CorningWorks’ Latest Dance-Theater Work Taps Into Today’s Uncertainty Zeitgeist  [PREVIEW]

By Steve Sucato Veteran dancer-choreographer Beth Corning doesn’t wear her heart on her sleeve; it is reflected in her choreographic works if you look with intent. Not one to spoon-feed or preach to audiences, Corning’s works pose thought-provoking questions, often steeped in metaphor, and are sharp-witted, a touch humorous, a tad poignant, and magnificently beautiful in their visuals and craft.  Her latest evening-length work, Foolish … Continue reading CorningWorks’ Latest Dance-Theater Work Taps Into Today’s Uncertainty Zeitgeist  [PREVIEW]

Ohio Contemporary Ballet Celebrates Beloved Retiring Company Dancers in a Free Performance at Cain Park [PREVIEW]

By Steve Sucato Ohio Contemporary Ballet’s annual free performance at Cain Park this Saturday, June 21, is a bittersweet one as the company celebrates the retirements of longtime company dancers Kate Webb and Antonio Morillo. The beloved dancers have been the focal point of many of the company’s marquee dance works, thrilling audiences and critics alike.  A native of Richmond, Virginia, 31-year-old Webb will retire … Continue reading Ohio Contemporary Ballet Celebrates Beloved Retiring Company Dancers in a Free Performance at Cain Park [PREVIEW]

Good Vibes Permeate Inaugural ‘Open Air’ Artist Showcase [REVIEW]

OPEN AIR SERIES 2021 Artists ShowcaseCurated by Richard ParsakianPittsburgh Ballet Theatre Stage at Flagstaff HillSchenley Park, Pittsburgh PAMay 20, 2021 Reviewed by Steve Sucato Terpsichorean Richard Parsakian’s curated dance showcase for Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s inaugural Open Air Series followed a similar format to his highly successful Pittsburgh Pride dance showcases of years past.  A stylistic variety of small dance works from ten mostly local artists … Continue reading Good Vibes Permeate Inaugural ‘Open Air’ Artist Showcase [REVIEW]

Ballet Legato’s Debut Production a Bold Take on a Familiar Storybook Character

By Steve Sucato With the popularity of recent movies and television shows taking familiar storybook characters and inventing new storylines such as Hansel & Gretel being witch hunters and Peter Pan being an evil lad looking to harvest the “heart of the truest believer” on the TV series Once Upon a Time, it was only a matter of time before the dance world got onboard … Continue reading Ballet Legato’s Debut Production a Bold Take on a Familiar Storybook Character

Burk Shines in Conservatory Dance Company’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’

By Steve Sucato It’s sometimes easy to forget that Point Park University’s Conservatory Dance Company is a student troupe. The company so easily appears like a professional one in contemporary and modern dance works. In its latest production, Nicolas Petrov’s Romeo and Juliet, the unforgiving nature of classical ballet technique was a reminder that CDC’s dancers are indeed still students. Nonetheless, as a student production, … Continue reading Burk Shines in Conservatory Dance Company’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’

One misstep aside, Contemporary Choreographers is a strong program

Reviewed by Steve Sucato Emotionally powerful and thrilling was the ultimate effect of this past Sunday’s performance of Conservatory Dance Company’s Contemporary Choreographers program. The annual production showcases works by some of today’s best choreographers and talented up-and-comers. This year’s, however, began with a disappointing performance of David Morse’s “BWV 1063.” Set to vibrant music by J.S. Bach, the neoclassical ballet for 19 female dancers on … Continue reading One misstep aside, Contemporary Choreographers is a strong program

Fine Texture

By Steve Sucato You could say the title of Texture Contemporary Ballet’s latest program, Synergy, also names what has made the three-year-old troupe a success. The combined efforts of artistic director Alan Obuzor, associate artistic director Kelsey Bartman and an array of energetic dancers and choreographers have consistently produced programs whose total effect has exceeded the sum of their individual contributions. This Sept. 26-28 program, mixing new and … Continue reading Fine Texture