BalletMet’s Rachael Parini To End Her 20-Year Dancing Career with Her First Villainess Role in ‘Sleeping Beauty’ [INTERVIEW]

By Steve Sucato As the story goes, Rachael Parini’s dance journey began at age three when she told her mother that she wanted to play football like her father, who was then a player at Florida State University. The next day, her mother enrolled her in ballet class.  A native of Snellville, GA, her early dance training began at the Mazza-Smith Dance Studio in Jacksonville, … Continue reading BalletMet’s Rachael Parini To End Her 20-Year Dancing Career with Her First Villainess Role in ‘Sleeping Beauty’ [INTERVIEW]

Digital Release of Maria Caruso’s ‘Incarnation’ Intimately Captures Her Cathartic Struggle with Loss and Depression [REVIEW]

Maria CarusoIncarnation – Digital ReleaseFilmed live at the Theatre Royal, Drury LaneLondon, EnglandOctober 2024 By Steve Sucato Laying her soul bare onstage has brought dancer-choreographer Maria Caruso international acclaim in recent years. Following the success of her gripping 2020 solo dance theater work, Metamorphosis—a passionate portrayal of a woman revealing her innermost heartaches and joys—Caruso’s latest epic solo piece, Incarnation, revealed the truths behind Metamorphosis.  … Continue reading Digital Release of Maria Caruso’s ‘Incarnation’ Intimately Captures Her Cathartic Struggle with Loss and Depression [REVIEW]

Ohio Contemporary Ballet Celebrates Visionary Choreographer Heinz Poll’s Legacy in Program at Akron’s EJ Thomas Hall [PREVIEW]

By Steve Sucato It’s been 19 years since former Ohio Ballet co-founder and choreographer Heinz Poll died at age 80 from kidney disease. Since then, Ohio Contemporary Ballet (formerly Verb Ballets) has been the primary force behind keeping Poll’s legacy and his ballets alive. The company has several of Poll’s ballets in its repertoire that are performed regularly.  This Friday, April 25, at E.J. Thomas … Continue reading Ohio Contemporary Ballet Celebrates Visionary Choreographer Heinz Poll’s Legacy in Program at Akron’s EJ Thomas Hall [PREVIEW]