Continuum Dance Theater’s ‘Object of DESIRE’ explores the American dream

By Steve Sucato A nuclear family with 2.5 kids, a dog and a house with a white picket fence has been the stereotypical vision of the American dream. But is that vision still relevant? That is the question behind Continuum Dance Theater’s Objects of DESIRE, which the company will world-premiere Sat., Dec. 14, as part of the New Hazlett Theater’s Community Supported Art performance series. The 50-minute, … Continue reading Continuum Dance Theater’s ‘Object of DESIRE’ explores the American dream

Greater Niagara Ballet Company’s ‘Nutcracker’ production shows heart

By Steve Sucato News Contributing Reviewer One of Western New York’s oldest productions of “The Nutcracker,” Greater Niagara Ballet Company’s 36th annual version of the ballet, filled the stage of the Performing Arts Center at Niagara Falls High School on Saturday afternoon, mixing “Nutcracker” tradition with a very kid-friendly slant. Choreographed by ballet company founder and artistic director Beverley Feder and danced to a recording … Continue reading Greater Niagara Ballet Company’s ‘Nutcracker’ production shows heart

Pittsburgh’s father of professional ballet and Point Park’s dance program retires — Conservatory Dance Company honors longtime teacher by staging his ‘Romeo and Juliet’

By Steve Sucato When Nicolas Petrov assumed the directorship of the Pittsburgh Playhouse‘s ballet school, in 1967, no one could have foreseen that within a few years, the Yugoslavian-born dancer and choreographer would forever alter the Pittsburgh dance landscape by founding two of its major institutions: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and Point Park University‘s renowned dance department.  Now, on the eve of Professor Petrov’s retirement from Point … Continue reading Pittsburgh’s father of professional ballet and Point Park’s dance program retires — Conservatory Dance Company honors longtime teacher by staging his ‘Romeo and Juliet’

Neglia, BPO offer a charming ‘Nutcracker’

By Steve Sucato News Contributing Reviewer In its fifth consecutive year, the collaboration between Neglia Ballet Artists and Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra on “The Nutcracker” has blossomed into a holiday tradition. That tradition continued Saturday as the two institutions, along with Shea’s Performing Arts Center, once again presented the family-friendly production. The ballet, choreographed by Neglia’s Sergio Neglia and Heidi Halt, told the familiar story of young … Continue reading Neglia, BPO offer a charming ‘Nutcracker’

Another strong outing for Point Park’s ‘Contemporary Choreographers’ showcase

Reviewed by Steve Sucato One thing I have learned over a decade of reviewing Point Park University‘s Conservatory Dance Company’s shows is that they rarely contain a dull moment. The 2013 version of CDC’s annual Contemporary Choreographers program, this past Saturday, was no different. Fate brought former Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre soloist Terence Marling back to Pittsburgh — or at least the subject did. Of his new work … Continue reading Another strong outing for Point Park’s ‘Contemporary Choreographers’ showcase

Traditional music and dance of Hungary come alive

By Steve Sucato News Contributing Reviewer The folk music and dance of Hungry lit up the Mainstage Theatre at UB’s Center for the Arts on Tuesday night as Budapest’s Hungarian State Folk Ensemble presented Hungarian Rhapsody, a delightful gypsy-themed journey through centuries of traditional Hungarian song and dance. From the outset, one got the feeling of being transported to an authentic Hungarian village festival where the … Continue reading Traditional music and dance of Hungary come alive

Case Western Reserve University’s ‘Au Courant’ an Emotional Journey

Case Western Reserve University Department of Dance – Au Courant Mather Dance Center at CWRU Cleveland, Ohio November 1, 2013 Reviewed by Steve Sucato Fervent emotion appeared to be the underlying theme of Case Western Reserve University’s Department of Dance Fall concert Au Courant (aware). The mixed repertory program performed by students, faculty and guest dancers at CWRU’s Mather Dance Center, explored a range of emotions … Continue reading Case Western Reserve University’s ‘Au Courant’ an Emotional Journey

Experiences with hearing loss inspire Murphy/Smith Dance Collective’s latest dance work

By Steve Sucato Whether it is laughter, birds chirping or the rush of a car as it passes by, sound is integral to life. So what happens when sound is removed from our lives? That question inspired the Murphy/Smith Dance Collective’s new work, See What I Hear, which the company will perform Nov. 15 and 16 at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater. The 60-minute multimedia work, choreographed by … Continue reading Experiences with hearing loss inspire Murphy/Smith Dance Collective’s latest dance work

Verb Ballets’ ‘The Masque,’ based on the tales of Edgar Allan Poe, can’t hide its flaws

Reviewed by Steve Sucato Special to The Plain Dealer  “Disappointing” best describes Verb Ballets’ “The Masque: The Stories of Edgar Allan Poe.” The rock opera-styled ballet that had its world premiere at the Breen Center for the Performing Arts at St. Ignatius High School on Friday night had enormous potential, given Verb’s talented dancers, Poe’s iconic poems and stories, and the brilliant musical talents of … Continue reading Verb Ballets’ ‘The Masque,’ based on the tales of Edgar Allan Poe, can’t hide its flaws