Verb, Ohio Contemporary Ballet’s ‘Schubert Melodies,’ a Splendid Mix of Music and Dance [REVIEW]

Verb, Ohio Contemporary BalletSchubert MelodiesBreen Center for the Performing ArtsCleveland, OHOctober 15, 2022 By Steve Sucato Newly renamed Verb, Ohio Contemporary Ballet returned to Saint Ignatius High School’s Breen Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, October 15 with Schubert Melodies, a double bill of ballets celebrating Austrian composer Franz Schubert’s music. The program began with a reprise of Heinz Poll’s 1975 ballet “Schubert Waltzes.” Danced to … Continue reading Verb, Ohio Contemporary Ballet’s ‘Schubert Melodies,’ a Splendid Mix of Music and Dance [REVIEW]

New Name, New Ballet, and a Celebration of Franz Schubert’s Music [PREVIEW]

By Steve Sucato For the third time in its 35-year history Verb Ballets, formerly The Repertory Project, is getting a new name. The slow rollout to becoming Ohio Contemporary Ballet in the next 2-3 years begins this season with the transitional moniker of Verb, “Ohio Contemporary Ballet”. The new name reflects the vision, direction, and branding of the company by Producing Artistic Director Dr. Margaret … Continue reading New Name, New Ballet, and a Celebration of Franz Schubert’s Music [PREVIEW]

Verb Ballets’ All-Female Choreographer Program Delivers Mixed Results

Verb Ballets – 4X4: Four Works by Female Choreographers Breen Center for the Performing Arts Cleveland, OH February 8, 2020 Reviewed by Steve Sucato No doubt Verb Ballets production of 4X4: Four Works by Female Choreographers is to be commended for giving more opportunities to female choreographers. As a production however, it delivered mixed results with those opportunities. Dedicated to the memory of Millie Carlson, … Continue reading Verb Ballets’ All-Female Choreographer Program Delivers Mixed Results

Verb Ballets Program to Feature the Works of Female Choreographers

By Steve Sucato The novelty of an all-female choreographer dance program shouldn’t be a thing for many reasons, not the least being the disproportionately greater number of females in dance than males. That it still is, is nonetheless a commendable early step along the journey when the need to tout giving opportunities to female choreographers will be rendered unnecessary and artistic directors programming female choreographers’ … Continue reading Verb Ballets Program to Feature the Works of Female Choreographers