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]

After Its Delectable Opening Production, Balletmet’s 45th Anniversary Season Continues With Even More Delights

By Steve Sucato Columbus, Ohio’s BalletMet began its 45th Anniversary season with BalletMet at the Ohio, a tribute to 10-year Artistic Director Edwaard Liang featuring two of his most engaging ballets, Murmuration and Tributary. The production, September 16-18 at Downtown Columbus’ Ohio Theatre, showed Liang’s expert crafting of ballets both contemporary and classical. Murmuration, a contemporary ballet originally created in 2012 for Houston Ballet, takes … Continue reading After Its Delectable Opening Production, Balletmet’s 45th Anniversary Season Continues With Even More Delights

BalletMet’s Production of “Cinderella” Returns April 8 -10

By Sarah Irvin Clark (Columbus, OH) – BalletMet’s Cinderella is back by popular demand this April at the Ohio Theatre afterit performed to full houses in the 2018-19 season. Under Edwaard Liang’s artistic direction, the family-friendly ballet will follow the iconic servant girl, her missing glass slipper, and many other fan-favoritecharacters as well as feature more than 80 Academy students in the production. “Cinderella is … Continue reading BalletMet’s Production of “Cinderella” Returns April 8 -10

From Skateboarding Hooligan to Principal Dancer: BalletMet’s Jonathan Jordan Reflects on his Lengthy Dance Career and Taking his Final Bow

By Steve Sucato After a 22-year career as a dancer, BalletMet’s Jonathan Jordan will take his final bow with the company on Wednesday, December 22 in Gerard Charles’s The Nutcracker.  Jordan will dance the role of the Cavalier opposite Sugar Plum Fairy, Caitlin Valentine. The Arizona native began his dance journey at age 12 at the Academy Ballet of Tucson and then the Phoenix School … Continue reading From Skateboarding Hooligan to Principal Dancer: BalletMet’s Jonathan Jordan Reflects on his Lengthy Dance Career and Taking his Final Bow

BalletMet 2 and OSU Dance partner for a unique performance highlighting protest through dance

By Sarah Irvin Clark (Columbus, OH) – BalletMet 2 and the Ohio State University Department of Dance have partnered to study and closely recreate two seminal pieces by Martha Graham and George Balanchine that highlight themes of protest. This is the second year of this DaNCe2U partnership for both groups and the theme of this year is #peace&strife; the first year focused on mental health. … Continue reading BalletMet 2 and OSU Dance partner for a unique performance highlighting protest through dance

BalletMet’s Return to Live Performance Unlocks Some Killer Works and Performances [REVIEW]

BalletMetUnlockedProgram A – May 16, 2021Program B – May 8, 2021Columbus, OH Reviewed by Steve Sucato BalletMet made its long-awaited return to live performance with Unlocked at the company’s Performance Space located adjacent to their main studio facility in Columbus. In May, the company launched performances of Unlocked’s two hourlong and varied repertory programs for select audiences made up of financial donors and season ticket … Continue reading BalletMet’s Return to Live Performance Unlocks Some Killer Works and Performances [REVIEW]

Pivoting and Pitfalls: BalletMet’s Edwaard Liang Talks Programming a New Season in a Time of Pandemic

By Steve Sucato With uncertainty being the underlying theme of 2020, Columbus, Ohio’s BalletMet has taken a wait and see approach to announcing its new 2020-21 dance season. While many ballet companies in the U.S. have given into the inevitability of having to conduct their seasons in the virtual world and have announced their new season, BalletMet artistic director Edwaard Liang and staff have chosen … Continue reading Pivoting and Pitfalls: BalletMet’s Edwaard Liang Talks Programming a New Season in a Time of Pandemic

New Look Chamber Dance Project Takes to the Virtual Stage for its Annual Summer Season Production

By Steve Sucato The familiar quote, “If the mountain will not come to Muhammad, then Muhammad must go to the mountain,” takes on new meaning for Washington, DC-based Chamber Dance Project’s annual summer performance series, New Works. “Because of the pandemic” — a phrase now firmly rooted in the global lexicon — the company had to cancel its in-theater performances this summer in favor of a virtual experience for audiences. New … Continue reading New Look Chamber Dance Project Takes to the Virtual Stage for its Annual Summer Season Production

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