Verb Ballets to premiere a contemporary rendition of The Rite of Spring in DanceWorks '13
CLEVELAND, OH (April 8, 2013) – Verb Ballets returns to Cleveland Public Theatre April 18-20, 2013 to close DanceWorks '13 with the world premiere of The Rite of Spring: The Bride Unseen choreographed by Richard Dickinson (Ohio Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Boston Ballet). "The original work was considered scandalous and yet, 100 years later, still holds power and freshness. In celebration of the centenary of Stravinsky's, Rite of Spring, Verb Ballets has given Richard Dickinson the opportunity to explore what this masterpiece means in today’s society," said Director, Dr. Margaret Carlson.
The original composition by Igor Stravinsky uses innovative complex rhythmic structures, timbres, and dissonance, which have made it a seminal 20th-century composition. Dickinson has chosen the four-hand piano version all parts played by Fazil Say. This sound motif was chosen to match the eight company ensemble. Stravinsky initially created a version of the orchestral score for piano four-hands, and it was in this form that the piece was first published in 1913. The full score was unavailable in print until 1921.
The original score shattered expectations and was a series of thirteen different scenes depicting the life and nature of the ancient Slavs. In Dickinson's study of the original score he isolates three individualized compositional strands. His interpretation of the music morphed into characters in the story that follow the musical qualities. Dickinson created a thorny theatrical path through the novelty of the music.
Dickinson was inspired by visual artists during of the time of Rite of Spring. In France the visual artists were referred to as "Fauvists" whose work ventured toward rough primitiveness that emphasized heightened emotions. With these visuals in mind Dickinson plans to experiment with characteristic signs of that artwork of the time including sharp contours, intense and odd rhythms and harsh contrasts.
The new ballet connects to the social atmosphere of the time to discover a story where expectation is frightening and unknown. In the new rendition a bride surrenders her dreams to appease her family and succumbs to the pressure of an arranged marriage. The ballet explores the interpersonal relationships of a quirky family and the influence they play in the family paradigm. Someone will be sacrificed. Who will it be?
Also on the program is Dickinson’s ballet about loss and longing, set to Richard Strauss’ haunting Four Last Songs (2013). This piece interprets the haunting melodies of Strauss' last work and the writings of the poets, Hermann Hesse and Joseph von Eichendorff. Dickinson's work explores the story lines in the beauty and gracefulness of the four songs.
Verb Ballets will perform in DanceWorks '13 April 18-20, 2013 in the James Levin Theatre. Performances take place at 7:00 p.m. Single tickets on Fridays and Saturdays $25 for general admission, $23 for students and seniors and $10 for all tickets on Thursdays. You can purchase seats by calling 216-631-2727 ext. 501, or buy in person at 6415 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44102. For more information visit www.verbballets.org.
Immediately following the performance will be a wine and dessert reception at Tregoning and Company, located at 1300 West 78th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44102. Tregoning and Company was formed by Bill Tregoning in 1982. Its inventory is both extensive and wide-ranging: artworks from 17th century old masters to 21st century contemporary art. Experience both European and American art and pre-eminent art of the Cleveland School and northern Ohio. Celebrate spring with the dancers and talk with choreographer, Richard Dickinson and Director, Margaret Carlson at the gallery. Tickets to the reception are $15 and require a reservation by calling 216.397.3757.
Choreographer, Richard Dickinson, available for interview please email or call 216.397.3757 to arrange. Richard Dickinson will be creating the new ballet at Verb’s studio photo opportunities available. Photos from Verb Ballets’ available upon request.
The original composition by Igor Stravinsky uses innovative complex rhythmic structures, timbres, and dissonance, which have made it a seminal 20th-century composition. Dickinson has chosen the four-hand piano version all parts played by Fazil Say. This sound motif was chosen to match the eight company ensemble. Stravinsky initially created a version of the orchestral score for piano four-hands, and it was in this form that the piece was first published in 1913. The full score was unavailable in print until 1921.
The original score shattered expectations and was a series of thirteen different scenes depicting the life and nature of the ancient Slavs. In Dickinson's study of the original score he isolates three individualized compositional strands. His interpretation of the music morphed into characters in the story that follow the musical qualities. Dickinson created a thorny theatrical path through the novelty of the music.
Dickinson was inspired by visual artists during of the time of Rite of Spring. In France the visual artists were referred to as "Fauvists" whose work ventured toward rough primitiveness that emphasized heightened emotions. With these visuals in mind Dickinson plans to experiment with characteristic signs of that artwork of the time including sharp contours, intense and odd rhythms and harsh contrasts.
The new ballet connects to the social atmosphere of the time to discover a story where expectation is frightening and unknown. In the new rendition a bride surrenders her dreams to appease her family and succumbs to the pressure of an arranged marriage. The ballet explores the interpersonal relationships of a quirky family and the influence they play in the family paradigm. Someone will be sacrificed. Who will it be?
Also on the program is Dickinson’s ballet about loss and longing, set to Richard Strauss’ haunting Four Last Songs (2013). This piece interprets the haunting melodies of Strauss' last work and the writings of the poets, Hermann Hesse and Joseph von Eichendorff. Dickinson's work explores the story lines in the beauty and gracefulness of the four songs.
Verb Ballets will perform in DanceWorks '13 April 18-20, 2013 in the James Levin Theatre. Performances take place at 7:00 p.m. Single tickets on Fridays and Saturdays $25 for general admission, $23 for students and seniors and $10 for all tickets on Thursdays. You can purchase seats by calling 216-631-2727 ext. 501, or buy in person at 6415 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44102. For more information visit www.verbballets.org.
Immediately following the performance will be a wine and dessert reception at Tregoning and Company, located at 1300 West 78th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44102. Tregoning and Company was formed by Bill Tregoning in 1982. Its inventory is both extensive and wide-ranging: artworks from 17th century old masters to 21st century contemporary art. Experience both European and American art and pre-eminent art of the Cleveland School and northern Ohio. Celebrate spring with the dancers and talk with choreographer, Richard Dickinson and Director, Margaret Carlson at the gallery. Tickets to the reception are $15 and require a reservation by calling 216.397.3757.
Choreographer, Richard Dickinson, available for interview please email or call 216.397.3757 to arrange. Richard Dickinson will be creating the new ballet at Verb’s studio photo opportunities available. Photos from Verb Ballets’ available upon request.
Verb Ballets will present Two Different Performances in DanceWorks '13 at Cleveland Public Theatre
CLEVELAND, OH (March 14, 2013) - Verb Ballets returns to Cleveland Public Theatre as part of the DanceWorks '13 Series with two different programs. Verb Ballets is pleased to announce they will kick off the series with an additional program added to the season: Verb Goes Electric with the Cleveland Chamber Symphony, running March 21- 23, 2013. The company will close out the contemporary dance showcase with a modern rendition of The Rite of Spring running April 18-20, 2013. "Verb harnesses the opportunity to create work at CPT that is adventurous and can push the boundaries of creativity. The two shows will examine the close relationship dance has to music contrasting how it has changed over the past 100 years within the development of style and its impact on contemporary dance," said Director, Dr. Margaret Carlson.
Verb Ballets in collaboration with the Cleveland Chamber Symphony (CCS) presents an evening fusing dance and electronic music. Verb Goes Electric with the Cleveland Chamber Symphony, March 21- 23, 2013, builds on the creative talent of local artists to create new collaborative work. CCS has selected four young and emerging composers through a competitive selection process. William DeLelles, Frederick Evans, Paulus van Horne and Evan Williams have been chosen by CCS to present new electronic music scores that explore and push the boundaries of contemporary American music. Stephanie Krise, Leslie J. Miller, Brian Murphy and Rebecca J. Nicklos, dancers of Verb Ballets,will then take the new score and to develop how to move in the sound evolution of the musical language.
Also, to be revived on the program, The Cleveland Flats Suite, choreographed by Diane Gray (2010). "This work is dedicated to the timelessness of the Flats and the ever presence of the energy that powers them,"said Diane Gray about inspiration for the piece.The electronic symphony composed by NASA scientist, Richard Rinehart, was written as a musical story of the Cuyahoga River. The work integrates video projections by NASA scientist and artist, Jay G. Horowitz, whose work explores the art in science and the science in art. Cleveland Flats Suite was made possible in part through the generosity of John Zayac and Bob Perry.
In honor of the late composer, Michael Leese, Verb Goes Electric with the Cleveland Chamber Symphony will feature Breach, choreographed by Erin Conway Lewis. The piece was originally created to Leese's music, Klavierstück, in 2011. Donald Rosenberg of The Plain Dealer described the music as, "Michael Leese's ...piano music, ... establishes the aura for the alternately robotic and sweeping content." This selection is dedicated to Leese's commitment and involvement in Cleveland music.
Verb Ballets is honored to close the DanceWorks '13 showcase with The Rite of Spring: The Bride Unseen. The Rite of Spring originally choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky shattered expectations and was a milestone in performance history in Paris 100 years ago. Verb Ballets will take to the stage with an evening work featuring a modern version of The Rite of Spring choreographed by Richard Dickinson (Ohio Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Boston Ballet). Music composed by Igor Stravinsky has innovative complex rhythmic structures, timbres, and use of dissonance which have made it a seminal 20th-century composition. The new ballet titled, The Rite of Spring: The Bride Unseen, reinvents the story of pagan sacrifice as the bride surrenders her dreams to appease her family and succumbs to the pressure of an arranged marriage. The ballet explores the interpersonal relationships of a quirky family and the influence they play in the family paradigm. Someone will be sacrificed. Who will it be?
Each year Cleveland Public Theatre welcomes the opportunity to showcase Cleveland's talented contemporary dance companies as they premiere new work and revive celebrated performances. "CPT has always been a place where various performing arts converge and where the lines between "disciplines" become blurred, but it fits into our mission because "DanceWorks" is about local artists creating new work, and that is what we are here to support," says Rebecca Hill, Marketing Coordinator for CPT.
Verb Ballets will perform in DanceWorks '13 March 21- 23, 2013 and April 18-20, 2013 in the James Levin Theatre. Performances take place at 7:00 p.m. Single tickets on Fridays and Saturdays $25 for general admission, $23 for students and seniors and $10 for all tickets on Thursdays. You can purchase seats by calling 216-631-2727 ext. 501, or buy in person at 6415 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44102. For more information visit www.verbballets.org.
Choreographers available for interviews please email or call 216.397.3757 to arrange. Richard Dickinson will be creating the new ballet at Verb's studio photo opportunities available. Photos from Verb Ballets' repertory and season choreographers available upon request.
About Verb Ballets
Verb Ballets ignites audience passion and participation in contemporary dance. Under the leadership of Director, Dr. Margaret Carlson, Verb strives to support and foster emerging talent, to present excellence in contemporary choreographers, and to revive and honor modern dance classics. The company strives to be a thought leader in cultivating dance appreciation and support through education and outreach programs. In growing audience appreciation for dance, Verb Ballets helps make northeast Ohio a national destination for the arts.
Verb Ballets' season is made possible thanks to the generous support of: Akron Community Foundation, AHS Foundation, The Bascom Little Fund, Bike Cleveland, Cuyahoga County residents through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, The City of Shaker Heights, The Cleveland Foundation, Findley Davies, Inc., Gay Community Endowment Fund of The Akron Community Foundation, The George Gund Foundation, Kulas Foundation, The Laub Foundation, Lubrizol Foundation, The McGregor Foundation, John P. Murphy Foundation, Omnova Solution Foundation, The Ohio Arts Council, Shah Capital Management, Individual Contributors including Millie L. Carlson, Alan Miles Ruben, Jeri Chaikin, Chuck and Ann Ennis, Frederick Lautzenheiser, Kenneth Milder, David R. Pierce, Robert M. Shwab and Members of the Verb Ballets Board of Trustees.
About Cleveland Chamber Symphony
The Cleveland Chamber Symphony (CCS) performs music of our time that dares to explore under direction of Music Director Steven Smith. Through the vision and expertise of Dr. London and the talent of a dedicated core of Cleveland musicians, the ensemble steadily grew in scope and stature throughout the following two decades, performing, recording and commissioning contemporary orchestral music. CCS nurtures composers, musicians and audiences through professional performances, recordings, commissions, and educational experiences. The Cleveland Chamber Symphony's excellence has been recognized with prestigious awards including a Grammy and ASCAP John S. Edwards Awards. Through the mission CCS has contributed to the advancement of the art of contemporary American music and promoted the dissemination of musical works by composers of our time.
Verb Ballets in collaboration with the Cleveland Chamber Symphony (CCS) presents an evening fusing dance and electronic music. Verb Goes Electric with the Cleveland Chamber Symphony, March 21- 23, 2013, builds on the creative talent of local artists to create new collaborative work. CCS has selected four young and emerging composers through a competitive selection process. William DeLelles, Frederick Evans, Paulus van Horne and Evan Williams have been chosen by CCS to present new electronic music scores that explore and push the boundaries of contemporary American music. Stephanie Krise, Leslie J. Miller, Brian Murphy and Rebecca J. Nicklos, dancers of Verb Ballets,will then take the new score and to develop how to move in the sound evolution of the musical language.
Also, to be revived on the program, The Cleveland Flats Suite, choreographed by Diane Gray (2010). "This work is dedicated to the timelessness of the Flats and the ever presence of the energy that powers them,"said Diane Gray about inspiration for the piece.The electronic symphony composed by NASA scientist, Richard Rinehart, was written as a musical story of the Cuyahoga River. The work integrates video projections by NASA scientist and artist, Jay G. Horowitz, whose work explores the art in science and the science in art. Cleveland Flats Suite was made possible in part through the generosity of John Zayac and Bob Perry.
In honor of the late composer, Michael Leese, Verb Goes Electric with the Cleveland Chamber Symphony will feature Breach, choreographed by Erin Conway Lewis. The piece was originally created to Leese's music, Klavierstück, in 2011. Donald Rosenberg of The Plain Dealer described the music as, "Michael Leese's ...piano music, ... establishes the aura for the alternately robotic and sweeping content." This selection is dedicated to Leese's commitment and involvement in Cleveland music.
Verb Ballets is honored to close the DanceWorks '13 showcase with The Rite of Spring: The Bride Unseen. The Rite of Spring originally choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky shattered expectations and was a milestone in performance history in Paris 100 years ago. Verb Ballets will take to the stage with an evening work featuring a modern version of The Rite of Spring choreographed by Richard Dickinson (Ohio Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Boston Ballet). Music composed by Igor Stravinsky has innovative complex rhythmic structures, timbres, and use of dissonance which have made it a seminal 20th-century composition. The new ballet titled, The Rite of Spring: The Bride Unseen, reinvents the story of pagan sacrifice as the bride surrenders her dreams to appease her family and succumbs to the pressure of an arranged marriage. The ballet explores the interpersonal relationships of a quirky family and the influence they play in the family paradigm. Someone will be sacrificed. Who will it be?
Each year Cleveland Public Theatre welcomes the opportunity to showcase Cleveland's talented contemporary dance companies as they premiere new work and revive celebrated performances. "CPT has always been a place where various performing arts converge and where the lines between "disciplines" become blurred, but it fits into our mission because "DanceWorks" is about local artists creating new work, and that is what we are here to support," says Rebecca Hill, Marketing Coordinator for CPT.
Verb Ballets will perform in DanceWorks '13 March 21- 23, 2013 and April 18-20, 2013 in the James Levin Theatre. Performances take place at 7:00 p.m. Single tickets on Fridays and Saturdays $25 for general admission, $23 for students and seniors and $10 for all tickets on Thursdays. You can purchase seats by calling 216-631-2727 ext. 501, or buy in person at 6415 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44102. For more information visit www.verbballets.org.
Choreographers available for interviews please email or call 216.397.3757 to arrange. Richard Dickinson will be creating the new ballet at Verb's studio photo opportunities available. Photos from Verb Ballets' repertory and season choreographers available upon request.
About Verb Ballets
Verb Ballets ignites audience passion and participation in contemporary dance. Under the leadership of Director, Dr. Margaret Carlson, Verb strives to support and foster emerging talent, to present excellence in contemporary choreographers, and to revive and honor modern dance classics. The company strives to be a thought leader in cultivating dance appreciation and support through education and outreach programs. In growing audience appreciation for dance, Verb Ballets helps make northeast Ohio a national destination for the arts.
Verb Ballets' season is made possible thanks to the generous support of: Akron Community Foundation, AHS Foundation, The Bascom Little Fund, Bike Cleveland, Cuyahoga County residents through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, The City of Shaker Heights, The Cleveland Foundation, Findley Davies, Inc., Gay Community Endowment Fund of The Akron Community Foundation, The George Gund Foundation, Kulas Foundation, The Laub Foundation, Lubrizol Foundation, The McGregor Foundation, John P. Murphy Foundation, Omnova Solution Foundation, The Ohio Arts Council, Shah Capital Management, Individual Contributors including Millie L. Carlson, Alan Miles Ruben, Jeri Chaikin, Chuck and Ann Ennis, Frederick Lautzenheiser, Kenneth Milder, David R. Pierce, Robert M. Shwab and Members of the Verb Ballets Board of Trustees.
About Cleveland Chamber Symphony
The Cleveland Chamber Symphony (CCS) performs music of our time that dares to explore under direction of Music Director Steven Smith. Through the vision and expertise of Dr. London and the talent of a dedicated core of Cleveland musicians, the ensemble steadily grew in scope and stature throughout the following two decades, performing, recording and commissioning contemporary orchestral music. CCS nurtures composers, musicians and audiences through professional performances, recordings, commissions, and educational experiences. The Cleveland Chamber Symphony's excellence has been recognized with prestigious awards including a Grammy and ASCAP John S. Edwards Awards. Through the mission CCS has contributed to the advancement of the art of contemporary American music and promoted the dissemination of musical works by composers of our time.
Verb Ballets becomes Artist in Residence at The Breen Center for the Performing Arts
CLEVELAND (February 25, 2013) –Verb Ballets and Saint Ignatius High School are pleased to announce the naming of Verb Ballets as Artist in Residence at The Breen Center for Performing Arts. The partnership was officially announced at the Verb Ballets performance on February 23, 2013 at The Breen Center.
Verb Ballets, northeast Ohio's contemporary dance company, strives to support and foster emerging talent, to present excellence in contemporary choreographers, and to revive and honor modern dance classics. Verb's mission is to ignite audience passion and participation in contemporary dance.
Verb Ballets has performed at The Breen Center there every year since it opened in 2009. This state-of-the-art performance venue has attracted national attention for its design and uncompromising commitment to the fine and performing arts. The faculty and staff of Saint Ignatius understand that the arts in education matter greatly and addition of The Breen Center to the Saint Ignatius campus furthers the mission of the school. Mary Jane and Jack Breen, whose vision and generosity made the facility possible, have made the arts easily accessible, not just to Saint Ignatius students, but to the Ohio City neighborhood and to Northeast Ohio.
After utilizing the state of the art facilities including The Rohr Stage area which totals 3,000 square feet, Verb has been able to restage classic works with sets including Martha Graham's, Appalachian Spring and to commission new choreography that integrates video and lighting such as, Otra Luna choreographed by Troy McCarty. The sprung floor absorbs shock that is beneficial for the dancers. "We are excited to partner with the Breen Center for the Performing Arts and thereby expand Verb Ballets' presence in the growing arts and business community of Ohio City," said Dr. Margaret Carlson, Verb Ballets Director.
“We are honored to work with Verb Ballets as the dance company in residence. Verb Ballets' commitment to dance education ties into our mission and the fine arts curriculum to cultivate students' personal expression as a part of their academic development," said Art Thomas, Saint Ignatius High School Fine Arts teacher and facility manager for The Breen Center.
Verb Ballets looks forward to developing its presence in Ohio City and will be offering pop-up performances at various locations over the course of the next several months. The first mini performance will be at the new west side gallery, Transformer Station, on March 7, 2013 at 6pm. Verb Ballets will present a mini-performance of an excerpt from Cleveland Flats Symphony, an original ballet choreographed by Diane Gray to the music of Rich Rinehart and video by Jay Horowitz. Both Rinehart and Horowitz work at the NASA Glenn Research Center. This short performance will be staged in the historic Crane Gallery at the Transformer Station where Bridging Cleveland, a show of images of the bridges over the Flats is currently on view. Admission to this intimate performance will be free.
Lisa Metro of Saint Ignatius High School is available by contacting 216-281-4386. Dr. Margaret Carlson of Verb Ballets is available for interviews by calling 216-397-3757. Photos from Verb Ballets’ repertory and season choreographers available upon request.
Verb Ballets, northeast Ohio's contemporary dance company, strives to support and foster emerging talent, to present excellence in contemporary choreographers, and to revive and honor modern dance classics. Verb's mission is to ignite audience passion and participation in contemporary dance.
Verb Ballets has performed at The Breen Center there every year since it opened in 2009. This state-of-the-art performance venue has attracted national attention for its design and uncompromising commitment to the fine and performing arts. The faculty and staff of Saint Ignatius understand that the arts in education matter greatly and addition of The Breen Center to the Saint Ignatius campus furthers the mission of the school. Mary Jane and Jack Breen, whose vision and generosity made the facility possible, have made the arts easily accessible, not just to Saint Ignatius students, but to the Ohio City neighborhood and to Northeast Ohio.
After utilizing the state of the art facilities including The Rohr Stage area which totals 3,000 square feet, Verb has been able to restage classic works with sets including Martha Graham's, Appalachian Spring and to commission new choreography that integrates video and lighting such as, Otra Luna choreographed by Troy McCarty. The sprung floor absorbs shock that is beneficial for the dancers. "We are excited to partner with the Breen Center for the Performing Arts and thereby expand Verb Ballets' presence in the growing arts and business community of Ohio City," said Dr. Margaret Carlson, Verb Ballets Director.
“We are honored to work with Verb Ballets as the dance company in residence. Verb Ballets' commitment to dance education ties into our mission and the fine arts curriculum to cultivate students' personal expression as a part of their academic development," said Art Thomas, Saint Ignatius High School Fine Arts teacher and facility manager for The Breen Center.
Verb Ballets looks forward to developing its presence in Ohio City and will be offering pop-up performances at various locations over the course of the next several months. The first mini performance will be at the new west side gallery, Transformer Station, on March 7, 2013 at 6pm. Verb Ballets will present a mini-performance of an excerpt from Cleveland Flats Symphony, an original ballet choreographed by Diane Gray to the music of Rich Rinehart and video by Jay Horowitz. Both Rinehart and Horowitz work at the NASA Glenn Research Center. This short performance will be staged in the historic Crane Gallery at the Transformer Station where Bridging Cleveland, a show of images of the bridges over the Flats is currently on view. Admission to this intimate performance will be free.
Lisa Metro of Saint Ignatius High School is available by contacting 216-281-4386. Dr. Margaret Carlson of Verb Ballets is available for interviews by calling 216-397-3757. Photos from Verb Ballets’ repertory and season choreographers available upon request.
Verb Ballets presents Honoring Poll at Akron Civic Theatre Friday, March 8, 2013 8pm with on stage seating for the audience
CLEVELAND, OH (January 28, 2013) – The Akron Civic Theatre will present Verb Ballets’, Honoring Poll, on Friday, March 8, 2013, at 8pm with intimate cabaret seating on stage at the historic theatre. The program will highlight the late choreographer Heinz Poll and his legacy through works created for the Ohio Ballet and features a new work by former Ohio Ballet dancer and ballet master, Richard Dickinson (Ohio Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Boston Ballet). Also to be shown in the evening is a brief documentary of Poll’s life and accomplishments titled, Soaring. “Heinz was an important icon in dance history in Northeast Ohio. He helped build the dance community with works that spoke to the public. Verb is honored to carry on his legacy every time we dance his work,” said director of Verb Ballets and former Poll student, Dr. Margaret Carlson.
The show will feature the exuberant big-band piece by Poll, Eight By Benny Goodman. This will get feet tappin' to sounds of the master, Benny Goodman. This is the first time the piece has been done in its entirety in Akron since it was created for Ohio Ballet in 1993. Dickinson, Verb Ballets’ Rehearsal Director, was with the Ohio Ballet for twelve years as a principal dancer and the ballet master. Dickinson danced every male role in the piece during his career with Ohio Ballet and for this reason Poll granted the rights of the piece to him. “Heinz Poll loved Marlene Dietrich and that whole period of her movies. Eight by Benny Goodman was a response to his love of the glamour of the times,” said Dickinson. Verb's performance of the feel good piece was noted as: "To anyone who is a fan of the dance movies of the Thirties this series of musical numbers was a sheer delight. The couples were seemingly wedded to each other, the group dances were a symposium of synchronicity—much to everyone’s delight," Mark Horning of the Examiner.com.
In contrast to the sassy ballroom piece will be Duet choreographed by Poll in 1979. Poll choreographed Duet in the neoclassical style of George Balanchine, regarded as the foremost contemporary choreographer in ballet. Poll's use of J.S. Bach's "Adagio" from his Organ Toccata in C, arranged for cello and piano by former Ohio Ballet Music Director David Fisher, showcases Poll's musical mastery. Donald Rosenberg of The Plain Dealer described the classical pas de deux as, “pure classical ballet, its sense of line and high lifts set to a majestic Bach adagio.”
The fan favorite Bolero (1996) choreographed to the epic music of Ravel will revisit the stage. The ballet blends Indian and modern dance styles while its drive, propulsion, and intensity build with the score. The piece is a visual masterpiece set to the drive force of the well known score.
Also on the program is Dickinson’s ballet about loss and longing, set to Richard Strauss’ haunting Four Last Songs (2013). This piece will interpret the haunting melodies of Strauss' last work and the writings of the poets, Hermann Hesse and Joseph von Eichendorff. The hope in Spring, the fading light of September, the darkness of losing someone in a Time to Sleep; and the mourning of letting a loved one go, At Dust, Dickinson's work explores the story lines in the beauty and gracefulness of the four songs.
In conjunction with the performance, Verb Ballets will be in Akron at Firestone High School Visual and Performing Arts Program conducting a master class for the public school dance students. This program is provided through the generosity of Omnova Solutions Foundation.
This show gives the audience a chance to revisit the classics of Ohio Ballet on the next generations of dancers. Single tickets at $25 each are available by calling the Akron Civic Box Office at 330-253-2488 or online at akroncivic.com. Akron Civic Theatre is located at 182 South Main Street Akron, Ohio 44308.
Richard Dickinson is available for interviews. Please email or call 216.397.3757 to arrange. Photos from Verb Ballets’ repertory and season choreographers available upon request.
The show will feature the exuberant big-band piece by Poll, Eight By Benny Goodman. This will get feet tappin' to sounds of the master, Benny Goodman. This is the first time the piece has been done in its entirety in Akron since it was created for Ohio Ballet in 1993. Dickinson, Verb Ballets’ Rehearsal Director, was with the Ohio Ballet for twelve years as a principal dancer and the ballet master. Dickinson danced every male role in the piece during his career with Ohio Ballet and for this reason Poll granted the rights of the piece to him. “Heinz Poll loved Marlene Dietrich and that whole period of her movies. Eight by Benny Goodman was a response to his love of the glamour of the times,” said Dickinson. Verb's performance of the feel good piece was noted as: "To anyone who is a fan of the dance movies of the Thirties this series of musical numbers was a sheer delight. The couples were seemingly wedded to each other, the group dances were a symposium of synchronicity—much to everyone’s delight," Mark Horning of the Examiner.com.
In contrast to the sassy ballroom piece will be Duet choreographed by Poll in 1979. Poll choreographed Duet in the neoclassical style of George Balanchine, regarded as the foremost contemporary choreographer in ballet. Poll's use of J.S. Bach's "Adagio" from his Organ Toccata in C, arranged for cello and piano by former Ohio Ballet Music Director David Fisher, showcases Poll's musical mastery. Donald Rosenberg of The Plain Dealer described the classical pas de deux as, “pure classical ballet, its sense of line and high lifts set to a majestic Bach adagio.”
The fan favorite Bolero (1996) choreographed to the epic music of Ravel will revisit the stage. The ballet blends Indian and modern dance styles while its drive, propulsion, and intensity build with the score. The piece is a visual masterpiece set to the drive force of the well known score.
Also on the program is Dickinson’s ballet about loss and longing, set to Richard Strauss’ haunting Four Last Songs (2013). This piece will interpret the haunting melodies of Strauss' last work and the writings of the poets, Hermann Hesse and Joseph von Eichendorff. The hope in Spring, the fading light of September, the darkness of losing someone in a Time to Sleep; and the mourning of letting a loved one go, At Dust, Dickinson's work explores the story lines in the beauty and gracefulness of the four songs.
In conjunction with the performance, Verb Ballets will be in Akron at Firestone High School Visual and Performing Arts Program conducting a master class for the public school dance students. This program is provided through the generosity of Omnova Solutions Foundation.
This show gives the audience a chance to revisit the classics of Ohio Ballet on the next generations of dancers. Single tickets at $25 each are available by calling the Akron Civic Box Office at 330-253-2488 or online at akroncivic.com. Akron Civic Theatre is located at 182 South Main Street Akron, Ohio 44308.
Richard Dickinson is available for interviews. Please email or call 216.397.3757 to arrange. Photos from Verb Ballets’ repertory and season choreographers available upon request.
Verb Ballets’ Winter Series featuring the work of Chung-Fu Chang February 23, 2013, 8pm at the Breen Center for the Performing Arts
CLEVELAND, OH (January 16, 2013) – Verb Ballets returns to the Breen Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, February 23, 2013, at 8pm to experience an evening of work by Chung-Fu Chang. Chang was born in Taiwan and discovered his passion for dance at age 17. He went on to perform with Cloudgate Dance Theatre and Kaohsiung Contemporary Dance Company. His works have been performed nationally and internationally. Chang's evening of work explores the evolution of his personal identity influenced by his participation in contemporary societies, both Asian and Western. "Last year I was impressed by the visually stunning, The Lily. I enjoyed how he utilized the stage as an artist would to paint canvas. His return to Verb offers the opportunity to present a collection of work to showcase his unique style and range," said Director, Dr. Margaret Carlson.
Chang returns this season to set a new full company work inspired by the wind. Exploring the idea of wind movement Chang will borrow its breeze with movement, dynamics, path, speed, shape, and ultimately the wind’s emotion. This distinctive fusion of East and West will show the power of the wind and its gentle hidden potential.
The Lily, a visually stunning work created especially for Verb Ballets last year, will be revived. This full company work depicts a love story based on an ancient Taiwanese tale of passion and destiny. Donald Rosenberg of The Plain Dealer described the piece as, "the movement style is fluid and ritualistic, rooted in ballet but shaded by Asian colorations."
In addition Chang will perform on the program in a new solo, called Pheasant’s Writing. The solo is inspired from one of the poems of the Shijing, the Classic of Poetry, a collection of songs and poems from the Zhou Dynasty (10th-7th century BC) of ancient China. These rhyming works have been passed down through generations. "The oral cultures are capable of immense sophistication and tend to become visible only when they come into contact with the literate genres that are destined to replace them," said Chang about his inspiration from the Classic of Poetry. Pheasant's Writing is a work about secrets, identity, and finding one’s own language.
Also on the program is the world premiere of Richard Dickinson’s ballet about loss and longing, set to Richard Strauss’ haunting Four Last Songs. This piece will interpret the haunting melodies of Strauss' last work and the writings of the poets, Hermann Hesse and Joseph von Eichendorff. The hope in Spring, the fading light of September, the darkness of losing someone in a Time to Sleep; and the mourning of letting a loved one go, At Dust, Dickinson's work explores the story lines in the beauty and gracefulness of the four songs.
Immediately following the performance will be a wine and dessert reception at the new West side art gallery, Transformer Station, located at 1460 West 29th Street Cleveland, OH 44113. The Transformer Station is a project of Fred and Laura Ruth Bidwell Foundation that is designed to bring original contemporary art exhibitions, events and programming from around the world to the west side of Cleveland. Be one of the first to experience the collection of contemporary photography and photo-based art. Mingle with the dancers and talk with choreographer, Chung-Fu Chang, at the renovated transit substation. Tickets to the reception are $15 and require a reservation by calling 216.397.3757.
This show gives the audience a chance to see an emerging choreographer and discover a new side of Verb Ballets. Single tickets ($28-$10) are available by calling the Verb Ballets office at 216-397-3757 or online at verbballets.org. The Breen Center for the Performing Arts is located at 2008 W. 30th St. Cleveland, OH 44113. For more information visit www.verbballets.org.
Chang returns this season to set a new full company work inspired by the wind. Exploring the idea of wind movement Chang will borrow its breeze with movement, dynamics, path, speed, shape, and ultimately the wind’s emotion. This distinctive fusion of East and West will show the power of the wind and its gentle hidden potential.
The Lily, a visually stunning work created especially for Verb Ballets last year, will be revived. This full company work depicts a love story based on an ancient Taiwanese tale of passion and destiny. Donald Rosenberg of The Plain Dealer described the piece as, "the movement style is fluid and ritualistic, rooted in ballet but shaded by Asian colorations."
In addition Chang will perform on the program in a new solo, called Pheasant’s Writing. The solo is inspired from one of the poems of the Shijing, the Classic of Poetry, a collection of songs and poems from the Zhou Dynasty (10th-7th century BC) of ancient China. These rhyming works have been passed down through generations. "The oral cultures are capable of immense sophistication and tend to become visible only when they come into contact with the literate genres that are destined to replace them," said Chang about his inspiration from the Classic of Poetry. Pheasant's Writing is a work about secrets, identity, and finding one’s own language.
Also on the program is the world premiere of Richard Dickinson’s ballet about loss and longing, set to Richard Strauss’ haunting Four Last Songs. This piece will interpret the haunting melodies of Strauss' last work and the writings of the poets, Hermann Hesse and Joseph von Eichendorff. The hope in Spring, the fading light of September, the darkness of losing someone in a Time to Sleep; and the mourning of letting a loved one go, At Dust, Dickinson's work explores the story lines in the beauty and gracefulness of the four songs.
Immediately following the performance will be a wine and dessert reception at the new West side art gallery, Transformer Station, located at 1460 West 29th Street Cleveland, OH 44113. The Transformer Station is a project of Fred and Laura Ruth Bidwell Foundation that is designed to bring original contemporary art exhibitions, events and programming from around the world to the west side of Cleveland. Be one of the first to experience the collection of contemporary photography and photo-based art. Mingle with the dancers and talk with choreographer, Chung-Fu Chang, at the renovated transit substation. Tickets to the reception are $15 and require a reservation by calling 216.397.3757.
This show gives the audience a chance to see an emerging choreographer and discover a new side of Verb Ballets. Single tickets ($28-$10) are available by calling the Verb Ballets office at 216-397-3757 or online at verbballets.org. The Breen Center for the Performing Arts is located at 2008 W. 30th St. Cleveland, OH 44113. For more information visit www.verbballets.org.
Verb Ballets Adds Additional Program to Season Series March 21- 23, 2013 at the Cleveland Public Theatre
CLEVELAND, OH (December 21, 2012) - Verb Ballets is excited to announce the addition of a new show to the season series. The new program added to the season; Verb Goes Electric with the Cleveland Chamber Symphony, will run March 21- 23, 2013 at Cleveland Public Theatre during the 2013 DanceWorks Series. "We are excited to collaborate with Cleveland Chamber Symphony, a grammy winning symphony, to explore contemporary American music. This show speaks to Verb's purpose to support and foster emerging talent," said Director, Dr. Margaret Carlson.
The newly added show will fuse dance and electronic music, March 21- 23, 2013, at 7pm at Cleveland Public Theatre. Verb Goes Electric with the Cleveland Chamber Symphony builds on the creative talent of local artists to create new collaborative work. Four to six young and emerging composers will be selected to present new electronic music that explores and pushes the boundaries of contemporary American music. The dancers of Verb Ballets will then take the new score and challenge and explore how to move in the sound evolution of the musical language.
Two other remaining main stage performances for the 2012-13 season include February 23, 2013, at 8pm at The Breen Center for the Performing Arts and April 18-20, 2013, at 7pm at Cleveland Public Theatre's DanceWorks '13 Series.
Reflect upon an evening of work with Chung-Fu Chang on Saturday, February 23, 2013, at 8pm at The Breen Center for the Performing Arts. Chang creates an evening of work on Verb Ballets to share a story about how his identity has evolved through his presence in contemporary societies with a distinctive fusion of the East and West. The evening will also include a new work about a story of loss, choreographed by Richard Dickinson and set to the masterful and haunting music of Strauss' Four Last Songs.
Single tickets $28-$10 are available by calling the Verb Ballets office at 216-397-3757 or online at www.verbballets.org. The Breen Center for the Performing Arts is located at 2008 W. 30th St. Cleveland, OH 44113. For more information visit www.verbballets.org.
Verb Ballets returns to Cleveland Public Theatre April 18-20, 2013, at 7pm with an evening work featuring a modern interpretation of The Rite of Spring choreographed by Richard Dickinson. The new ballet titled, The Rite of Spring: The Bride Unseen, reinvents the story of pagan sacrifice as the bride surrenders her dreams to appease her family and succumbs to the pressure of an arranged marriage. The ballet explores the interpersonal relationships of a quirky family and the influence they play in the family paradigm. Someone will be sacrificed. Who, is the question?
Verb Ballets will perform in Cleveland Public Theatre's DanceWorks '13 March 21- 23, 2013 and April 18-20, 2013. Single tickets $25 for general admission, $22 for students and seniors and $10 for all tickets on Thursdays available by calling 216-631-2727 ext. 501, or buy in person at 6415 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44102.
About Cleveland Chamber Symphony
The Cleveland Chamber Symphony (CCS) performs music of our time that dares to explore under direction of Music Director Steven Smith. Through the vision and expertise of Dr. London and the talent of a dedicated core of Cleveland musicians, the ensemble steadily grew in scope and stature throughout the following two decades, performing, recording and commissioning contemporary orchestral music. CCS nurtures composers, musicians and audiences through professional performances, recordings, commissions, and educational experiences. The Cleveland Chamber Symphony's excellence has been recognized with prestigious awards including a Grammy and ASCAP John S. Edwards Awards. Through the mission CCS has contributed to the advancement of the art of contemporary American music and promoted the dissemination of musical works by composers of our time.
Photo opportunities of rehearsals are available please email or call 216.397.3757 to arrange. Verb Ballets' repertory and season choreographers photos are available upon request.
The newly added show will fuse dance and electronic music, March 21- 23, 2013, at 7pm at Cleveland Public Theatre. Verb Goes Electric with the Cleveland Chamber Symphony builds on the creative talent of local artists to create new collaborative work. Four to six young and emerging composers will be selected to present new electronic music that explores and pushes the boundaries of contemporary American music. The dancers of Verb Ballets will then take the new score and challenge and explore how to move in the sound evolution of the musical language.
Two other remaining main stage performances for the 2012-13 season include February 23, 2013, at 8pm at The Breen Center for the Performing Arts and April 18-20, 2013, at 7pm at Cleveland Public Theatre's DanceWorks '13 Series.
Reflect upon an evening of work with Chung-Fu Chang on Saturday, February 23, 2013, at 8pm at The Breen Center for the Performing Arts. Chang creates an evening of work on Verb Ballets to share a story about how his identity has evolved through his presence in contemporary societies with a distinctive fusion of the East and West. The evening will also include a new work about a story of loss, choreographed by Richard Dickinson and set to the masterful and haunting music of Strauss' Four Last Songs.
Single tickets $28-$10 are available by calling the Verb Ballets office at 216-397-3757 or online at www.verbballets.org. The Breen Center for the Performing Arts is located at 2008 W. 30th St. Cleveland, OH 44113. For more information visit www.verbballets.org.
Verb Ballets returns to Cleveland Public Theatre April 18-20, 2013, at 7pm with an evening work featuring a modern interpretation of The Rite of Spring choreographed by Richard Dickinson. The new ballet titled, The Rite of Spring: The Bride Unseen, reinvents the story of pagan sacrifice as the bride surrenders her dreams to appease her family and succumbs to the pressure of an arranged marriage. The ballet explores the interpersonal relationships of a quirky family and the influence they play in the family paradigm. Someone will be sacrificed. Who, is the question?
Verb Ballets will perform in Cleveland Public Theatre's DanceWorks '13 March 21- 23, 2013 and April 18-20, 2013. Single tickets $25 for general admission, $22 for students and seniors and $10 for all tickets on Thursdays available by calling 216-631-2727 ext. 501, or buy in person at 6415 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44102.
About Cleveland Chamber Symphony
The Cleveland Chamber Symphony (CCS) performs music of our time that dares to explore under direction of Music Director Steven Smith. Through the vision and expertise of Dr. London and the talent of a dedicated core of Cleveland musicians, the ensemble steadily grew in scope and stature throughout the following two decades, performing, recording and commissioning contemporary orchestral music. CCS nurtures composers, musicians and audiences through professional performances, recordings, commissions, and educational experiences. The Cleveland Chamber Symphony's excellence has been recognized with prestigious awards including a Grammy and ASCAP John S. Edwards Awards. Through the mission CCS has contributed to the advancement of the art of contemporary American music and promoted the dissemination of musical works by composers of our time.
Photo opportunities of rehearsals are available please email or call 216.397.3757 to arrange. Verb Ballets' repertory and season choreographers photos are available upon request.
Verb Ballets Premieres’ The Carnival of the Animals Sunday, October 7, 2012 Noon at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
CLEVELAND, OH (September 5, 2012) - Let your imagination soar with Verb Ballets' new children's ballet, The Carnival of the Animals, choreographed by Richard Dickinson. The performance is set to Camille Saint-Saëns' beloved score "where birds and beasts and such, behave a lot like people do, at times a bit too much." quoting Jack Prelutsky, the nation's first Children' Poet Laureate. The whimsical menagerie of animals will come to life for the first time on Sunday, October 7, 2012 from Noon - 2 P.M. at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in a benefit for Verb Ballets.
The Carnival of the Animals has been acclaimed as the perfect introductory classical piece for young children ages 3-11. During this 30-minute ballet, costumed dancers delight children through movements inspired by the animals they portray. Dickinson has taken the music of Saint-Saens and uses it to tell the story of the Cuckoo Bird who is made fun of by the different animals. They learn to appreciate each other's differences as the beautiful Swan teaches tolerance and acceptance followed by a grand carnival ending the ballet. The animals include lions, hens and roosters, turtles, elephants, kangaroos, a school of fish, a flock of birds and more!
Admission for the benefit is $30.00 per adult and $13.00 per child, ages 3 to 11. Children 2 and under are free. Senior and group rates are also available. Box lunches are available for $10.00, adults and $7.00 for children. Admission includes the world premiere of The Carnival of the Animals, an opportunity to meet and take photos with the dancers of Verb Ballets, games and the opportunity for the children to wear their favorite animal print or costume for a kid's parade across the stage! After the performance, extend your zoo experience with a discounted all-day zoo pass, available in advance for $11.00 for adults and $7.00 for children ages 3-11. Entrance is free for Cleveland Zoological Society members.
Richard Dickinson and Barbara Marcey are serving as co-chairs for the event that benefits Verb Ballets' Young Scholars Program for Talented Youth. "I welcomed the opportunity to work with Richard when I heard the concept for this ballet. As the new school year opens, bullying will be on parents' and educators' minds. This performance will delight young minds as they are introduced to contemporary ballet with insights into acceptance and friendship." said Marcey, Verb Ballets' volunteer. "Children and adults relate to animals. This music inspired me to tell a story that is close to my heart, a story that should be shared and discussed by many people young and old alike." said choreographer and Verb Ballets' Rehearsal Director, Dickinson. Additional support for the event provided by PFLAG, Cleveland and DJP Entertainment.
Tickets available by calling the Verb Ballets office at 216-397-3757 or online at verbballets.org. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Auditorium is located at 3900 Wildlife Way Cleveland, OH 44109. For more information visit verbballets.org.
Choreographer, Richard Dickinson is available for interviews, please email or call 216.397.3757 to arrange. Photo opportunities of rehearsals for The Carnival of the Animals children's ballet are available by calling the office. Verb Ballets' repertory and season choreographers photos are available upon request.
The Carnival of the Animals has been acclaimed as the perfect introductory classical piece for young children ages 3-11. During this 30-minute ballet, costumed dancers delight children through movements inspired by the animals they portray. Dickinson has taken the music of Saint-Saens and uses it to tell the story of the Cuckoo Bird who is made fun of by the different animals. They learn to appreciate each other's differences as the beautiful Swan teaches tolerance and acceptance followed by a grand carnival ending the ballet. The animals include lions, hens and roosters, turtles, elephants, kangaroos, a school of fish, a flock of birds and more!
Admission for the benefit is $30.00 per adult and $13.00 per child, ages 3 to 11. Children 2 and under are free. Senior and group rates are also available. Box lunches are available for $10.00, adults and $7.00 for children. Admission includes the world premiere of The Carnival of the Animals, an opportunity to meet and take photos with the dancers of Verb Ballets, games and the opportunity for the children to wear their favorite animal print or costume for a kid's parade across the stage! After the performance, extend your zoo experience with a discounted all-day zoo pass, available in advance for $11.00 for adults and $7.00 for children ages 3-11. Entrance is free for Cleveland Zoological Society members.
Richard Dickinson and Barbara Marcey are serving as co-chairs for the event that benefits Verb Ballets' Young Scholars Program for Talented Youth. "I welcomed the opportunity to work with Richard when I heard the concept for this ballet. As the new school year opens, bullying will be on parents' and educators' minds. This performance will delight young minds as they are introduced to contemporary ballet with insights into acceptance and friendship." said Marcey, Verb Ballets' volunteer. "Children and adults relate to animals. This music inspired me to tell a story that is close to my heart, a story that should be shared and discussed by many people young and old alike." said choreographer and Verb Ballets' Rehearsal Director, Dickinson. Additional support for the event provided by PFLAG, Cleveland and DJP Entertainment.
Tickets available by calling the Verb Ballets office at 216-397-3757 or online at verbballets.org. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Auditorium is located at 3900 Wildlife Way Cleveland, OH 44109. For more information visit verbballets.org.
Choreographer, Richard Dickinson is available for interviews, please email or call 216.397.3757 to arrange. Photo opportunities of rehearsals for The Carnival of the Animals children's ballet are available by calling the office. Verb Ballets' repertory and season choreographers photos are available upon request.
Verb Ballets’ Fall Series featuring the work of Antonio Brown
CLEVELAND, OH (August 20, 2012) – Verb Ballets returns to the Breen Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 8pm to explore the work of Antonio Brown. "Verb strives to foster emerging talent. This season it is nice to support contemporary choreographers and draw from talent that started here in Cleveland. Last year Antonio created a piece on the company that was full of pulse and driving energy. Building upon the company’s relationship will give him the opportunity to explore his artistic range," said Director, Dr. Margaret Carlson.
The Cleveland native, Brown, is a dancer with Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company and Camille A. Brown & Dancers. He will return to create a major work on the discovery of a new world. "This world has many of elements that are made to challenge and also help the individuals in this world. I want the audience to come see and imagine possibilities," said Brown about the theme of his new work. After working with the dancers last year Brown he knows them as dancers, "As a choreographer I will challenge them. I know their ability and want to make them look even better than they already do." Revisiting the stage, for the first time in a full staged theatrical venue, will be, Continuum created on the company last summer. CoolCleveland.com described the piece as, "moving collage of weaving bodies, aerobic dynamics, flowing arms, contrasting forms and visual energy." Brown, will also choreograph and perform a new solo work inspired by the way people see themselves in mirrors and how they react. These three pieces will give the audience the opportunity to learn about Brown as a person and artist and discover his diverse vocabulary. Brown wants the audience to experience, "- something new and fresh. They can enjoy dance while they challenge their eyes and mind!"
Added to the evening program will be The President choreographed by Tom Evert. The piece originally choreographed and performed by Evert received reviews by the New York Times as, "personifies duality; the Ronald Reagan figure executes formal gestures to suggest an official facade, but is exposed as being only too human, full of twitching anxiety.” The audience will also get a sneak peek with an excerpt from Verb's new children's ballet, Carnival of the Animals, choreographed by Richard Dickinson. Set to Camille Saint-Saëns’ beloved score the whimsical menagerie of animals will come to life.
This show gives the audience a chance to see an emerging choreographer and discover a new side of Verb Ballets. Single tickets $28-$10 available by calling the Verb Ballets office at 216-397-3757 or online at verbballets.org. Season subscription holders can save 25%. The Breen Center for the Performing Arts is located at 2008 W. 30th St. Cleveland, OH 44113. For more information visit verbballets.org.
The Cleveland native, Brown, is a dancer with Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company and Camille A. Brown & Dancers. He will return to create a major work on the discovery of a new world. "This world has many of elements that are made to challenge and also help the individuals in this world. I want the audience to come see and imagine possibilities," said Brown about the theme of his new work. After working with the dancers last year Brown he knows them as dancers, "As a choreographer I will challenge them. I know their ability and want to make them look even better than they already do." Revisiting the stage, for the first time in a full staged theatrical venue, will be, Continuum created on the company last summer. CoolCleveland.com described the piece as, "moving collage of weaving bodies, aerobic dynamics, flowing arms, contrasting forms and visual energy." Brown, will also choreograph and perform a new solo work inspired by the way people see themselves in mirrors and how they react. These three pieces will give the audience the opportunity to learn about Brown as a person and artist and discover his diverse vocabulary. Brown wants the audience to experience, "- something new and fresh. They can enjoy dance while they challenge their eyes and mind!"
Added to the evening program will be The President choreographed by Tom Evert. The piece originally choreographed and performed by Evert received reviews by the New York Times as, "personifies duality; the Ronald Reagan figure executes formal gestures to suggest an official facade, but is exposed as being only too human, full of twitching anxiety.” The audience will also get a sneak peek with an excerpt from Verb's new children's ballet, Carnival of the Animals, choreographed by Richard Dickinson. Set to Camille Saint-Saëns’ beloved score the whimsical menagerie of animals will come to life.
This show gives the audience a chance to see an emerging choreographer and discover a new side of Verb Ballets. Single tickets $28-$10 available by calling the Verb Ballets office at 216-397-3757 or online at verbballets.org. Season subscription holders can save 25%. The Breen Center for the Performing Arts is located at 2008 W. 30th St. Cleveland, OH 44113. For more information visit verbballets.org.
Verb Ballets performs at Akron Civic Theatre
CLEVELAND, OH (August 17, 2012) – The Akron Civic Theatre will present Verb Ballets’, Carmen: Story of Passion (2012), on Saturday, October 13, 2012, at 8pm with intimate seating in-the-round on stage at the historic theatre. Witness the timeless tale as it unfolds with a new interpretation of the classic characters choreographed by Richard Dickinson (Ohio Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Boston Ballet). Utilizing Bizet’s famous music for percussion and string, in an arrangement by Shchedrin, the music drives the tale of obsession. The contemporary ballet unfolds on stage as multiple story lines entwine for this love saga. Verb’s new rendition of the original 19th century opera proves to be exciting as audiences see obsession driving the characters to desperate acts of desire. Donald Rosenberg of The Plain Dealer described the remake of the classic as; "Dickinson has created subtle variations on the story that bring the characters and situations into fresh focus." All seating for the performance at the Akron Civic Theatre will be configured for theatre-in-the round. With the dance in center stage, audiences are immersed in the action, even breathing and reacting with performers.
Explore and discover a new side of Verb Ballets with an intimate view of this dramatic story ballet. Single tickets $25 available by calling the Akron Civic Box Office at 330-253-2488 or online at akroncivic.com. Akron Civic Theatre is located at 182 South Main Street Akron, Ohio 44308.
Explore and discover a new side of Verb Ballets with an intimate view of this dramatic story ballet. Single tickets $25 available by calling the Akron Civic Box Office at 330-253-2488 or online at akroncivic.com. Akron Civic Theatre is located at 182 South Main Street Akron, Ohio 44308.
Verb Ballets at Tremont Arts in August Free performance Saturday, August 11th, 8:30pm
CLEVELAND, OH (July 24, 2012) – Verb Ballets returns to Lincoln Park in Tremont on Saturday August 11, 2012 at 8:30pm. This free performance is open to the public as part of Arts in August presented by Tremont West Development Corporation, LAND Studio, Cleveland Public Theatre and Cleveland City Councilperson, Joe Cimperman. Verb Ballets is excited and honored to continue to participate in the cultural showcase at Lincoln Park. Verb Ballets strives to ignite dance appreciation and support through outreach programs.
Verb Ballets invites audiences to explore and discover northeast Ohio's contemporary dance company with an exciting diverse outdoor program. Kicking off the evening will be, Eight By Benny Goodman, the exuberant big-band piece that mixes ballet and ballroom dancing for a fun and sassy number set to the feel-good music. This will be followed by Tarantella, a classic pas de deux in the style of Balanchine choreographed by Pamela Pribisco. Experience a twist on tango highlighting the drama and rebellion during the time of Peron with Troy McCarty's, Otra Luna. Also on the program, Poverty Train, featuring the music of rock'n'roll inductee, Laura Nyro. This early work by Ian Horvath explores psychosis and the life of Laura Nyro. And a new work by Verb’s own dancer, Danielle Brickman, a tribute to the King of Rock and Roll and a moving tale of a love triangle.
Get ready to discover Verb in this family-friendly show in their west side summer appearance. This Arts in August performance takes place on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at 8:30 p.m. This show is a wonderful opportunity for families to experience the passion and beauty of contemporary dance. Lincoln Park is located at W. 14th and Starkweather in Tremont. Guests are invited to bring blankets and/or a chair. Inclement weather location will be at Pilgrim Church 2592 West 14th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44113.
Arts in August would not be possible without our generous supporters. We would like to thank Ohio Arts Council, Forest City Enterprises, Medical Mutual of Ohio and Clear Channel Outdoor, Consolidated Graphics Group, Inc., Stein, Inc., Cleveland Water, Cleveland Foundation and our Tuesdays in Tremont participants: Bac Asian American Bistro & Bar, Dante, Fat Cats, Flying Monkey Pub, Grumpy’s Cafe, Istanbul Grill, Lava Lounge, Prosperity Social Club, Tremont Tap House, Tremont Scoops and Ty Fun Thai Bistro.
Verb Ballets invites audiences to explore and discover northeast Ohio's contemporary dance company with an exciting diverse outdoor program. Kicking off the evening will be, Eight By Benny Goodman, the exuberant big-band piece that mixes ballet and ballroom dancing for a fun and sassy number set to the feel-good music. This will be followed by Tarantella, a classic pas de deux in the style of Balanchine choreographed by Pamela Pribisco. Experience a twist on tango highlighting the drama and rebellion during the time of Peron with Troy McCarty's, Otra Luna. Also on the program, Poverty Train, featuring the music of rock'n'roll inductee, Laura Nyro. This early work by Ian Horvath explores psychosis and the life of Laura Nyro. And a new work by Verb’s own dancer, Danielle Brickman, a tribute to the King of Rock and Roll and a moving tale of a love triangle.
Get ready to discover Verb in this family-friendly show in their west side summer appearance. This Arts in August performance takes place on Saturday, August 11, 2012 at 8:30 p.m. This show is a wonderful opportunity for families to experience the passion and beauty of contemporary dance. Lincoln Park is located at W. 14th and Starkweather in Tremont. Guests are invited to bring blankets and/or a chair. Inclement weather location will be at Pilgrim Church 2592 West 14th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44113.
Arts in August would not be possible without our generous supporters. We would like to thank Ohio Arts Council, Forest City Enterprises, Medical Mutual of Ohio and Clear Channel Outdoor, Consolidated Graphics Group, Inc., Stein, Inc., Cleveland Water, Cleveland Foundation and our Tuesdays in Tremont participants: Bac Asian American Bistro & Bar, Dante, Fat Cats, Flying Monkey Pub, Grumpy’s Cafe, Istanbul Grill, Lava Lounge, Prosperity Social Club, Tremont Tap House, Tremont Scoops and Ty Fun Thai Bistro.
Verb Ballets Cain Park Summer Series August 4, 2012
CLEVELAND, OH (July 25, 2012) – Verb Ballets returns to the Cain Park Evans Amphitheatre on Saturday, August 4, 2012, at 8pm. Featuring the Cleveland company premiere of Heinz Poll favorite, Eight By Benny Goodman. This exuberant big-band piece will get feet tappin' to sounds of the master, Benny Goodman. This is the first time the piece has been done in its entirety since it was created on Ohio Ballet in 1993. Richard Dickinson, Verb Ballets Rehearsal Director, was with the Ohio Ballet for twelve years where he was a principal dancer and the ballet master. Dickinson danced every male role in the piece during his career with Ohio Ballet and for this reason Poll granted the rights of the piece to him. “Heinz Poll loved Marlene Dietrich and that whole period of her movies. Eight by Benny Goodman was a response to his love of the glamour of the times,” said Dickinson. Verb's performance of the feel good piece was noted as; "To anyone who is a fan of the dance movies of the Thirties this series of musical numbers was a sheer delight. The couples were seemingly wedded to each other, the group dances were a symposium of synchronicity -much to everyone’s delight," Mark Horning of The Examiner.com.
Also, on the evening's program is Carmen: Story of Passion (2012), for the only chance to see the ballet this summer. Witness the story of passion as it unfolds in Carmen: Story of Passion, choreographed by Richard Dickinson. Verb’s new rendition proves to be exciting as audiences see obsession driving the characters to desperate acts of desire. Donald Rosenberg of The Plain Dealer described the contemporary rendition as; "blends elements from the opera and the Prosper Merimee novella on which Bizet's masterpiece is based." The ballet originally staged in the round, has been reset for the theatre. The audiences watch the ballet unfold on stage as multiple story lines entwine for this love saga.
This show gives the audience a chance to see the dynamic range in the dancers as they perform a dramatic story ballet in contrast to the fun and sassy number that mixes in ballroom. Audiences will explore and discover a new side of Verb Ballets. Single tickets $20-$24 available by calling the Cain Park Box office at 216-371-3000 or online at cainpark.com. Cain Park located at 14591 Superior Road Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118.
Verb Ballets will also be performing Peter and the Wolf choreographed by Pamela Pribisco at Cain Park's Kids Matinee Series on Friday, August 3, 2012, at 1pm. Peter and the Wolf is a playful children’s ballet set to music of Sergei Prokofiev. Children experience storytelling through the interaction of narrative, music and movement, and gain understanding of how character and plot are communicated across multiple art forms. Single tickets available $4/Child or $7/Adult by calling the Cain Park Box office at 216-371-3000 or online at cainpark.com.
Verb Ballet season subscriptions available: Four Show package for $80 or Three Show package for $65. Subscriber perks include 25% off single ticket prices, guaranteed preferred seating at all performances, free tickets to Fresh Inventions, special invitations to Verb Ballets events, exclusive in-studio viewings and Quarterly: Director Insight Notes. Subscription packages can be purchased by calling Verb Ballets office at 216-397-3757 or online at verbballets.org.
Also, on the evening's program is Carmen: Story of Passion (2012), for the only chance to see the ballet this summer. Witness the story of passion as it unfolds in Carmen: Story of Passion, choreographed by Richard Dickinson. Verb’s new rendition proves to be exciting as audiences see obsession driving the characters to desperate acts of desire. Donald Rosenberg of The Plain Dealer described the contemporary rendition as; "blends elements from the opera and the Prosper Merimee novella on which Bizet's masterpiece is based." The ballet originally staged in the round, has been reset for the theatre. The audiences watch the ballet unfold on stage as multiple story lines entwine for this love saga.
This show gives the audience a chance to see the dynamic range in the dancers as they perform a dramatic story ballet in contrast to the fun and sassy number that mixes in ballroom. Audiences will explore and discover a new side of Verb Ballets. Single tickets $20-$24 available by calling the Cain Park Box office at 216-371-3000 or online at cainpark.com. Cain Park located at 14591 Superior Road Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118.
Verb Ballets will also be performing Peter and the Wolf choreographed by Pamela Pribisco at Cain Park's Kids Matinee Series on Friday, August 3, 2012, at 1pm. Peter and the Wolf is a playful children’s ballet set to music of Sergei Prokofiev. Children experience storytelling through the interaction of narrative, music and movement, and gain understanding of how character and plot are communicated across multiple art forms. Single tickets available $4/Child or $7/Adult by calling the Cain Park Box office at 216-371-3000 or online at cainpark.com.
Verb Ballet season subscriptions available: Four Show package for $80 or Three Show package for $65. Subscriber perks include 25% off single ticket prices, guaranteed preferred seating at all performances, free tickets to Fresh Inventions, special invitations to Verb Ballets events, exclusive in-studio viewings and Quarterly: Director Insight Notes. Subscription packages can be purchased by calling Verb Ballets office at 216-397-3757 or online at verbballets.org.
Verb Ballets Announces the 2012-13 Season
CLEVELAND, OH (July 6, 2012) – Verb Ballets has announced the 2012-13 subscription series: Explore.Discover.Verb Ballets. To create a one-of-a-kind subscription package series, Director, Dr. Margaret Carlson showcases choreographers to create intimate evenings focused on a single artist. In 2012-13, Verb Ballets welcomes the return of contemporary choreographers Antonio Brown and Chung-Fu Chang as well as Verb Ballets' Rehearsal Director and choreographer, Richard Dickinson. This diverse group of choreographers will each get the opportunity to explore and challenge their creative side. The audience will discover how their choreography and expressive possibilities are interpreted by the dancers and on themselves as they dance a solo work of their choosing. This opportunity for the choreographers holds great potential for self-discovery and will delight audiences as they discover a new side of Verb.
"Verb is a repertory dance company. We draw from the work of many choreographers. One idea that I have always wanted to explore is to be able to take the work of one choreographer and discover their range. Antonio, Chung-Fu and Richard did a wonderful job creating single works last year that resonated with audiences. Given the opportunity I wanted to see how they would challenge themselves as choreographers when charged with an evening of work. Verb has shown strength in performing a diverse range of choreographic works from modern classics to story ballets. This season, with the focus on one artist per show, it gives the company the opportunity to learn more about the choreographer as a person and their artistic process," said Carlson, Director.
Carmen: Story of Passion will return to the Cain Park Evans Amphitheatre on Saturday, August 4, 2012, at 8pm for the only chance to see the ballet this summer. Witness the story of passion as it unfolds in Carmen, choreographed by Richard Dickinson. Verb’s new rendition proves to be exciting as audiences see obsession driving the characters to desperate acts of desire. Donald Rosenberg of The Plain Dealer described the remake of the classic as; "Dickinson has created subtle variations on the story that bring the characters and situations into fresh focus." Also, on the evening's program is the company premiere of Heinz Poll favorite, Eight By Benny Goodman. This exuberant big-band piece mixes ballet and ballroom dancing for a fun and sassy number set to the feel-good music of Benny Goodman. This is the first time the piece has been done in its entirety since it was created on Ohio Ballet. Verb Ballets will also be performing Peter and the Wolf choreographed by Pamela Pribisco at Cain Park's Kids Matinee Series on Friday, August 3, 2012, at 1pm.
Verb Ballets will return to The Breen Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, September 22, 2012, at 8pm to explore the work of Antonio Brown. The Cleveland native, Brown will return to create a major work on the company inspired by the way people see themselves in mirrors and how they react to that. And, revisiting the stage, for the first time in a full staged theatrical venue, will be, Continuum created on the company last summer. CoolCleveland.com described the piece as, "moving collage of weaving bodies, aerobic dynamics, flowing arms, contrasting forms and visual energy." Brown, a dancer with Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company and Camille A. Brown & Dancers, will also choreograph a new solo work that he will perform on the program. Added to the evening program will be The President choreographed by Tom Evert. The piece originally choreographed and performed by Evert received reviews by the New York Times as, "personifies duality; the Ronald Reagan figure executes formal gestures to suggest an official facade, but is exposed as being only too human, full of twitching anxiety.” The audience will also get a sneak peek with an excerpt from Verb's new children's ballet, Carnival of the Animals, choreographed by Richard Dickinson. Set to Camille Saint-Saëns’ beloved score the whimsical menagerie of animals will come to life.
Audiences will have the opportunity to witness an evening of reflection with Chung-Fu Chang on Saturday, February 23, 2013, at 8pm at The Breen Center for the Performing Arts. Chang wants to share a story about his identity as a Taiwanese dancer/choreographer in the United States and how it has evolved through his presence in contemporary societies with a distinctive fusion of the East and West. Chang will be setting a new company premiere inspired by the wind and its potential of immense destructive powers yet has the gentle heart that can calm one’s soul. Verb will perform the visually stunning, The Lily, a love story based on an ancient Taiwanese tale of passion and destiny which premiered last February. "The movement style is fluid and ritualistic, rooted in ballet but shaded by Asian colorations," said Donald Rosenberg of The Plain Dealer. Chang will also choreograph a new solo piece he will perform. The evening will also include a new work, Four Last Songs, to be choreographed by Richard Dickinson. The piece is set to the poems that comprise the final song cycle by Richard Strauss' Four Last Songs titled Spring, September, Time to Sleep, and At Dusk written by Hermann Hesse and Joseph von Eichendorff. This piece will transform the masterful and haunting music of Strauss' last work and explore the beauty and gracefulness in the story of loss.
Last performance on the Explore.Discover.Verb Ballets. subscription series will be on April 18-20, 2013 at 7pm at Cleveland Public Theatre. The evening will feature a modern version of The Rite of Spring choreographed by Richard Dickinson. The Rite of Spring was originally choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky and performed in Paris 100 years ago. Music composed by Igor Stravinsky has innovative complex rhythmic structures, timbres, and use of dissonance which have made it a seminal 20th-century composition. The ballet was ground breaking and considered to have unusual choreography for the time and a disconcerting story line about the pagan sacrifice of a young girl to appease the gods. The new ballet titled The Rite of Spring: The Bride Unseen will present Dickinson the opportunity to take this classic tale into the modern era.
“After working with these choreographers last season their works excite us and are representative of Verb now,” Carlson says. Verb strives to support and foster emerging talent. Verb is a catalyst for new art. Verb is an investment in the future. In presenting choreographers from this generation it affords the opportunity to see how choreography has changed and how dance as an art form is evolving. This now generation of choreographers have developed their own style; the dancer now has the chance to morph and meld to learn the nuances that bring the individual's art work to life. This season audiences will explore and discover dance through Verb Ballets.
Season subscriptions will be available beginning July 6, 2012, with two series options for buyers: Four Show package for $80 or Threes show package for $65. Subscriber perks include 25% off single ticket prices, preferred seating at all performances, guaranteed seating to sold out shows, free tickets to Fresh Inventions, special invitations to Verb Ballets events, exclusive in-studio viewings and Quarterly: Director Insight Notes. Ticket packages can be purchased by calling Verb Ballets office at 216.397.3757 or online at verbballets.org.
"Verb is a repertory dance company. We draw from the work of many choreographers. One idea that I have always wanted to explore is to be able to take the work of one choreographer and discover their range. Antonio, Chung-Fu and Richard did a wonderful job creating single works last year that resonated with audiences. Given the opportunity I wanted to see how they would challenge themselves as choreographers when charged with an evening of work. Verb has shown strength in performing a diverse range of choreographic works from modern classics to story ballets. This season, with the focus on one artist per show, it gives the company the opportunity to learn more about the choreographer as a person and their artistic process," said Carlson, Director.
Carmen: Story of Passion will return to the Cain Park Evans Amphitheatre on Saturday, August 4, 2012, at 8pm for the only chance to see the ballet this summer. Witness the story of passion as it unfolds in Carmen, choreographed by Richard Dickinson. Verb’s new rendition proves to be exciting as audiences see obsession driving the characters to desperate acts of desire. Donald Rosenberg of The Plain Dealer described the remake of the classic as; "Dickinson has created subtle variations on the story that bring the characters and situations into fresh focus." Also, on the evening's program is the company premiere of Heinz Poll favorite, Eight By Benny Goodman. This exuberant big-band piece mixes ballet and ballroom dancing for a fun and sassy number set to the feel-good music of Benny Goodman. This is the first time the piece has been done in its entirety since it was created on Ohio Ballet. Verb Ballets will also be performing Peter and the Wolf choreographed by Pamela Pribisco at Cain Park's Kids Matinee Series on Friday, August 3, 2012, at 1pm.
Verb Ballets will return to The Breen Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, September 22, 2012, at 8pm to explore the work of Antonio Brown. The Cleveland native, Brown will return to create a major work on the company inspired by the way people see themselves in mirrors and how they react to that. And, revisiting the stage, for the first time in a full staged theatrical venue, will be, Continuum created on the company last summer. CoolCleveland.com described the piece as, "moving collage of weaving bodies, aerobic dynamics, flowing arms, contrasting forms and visual energy." Brown, a dancer with Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company and Camille A. Brown & Dancers, will also choreograph a new solo work that he will perform on the program. Added to the evening program will be The President choreographed by Tom Evert. The piece originally choreographed and performed by Evert received reviews by the New York Times as, "personifies duality; the Ronald Reagan figure executes formal gestures to suggest an official facade, but is exposed as being only too human, full of twitching anxiety.” The audience will also get a sneak peek with an excerpt from Verb's new children's ballet, Carnival of the Animals, choreographed by Richard Dickinson. Set to Camille Saint-Saëns’ beloved score the whimsical menagerie of animals will come to life.
Audiences will have the opportunity to witness an evening of reflection with Chung-Fu Chang on Saturday, February 23, 2013, at 8pm at The Breen Center for the Performing Arts. Chang wants to share a story about his identity as a Taiwanese dancer/choreographer in the United States and how it has evolved through his presence in contemporary societies with a distinctive fusion of the East and West. Chang will be setting a new company premiere inspired by the wind and its potential of immense destructive powers yet has the gentle heart that can calm one’s soul. Verb will perform the visually stunning, The Lily, a love story based on an ancient Taiwanese tale of passion and destiny which premiered last February. "The movement style is fluid and ritualistic, rooted in ballet but shaded by Asian colorations," said Donald Rosenberg of The Plain Dealer. Chang will also choreograph a new solo piece he will perform. The evening will also include a new work, Four Last Songs, to be choreographed by Richard Dickinson. The piece is set to the poems that comprise the final song cycle by Richard Strauss' Four Last Songs titled Spring, September, Time to Sleep, and At Dusk written by Hermann Hesse and Joseph von Eichendorff. This piece will transform the masterful and haunting music of Strauss' last work and explore the beauty and gracefulness in the story of loss.
Last performance on the Explore.Discover.Verb Ballets. subscription series will be on April 18-20, 2013 at 7pm at Cleveland Public Theatre. The evening will feature a modern version of The Rite of Spring choreographed by Richard Dickinson. The Rite of Spring was originally choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky and performed in Paris 100 years ago. Music composed by Igor Stravinsky has innovative complex rhythmic structures, timbres, and use of dissonance which have made it a seminal 20th-century composition. The ballet was ground breaking and considered to have unusual choreography for the time and a disconcerting story line about the pagan sacrifice of a young girl to appease the gods. The new ballet titled The Rite of Spring: The Bride Unseen will present Dickinson the opportunity to take this classic tale into the modern era.
“After working with these choreographers last season their works excite us and are representative of Verb now,” Carlson says. Verb strives to support and foster emerging talent. Verb is a catalyst for new art. Verb is an investment in the future. In presenting choreographers from this generation it affords the opportunity to see how choreography has changed and how dance as an art form is evolving. This now generation of choreographers have developed their own style; the dancer now has the chance to morph and meld to learn the nuances that bring the individual's art work to life. This season audiences will explore and discover dance through Verb Ballets.
Season subscriptions will be available beginning July 6, 2012, with two series options for buyers: Four Show package for $80 or Threes show package for $65. Subscriber perks include 25% off single ticket prices, preferred seating at all performances, guaranteed seating to sold out shows, free tickets to Fresh Inventions, special invitations to Verb Ballets events, exclusive in-studio viewings and Quarterly: Director Insight Notes. Ticket packages can be purchased by calling Verb Ballets office at 216.397.3757 or online at verbballets.org.
Verb Ballets is happy to provide high res photos and videos of repertory for publicity please email for requests.
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