Ballet Excel Ohio Celebrates 50th Anniversary with New ‘Aladdin’ Ballet [PREVIEW]

By Steve Sucato Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio-based Ballet Excel Ohio, formerly Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet, is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this weekend with the world premiere of choreographer Erich Yetter’s Aladdin at Akron Civic Theatre.  Founded in 1975 by the late Nan Klinger, the pre-professional ballet troupe grew out of Klinger’s widely respected Excellence in Dance Studio. Now led by Artistic Director Mia Klinger, Nan’s daughter, … Continue reading Ballet Excel Ohio Celebrates 50th Anniversary with New ‘Aladdin’ Ballet [PREVIEW]

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]

Bliss, Courage & Kong: Gibney Company’s Mixed Rep Program Delivers Mixed Results [REVIEW]

Gibney CompanyThe University of Akron’s E. J. Thomas Performing Arts HallAkron, OhioOctober 8, 2022 By Steve Sucato Call it a homecoming of sorts for Gina Gibney. The Founder, Artistic Director, and CEO of New York City’s Gibney Company returned to Northeast, Ohio with her company for the first time in 20 years this past Saturday at Akron’s E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall for an eclectic … Continue reading Bliss, Courage & Kong: Gibney Company’s Mixed Rep Program Delivers Mixed Results [REVIEW]