Cleveland Ballet offers up an Exciting ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Ballet Steeped in Tradition [PREVIEW]

By Steve Sucato A production of firsts in how Cleveland Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet this weekend can be characterized. It was the very first story ballet choreographer Robert Weiss created for his newly formed Carolina Ballet in 1999, and is now the first Romeo and Juliet production for Cleveland Ballet under Artistic Director Timour Bourtasenkov. A founding member of Carolina Ballet, Bourtasenkov was also the … Continue reading Cleveland Ballet offers up an Exciting ‘Romeo and Juliet’ Ballet Steeped in Tradition [PREVIEW]

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s ‘Spring Mix: 5 for 55’: A Preview and Conversation with Choreographer Caili Quan 

By Steve Sucato Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Spring Mix: 5 for 55, taking place on April 4-6 at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, is a mixed repertory program celebrating the company’s 55th anniversary. For it, PBT Artistic Director Adam W. McKinney has programmed five ballets that represent each decade of the company’s existence. They include reprises of Dwight Rhoden’s elegantly moving pas de deux … Continue reading Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s ‘Spring Mix: 5 for 55’: A Preview and Conversation with Choreographer Caili Quan 

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]