest was adamantly against it, fearing she would lose her independence.

“Rodeo Reimagined” was danced to a new Jazz arrangement of Copland’s original score by Cleveland Jazz Orchestra (CJO) Artistic Director Paul Ferguson. The CJO played the score live onstage with the dancers.

Dancing Wheels’ dancers shone in Garner’s choreography, especially dancer Annette Ellis, whose stage demeanor and animated facial features really captured a woman dead set against marriage, and dancer DeMarco Sleeper as her suitor, who eventually won her heart with his kindness.

Another wonderfully entertaining piece with all the choreographic trappings of a traditional Western-themed ballet, “Rodeo Reimagined,” like “Little Sure Shot,” proved a winner.

The Gala was also the final bows for Dancing Wheels Company members McKenzie Beaverson and Annette Ellis, who left the company to pursue other opportunities. <<

The inaugural Pittsburgh Dance Workshop, a summer dance intensive and performance showcase, took place from June 23 to 28, 2025, and culminated in two dance showcases that featured performances by Pittsburgh-area dance artists. Showcase #2 on Saturday, June 28, to conclude PDW, took place at the University of Pittsburgh’s Charity Randall Theatre. It featured an eclectic mix of dance artists and dance styles that highlighted the diversity of Pittsburgh’s professional dance community.

The program began with Charlie by Jack by Jaka, a solo choreographed and danced by The Pillow Project founder and co-artistic director, Jaka Zakajinn (formerly Pearlann Porter). Based on a dance film by The Pillow Project, created in 2010, the piece was performed to a 1950s piano-backed, spoken word recording of Beat Generation poet Jack Kerouac describing his love for Charlie Parker, shortly after the jazz legend’s death. Using Zakajinn’s signature postmodern improvisational jazz language, the solo embodied Kerouac’s words in motion, with its cadence, flow, and emotional intent. The veteran performer, like fine wine, gets better with age, and Charlie by Jack by Jaka was Zakajinn at their mesmerizing best.

Two duets choreographed by Bodiography’s Maria Caruso followed. The first, Per Due, was choreographed only a week before PDW and seemed to suffer as a result. While choreographically solid, its two performers lacked chemistry in their onstage relationship and appeared more transfixed on executing their dance steps than on each other. The second duet, 2019’s Provenance, in contrast, was expertly crafted with inventive arm movements and danced brilliantly by Renee Simeone and Evelyn Aldrich, standing as one of Caruso’s best.

After the nightmarish and thought-provoking solo Lunar Marrow by dancer-choreographer Kaben Benavides in platform shoes, exploring the weight of womanhood, choreographer Shana Simmons returned to the stage with a dancer from her eponymous company in Of Elephants and Asses, a humorous battle of egos that at times resembled a wrestling match.

A wonderful collection of works, old and new, by familiar Pittsburgh dance artists, Showcase #2 also included Chandler Bingham‘s attitude-filled performance of Staycee Pearl‘s “CIRCLE of one;” Texture Contemporary Ballet in Alan Obuzor‘s “Big Mad!”, a funky and stylistically different work for the company; The Get Down Gang‘s hip hop and break dance piece “Clash of the Titans,” highlighted by the performance of flexN popper Christian Brown (JiTa); PDW founder Anthony Alterio‘s campy salute to the Titanic movie, “Underneath,” where dancer the iceberg, danced adroitly by Kye Miller, was the heroine of the story; and a short but sweet solo choreographed and performed by the grand dame of Pittsburgh dance, Beth Corning. <<

[PERFORMANCES TO CHECK OUT IN JULY]

Open Tone Music, NCCAkron & Clayton Bailey’s World of Wonders collaborate to bring a Second Line Procession to the Akron Bicentennial Parade on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Akron, Ohio. A brass band, dance, and arts ensemble called “Akron’s Second Line Procession” will bring the vibrant spirit of New Orleans to downtown and is a celebration of Akronites past, present and future as well as a tribute to Founder and Executive Director emeritus of Akron’s Curated Storefront, Rick Rogers’ mother Susie Rogers, a longtime civic leader and arts patron who passed away in 2024. Participating Artists include: Matthew Roberts (formerly of Neos Dance Theatre), Josy Jones (The Chameleon Village), Chloe Redman (Art Sparks), Katie Beck (Gum-Dip Theatre), Nick LaPete (North Coast Men’s Chorus), and Damien Highfield (formerly of Groundworks Dance Theater). The parade begins at 10:00 a.m. and will make a mile-long loop around downtown Akron. The public is welcome to join in the procession. <<

Cuba’s Malpaso Dance Company returns to the Chautauqua Institution after residencies in 2022 and 2023 for a performance of works from its repertory in the Amphitheater. With “technical strength, precision, and passion” (Arts Atlanta), the Havana-based company, founded in 2012 by Daile Carrazana, Osnel Delgado, and Fernando Sáez, remains committed to nurturing new voices in Cuban choreography. Witness a thrilling fusion of modern dance and rich Cuban rhythms, crafted by internationally acclaimed choreographers. Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 8:15 pm. Chautauqua Institution, One Ames Ave., Chautauqua, N.Y.  Tickets range from $54 – $64 and can be purchased at https://tickets.chq.org/landing.html <<

Texture Contemporary Ballet opens its milestone 15th season with Infinite Abundance, July 11-13, 2025, at the New Hazlett Theater in Pittsburgh, PA. The program of world premieres and returning favorites reflects the heart and soul of Texture’s years of groundbreaking choreography, fearless exploration, and an unwavering commitment to sharing dance that inspires, challenges, and connects. Show times and tickets at newhazletttheater.org/events/infinite-abundance <<

House Party: Lavender Wave, a benefit for Pittsburgh’s Kelly Strayhorn Theater, pays tribute to mid-20th-century LGBTQ+ trailblazers whose courage sparked a revolution that still inspires us today to stand up and fight back. House Party: Lavender Wave brings together a dynamic group of artists whose work spans identities, disciplines, and mediums. From Scott Andrew’s bold visual storytelling to Jasmine Hearn’s embodied dance performance and Zuly Inirio’s powerful, truth-telling vocals, the evening offers a rich tapestry of creative expression. The energy builds with Soy Sos’s immersive soundscapes and Madame Trio’s genre-melting DJ sets that ignite the dance floor. Danielle “Whuttie” Stewart rounds out the night with vibrant face painting and joyful presence. Saturday, July 12, 2025. Immersive VIP event: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Dance Party: 9:00 pm – 12:00 am. Kelly Strayhorn Theater, 5941 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA. Pay What Moves You: $50 – $325. Click here for tickets <<

Dancing Wheels Company and Community Sign Choir will perform as the opening acts for Disability Pride Night at Wade Oval Wednesdays on July 16, 2025. Popular music cover band Follow the Sun will headline. Wade Oval 10820 East Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio. Free, 5:30 to 8:30 PM. Bring your own chair or blanket. Food trucks are on-site. <<

Cleveland’s Borderlight Festival, a National Fringe Festival, returns to downtown Cleveland, July 16-19, 2025. The festival showcases innovative performances and spotlights artists from Cleveland, across the country, and around the globe. Here are some dance-related events at this year’s festival:

Cloven
Jacob Henss & Betsy Brandt’s experimental dance-theatre piece that explores the dairy cow as a symbol of exploitation and femininity. Through surreal movement, burlesque, and ritual, it challenges how we consume bodies and meaning.
SHOW TIMES: 7/18 @ 7:30 PM & 7/19 @ 6:15 PM
VENUE & STAGE: CSU Theatre & Arts Building & Allen Rehearsal Hall
TICKET PRICE: $16.25
RUN TIME: 45 mins

Borderlight Brawl – 1 vs. 1 Open Styles Dance Battle
10K Movement hosts a dynamic mini-dance battle showcase featuring eight dancers from across Northeast Ohio. In this tournament-style event, each dancer will compete head-to-head, with the ultimate goal of being the last one standing.
SHOW TIMES: 7/19 @ 2:30 PM
VENUE & STAGE: Playhouse Square Plaza
TICKET PRICE: FREE. No tickets needed; admission is first come, first served.
RUN TIME: 90 mins

Erie Street Cemetery: An Invitation
Experience The Birds Who Walk at Night’s 60-minute site-specific butoh dance performance at Erie Street Cemetery, Cleveland’s oldest burial ground. This meditative performance offers a peaceful escape, inviting quiet contemplation and reflection in a sacred, historic space amidst the city’s bustle.
SHOW TIMES: 7/17 @ 5:30 PM
VENUE & STAGE: Erie Street Cemetery
TICKET PRICE: FREE. No tickets needed; admission is first come, first served.
RUN TIME: 60 mins

Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center
Led by Bianca Flores, our young dancers (ages 5 to 18) bring the rhythms of salsa, bachata, merengue, and plena to life. Julia de Burgos Cultural Arts Center proudly presents Grupo Coqui and Sabor Latino, our youth dance groups.
SHOW TIMES:
7/19 @ 12:00 PM | CSU Allen Rehearsal Hall
7/19 @ 12:45 PM | Playhouse Square Plaza
VENUE & STAGE:
CSU Theatre & Arts Building, Playhouse Square Plaza
TICKET PRICE: FREE. No tickets needed; admission is first come, first served.
RUN TIME: 15 mins

Sankofa
Presented by Blakk Jakk Dance Collective and directed by RonDale Simpson, this dance-theatre piece is an homage to Haile Gerima’s groundbreaking 1993 film Sankofa. Through powerful movement, it explores ancestry, identity, and the enduring legacy of slavery.
SHOW TIMES:
7/17 @ 7:15 PM
7/18 @ 6:30 PM
7/19 @ 4:15 PM
7/19 @ 8:15 PM
VENUE & STAGE: CSU Theatre & Arts Building – Large Dance Hall
TICKET PRICE: $16.25
RUN TIME: 45 mins <<

10K Movement presents Lords of the Land V, Cleveland’s international Hip Hop and Street Dance festival. This year’s celebration features four days of community, movement, education, and culture through battles, workshops, performances, parties, and more. The festival culminates with three 1v1 dance tournaments in three distinct Street Dance styles. LoTL showcases the excellence, athleticism, and artistry of hip hop and street dance practitioners. July 24–27, 2025, Cleveland, OH. Visit https://10kmovement.org/lotl for the event schedule and locations.  <<

Ohio Contemporary Ballet returns to the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival, July 25 & 26, 2025. The company will reprise their revivals of two of Heinz Poll’s ballets from this past May. Light Breeze (1984), danced to music by David Sanborn, charms with its elegant blend of ballroom-inspired movements and classical ballet, while Planes/Configurations (1990) impresses with bold geometric designs and athletic precision. FREE 8:45 pm, Forest Lodge Park, 260 Greenwood Ave., Akron, OH. Bring blankets and/or a chair for lawn seating. Pre-show children’s dance activities led by The University of Akron Dance Institute start at 7:45 pm. <<

Inlet Dance Theatre returns to Cain Park and the Evans Amphitheater for their 24th annual summer performance. Founded in 2001 by Founder and Executive Artistic Director Bill Wade, the Cleveland-based contemporary dance company has roots in American Modern Dance. The company features a distinct athletic aesthetic and creative process. Inlet regularly performs and educates throughout Northeast Ohio and conducts national touring. July 25, 2025, 1 pm family matinee, July 26, 2025, 8 pm full performance. FREE. 14591 Superior Rd, Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

Cleveland Ballet will make its Lakeside Chautauqua debut under new Artistic Director Timour Bourtasenkov at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 25, 2025, in Hoover Auditorium, 115 West 3rd Street, Lakeside, Lakeside Marblehead, OH. For passes and parking tickets, visit lakesideohio.com/visiting-lakeside/passes. The following day, on July 26, 2025, Cleveland Ballet returns to Harbourtown Fine Arts Center in Vermilion, Ohio, for its annual summer performance. The company will present a special performance of “Encore,” drawing inspiration from famed artist Pablo Picasso’s lifelong connection to dance and his Spanish heritage. Patrons will enjoy excerpts from “Don Quixote” and “Paquita,” as well as the pas de deux from “Harlequinade,” chosen to reflect the vibrant emotion, color, and movement found in Picasso’s iconic works. The program will finish with “What Do We Do Now,” a modern ballet choreographed by Cleveland Ballet dancer Katharine Cowan. A wine and hors d’oeuvres reception will begin at 6 p.m. inside the historic Opera House, with the performance to follow on the lawn at 7 p.m. Harbourtown Fine Arts Center is at 736 Main St., Vermilion. To purchase tickets, visit cleveballet.org.

Legacy Arts Project presents Dance Africa Pittsburgh, July 26-27, 2025, at Pittsburgh’s New Hazlett Theater. Inspired by the legacy of Baba Chuck Davis and his call for “Peace, Love, and Respect for Everybody.” This two-day event features powerful performances by youth and adults, showcasing the beauty and diversity of the African diaspora through dance, drumming, song, spoken word, and visual art. Visit newhazletttheater.org/events/dance-africa-pittsburgh-a-moment-in-time for the event schedule and tickets <<

Cleveland Ballet Theater and Cleveland Opera present Opera in the Italian Garden 2025, Sunday, July 27, 2025, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Italian Renaissance Cultural Garden, Upper Level at 990 East Blvd. in Cleveland. This family-friendly concert showcases well-known music from famous operas, Broadway, and popular Italian songs on the lawn of Cleveland’s Cultural Monument to Italy in Rockefeller Park. This year’s concert will feature guest dancers and Cleveland natives, Claire Von Enck and Devin Alberda from New York City Ballet, along with Victoria Watford from BalletMet. Concertgoers will see the Grand Pas de Deux from Don Quixote, as well as the dancers performing alongside the opera singers in several works. Free entry to the lawn area, where you can bring your own chair and picnic. Reserved seats in front of the stage are available at: operaitaliangarden2025.eventbrite.com. <<