Wondrousland [REVIEW]

PerformanceTulsa Ballet: “Alice in Wonderland” by Kenneth TindallPlaceTulsa Performing Arts Center, Tulsa, OK, February 28, 2025WordsSteve Sucato With each dance season’s new ballets, some become memorable with audiences and critics for their artistry and emotional connection, fewer reveal themselves as hits, and even fewer have the potential to become box office record breakers. Tulsa Ballet’s new “Alice in Wonderland” is the rare gem that does … Continue reading Wondrousland [REVIEW]

‘Diamond Jubilee’ Tour is Legendary Choreographer Twyla Tharp at her Tharpiest [REVIEW] 

Twyla Tharp Dance – Diamond Jubilee TourKeyBank State Theatre at Playhouse SquareCleveland, OHMarch 8, 2025By Steve Sucato The 21st performance of Twyla Tharp Dance’s coast-to-coast Diamond Jubilee Tour, Saturday night’s performance at Playhouse Square’s KeyBank State Theatre, was the first by the eponymous company in Cleveland in 23 years and one to cherish as it quite possibly could be its last.  One of our greatest … Continue reading ‘Diamond Jubilee’ Tour is Legendary Choreographer Twyla Tharp at her Tharpiest [REVIEW] 

Columbus’ Major Arts Organization’s Co-Production of ‘West Side Story’ is One for the Ages [REVIEW]

BalletMet, CAPA, Columbus Symphony, and Opera Columbus – West Side StoryOhio TheatreColumbus, OhioFebruary 13-16, 2025By Steve Sucato Columbus, Ohio, is home to an unusually collaborative performing arts community. The city’s major arts organizations, including its professional symphony, opera company, and ballet company, frequently join together to create magical productions for area audiences. It’s a level of participation that most cities its size don’t come close … Continue reading Columbus’ Major Arts Organization’s Co-Production of ‘West Side Story’ is One for the Ages [REVIEW]

‘The Drama’ Shines a Revealing Spotlight on the Life of a Star Dancer [REVIEW]

Lloyd Knight – The DramaWestfield Insurance Theatre at Playhouse SquareCleveland, OHSunday, February 16, 2025 By Steve Sucato For his autobiographical solo dance theater piece, The Drama, Martha Graham Dance Company principal dancer Lloyd Knight created a love letter to the art form and the two most influential women in his life, his mother Yvonne and Martha Graham. While Knight shares a birthday with the latter, … Continue reading ‘The Drama’ Shines a Revealing Spotlight on the Life of a Star Dancer [REVIEW]

Namesake Ballet Shines Brightest in Bodiography’s ‘Evensong’ [DIGITAL REVIEW]

Maria Caruso’s Bodiography – EvensongRecorded at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater Pittsburgh, PANovember  15-17, 2024By Steve Sucato Bodiography founder Maria Caruso may now live some 2400 miles away in Los Angeles, but Pittsburgh remains home. The birthplace of Martha Graham, Gene Kelly, and Caruso, the internationally known and celebrated solo dance artist, choreographer, and budding TV and film actress regularly returns to Pittsburgh to work with and … Continue reading Namesake Ballet Shines Brightest in Bodiography’s ‘Evensong’ [DIGITAL REVIEW]

Cleveland Ballet’s New Nutcracker Triumphs as a Holiday Treat for the Senses [REVIEW]

By Steve Sucato A proper The Nutcracker ballet is the best way to describe Cleveland Ballet’s new production that opened last Friday and runs through December 22 at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace. With gorgeous sets, lush Victorian-era costumes, and marvelous classical dancing, the production took its place among Ohio’s best Nutcrackers, offering up a magical holiday treat for all ages.  In a time when there … Continue reading Cleveland Ballet’s New Nutcracker Triumphs as a Holiday Treat for the Senses [REVIEW]

Hélène Simoneau Danse Captivates with Mathematical Beauty in Cleveland Debut [REVIEW]

Hélène Simoneau DanseMimi Ohio Theatre at Playhouse SquareCleveland, OhioNovember 9, 2024By Steve Sucato Power dynamics served as a throughline in two meticulously crafted dance works presented by Hélène Simoneau Danse Saturday night at Playhouse Square’s Mimi Ohio Theatre.  Co-presented by DanceCleveland and Tri-C Performing Arts, the Cleveland debut of the Montréal, Canada, project-based dance company opened with French-Canadian choreographer/director Hélène Simoneau’s new work-in-progress “Late Bloomer.” … Continue reading Hélène Simoneau Danse Captivates with Mathematical Beauty in Cleveland Debut [REVIEW]

Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Season Opener: From Joyous to Surreal and Back Again [REVIEW]

Pacific Northwest Ballet – The Times Are RacingSeattle Center – McCaw HallSeattle, WashingtonDigital Performance Stream – October 3-7, 2024 By Steve Sucato Seattle’s Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB) opened its 2024-25 season at Seattle Center’s McCaw Hall with the triple bill The Times Are Racing. The live production, filmed for digital streaming on September 20, 2024, featured a new ballet by recently appointed resident choreographer Jessica … Continue reading Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Season Opener: From Joyous to Surreal and Back Again [REVIEW]

Chamber Dance Project’s Ramblin’ was a Winning Combination of Dance and Music [REVIEW]

Chamber Dance Project – Ramblin’Sidney Harman Hall Washington, D.C. June 27, 2024 By Steve Sucato In the past several seasons, Washington’s premiere contemporary ballet company, Chamber Dance Project (CDP), has offered an eclectic mix of dance works. From those using computer-generated music scores and live spoken word artists to shadow puppetry, the 24-year-old company has treated audiences to more than the top-flight contemporary ballets danced to live … Continue reading Chamber Dance Project’s Ramblin’ was a Winning Combination of Dance and Music [REVIEW]

Houston Ballet II’s Young Talent Shone in Amphitheater Program [REVIEW]

Houston Ballet II (with Students from Chautauqua School of Dance)Chautauqua Institution AmphitheaterChautauqua, NYAugust 07, 2024 By Steve Sucato New York State’s Chautauqua Institution has a long history of developing mutually advantageous working relationships with former Chautauqua School of Dance students and faculty members. From those returning to guest teach in the school or perform in alumni dance showcases, to having the professional company’s they now … Continue reading Houston Ballet II’s Young Talent Shone in Amphitheater Program [REVIEW]