New summer dance program ‘nextSPACE’ one of a few recent developments for GroundWorks DanceTheater

By Steve Sucato (with Jimmy Schlemmer) Amid uncertainty over the global pandemic and the ways forward for arts organizations, Cleveland’s GroundWorks DanceTheater is making the best of the uncertainty by doing what dance companies do best; getting creative. Their new summer dance program nextSPACE, running now – August 22 is an interconnected series of activities and performances in both live and virtual spaces around Cleveland … Continue reading New summer dance program ‘nextSPACE’ one of a few recent developments for GroundWorks DanceTheater

Verb Ballets Wades into the Uncertain Waters of Performing under Pandemic

By Steve Sucato Verb Ballets‘ in-studio performance of The Cleveland Havana Ballet Project Return Celebration on March 13 was the last in-person performance I attended and one of the very last given in Northeast Ohio before pretty much the entire dance world shutdown operations because of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Now more than 3-months later Verb along with the rest of the state of Ohio … Continue reading Verb Ballets Wades into the Uncertain Waters of Performing under Pandemic

Gabriel Gaffney Smith Says Farewell to BalletMet for Careers in Visual Art and Music | Steve Sucato – Arts Air

By Steve Sucato In addition to cancelled shows, the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted final performances for many retiring dancers. Pointe is giving several retiring principals and soloists a chance to reflect on their careers and offer advice to the next generation. For 35-year-old Gabriel Gaffney Smith, retiring from BalletMet is more about switching focus than a bona fide farewell to dance. A modern-day Renaissance man, Smith is … Continue reading Gabriel Gaffney Smith Says Farewell to BalletMet for Careers in Visual Art and Music | Steve Sucato – Arts Air