Dance Magazine’s 2026 “25 to Watch”

Steve Sucato Whose careers will skyrocket in 2026? Dance Magazine’s editors and contributors, including myself, from across the dance world, have a few predictions—namely, the artists on our annual “25 to Watch” list. These dancers, choreographers, directors, and companies are already doing exceptional work, but we’re betting on them to break through in a major way in the year to come. Click here to check … Continue reading Dance Magazine’s 2026 “25 to Watch”

OCB’s Man in the Middle, Antonio Morillo, Discusses His Dance Career, Retirement, and His Next Adventure [INTERVIEW]

By Steve Sucato Whether the red-caped focal point in Heinz Poll’s Bolero, or the male anchor of many of the company’s marquee works, Ohio Contemporary Ballet’s Antonio Morillo has been the man in the middle of some of what’s been best about the company the past nine years.   An audience favorite, the 34-year-old Morillo will take his final curtain call with OCB this coming Saturday, … Continue reading OCB’s Man in the Middle, Antonio Morillo, Discusses His Dance Career, Retirement, and His Next Adventure [INTERVIEW]

Ohio Contemporary Ballet’s Kate Webb Talks about Her Career, Retirement, and What’s Next [INTERVIEW]

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 … Continue reading Ohio Contemporary Ballet’s Kate Webb Talks about Her Career, Retirement, and What’s Next [INTERVIEW]

Better Know Cleveland Ballet’s Prima Ballerina Svetlana Svinko [INTERVIEW]

By Steve Sucato With her enviable ballet facility, polished technique, and star quality stage presence, Cleveland Ballet Prima Ballerina Svetlana Svinko ranks as one of the Eastern Midwest’s finest dancers. A standout since joining the company in 2023, Svinko has danced many of the female lead roles in the company’s productions in the past several years, including Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty, the Sugar Plum … Continue reading Better Know Cleveland Ballet’s Prima Ballerina Svetlana Svinko [INTERVIEW]

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]

Paul Vasterling Reflects on His More Than Three-Decade Career at Nashville Ballet

By Steve Sucato for Pointe Magazine In his 33 years with Nashville Ballet, artistic director Paul Vasterling has left an indelible mark on the organization. This month, he retires from the company, marking the end of an era. A Louisiana-bayou native, Vasterling joined Nashville Ballet in 1989 as a dancer. After a back injury cut short his performance career, he became the company’s ballet master … Continue reading Paul Vasterling Reflects on His More Than Three-Decade Career at Nashville Ballet

With Steady Growth, Ballet Arkansas Is Making Its Presence Known in Little Rock and Beyond

By Steve Sucato for Pointe + Magazine With roots that can be traced back to 1966, Ballet Arkansas has had an off-and-on history as a professional dance company. During a period in the 1980s, the company had some paid dancers and an academy, and it presented tours by Mikhail Baryshnikov, Rudolf Nureyev, Miami City Ballet, and others. “But it was really in 2009 that the organization affirmed … Continue reading With Steady Growth, Ballet Arkansas Is Making Its Presence Known in Little Rock and Beyond