Ohio Contemporary Ballet

For residents across Ohio, particularly those with a passion for the performing arts or families seeking high-caliber dance education, Ohio Contemporary Ballet stands as a pivotal institution in the cultural landscape. Formerly known as Verb Ballets, this organization has a rich history rooted in the Great Lakes region, dedicated to commissioning and producing new dance works, preserving contemporary repertoire, and actively building community through engaging performances and robust educational programs. Situated in Shaker Heights, OCB is a vital asset that continuously strives to promote diversity among its dancers, staff, and board, ensuring a welcoming and representative environment for all.

Ohio Contemporary Ballet (OCB) envisions a company that builds community both locally and internationally, utilizing dance as a powerful medium. They are committed to attracting top creative talent from diverse backgrounds and providing a stage for choreographers who elevate marginalized voices and reflect contemporary times. For Ohioans, this means access to a dance company that not only presents breathtaking artistry and athleticism, as evidenced by a delighted audience member who "loved" a recent performance of Romeo and Juliet, but also actively contributes to a more equitable and inclusive arts field.

While they are a professional company renowned for their performances, OCB also offers comprehensive dance education through the OCBallet Center, located in the same Shaker Heights facility. This dual focus ensures that the artistry witnessed on stage is also accessible to aspiring dancers of all ages and abilities through thoughtfully structured classes and outreach initiatives. This commitment to both performance excellence and community engagement makes Ohio Contemporary Ballet a cornerstone of the vibrant arts scene in Northeast Ohio.

Ohio Contemporary Ballet is strategically located at 3558 Lee Rd, Shaker Heights, OH 44120, USA. This address places it within a well-established and accessible suburb of Cleveland, making it convenient for residents of Shaker Heights, Cleveland, and the broader Northeast Ohio metropolitan area. Shaker Heights is known for its beautiful neighborhoods and excellent amenities, contributing to a pleasant environment for visiting the studio or attending performances.

The location on Lee Road offers straightforward access from major thoroughfares, easing the commute for families and individuals traveling from various parts of the region. The presence of the OCBallet Center at this address indicates a dedicated facility that typically includes professional studio spaces, offices, and potentially gathering areas, with good expectations for ample parking. This accessibility is crucial for both the company's professional operations and its extensive educational programs, ensuring that more Ohioans can engage with contemporary ballet, whether as students or as audience members. The studio's integration within the Shaker Heights community further solidifies its role as a key cultural hub in Northeast Ohio.

• Professional Ballet Performances: Ohio Contemporary Ballet stages a full season of performances, including classic ballets (like "Romeo and Juliet") and new works by 21st-century choreographers, presented at various venues such as Cleveland Public Theatre, Playhouse Square, and Cain Park.
• Youth Academy Classes (Ages 3-18): Structured ballet training programs for children and teens, including Beginner Ballet 1 (Ages 3-4), Beginner Ballet 2 (Ages 5-6), and progressively advanced levels (Level 1-4) for ages 7-18. These often include Ballet Technique, Pointe Technique, Male and Female Variations, Men's Class, Partnering, and Strength Training.
• Community Dance for Everyone (Ages 13+): Drop-in and ongoing classes for teens and adults of all ability levels, from beginner to advanced, covering various styles. These classes are designed to be accessible and flexible for community members.
• Outreach and Education Programs: Active initiatives to connect dance with the broader community through interactive programs and performances in schools, libraries, community centers, and healthcare facilities. Examples include "WiggleWords" (literacy through dance), "Shape Imagination" (geometry through dance), and children's ballets like "Carnival of the Animals" and "Peter and the Wolf."
• Pre-Professional Training: Advanced classes and training for students looking to pursue dance professionally, with placement based on faculty recommendation and placement classes.
• Workshops and Intensives: Specialized workshops and summer intensives for focused training and exploration of specific dance techniques or creative processes.
• International Touring: As a cultural ambassador, the company engages in international touring, having performed in Cuba and Taiwan, showcasing Ohio's artistic talent on a global stage.
• Financial Aid Opportunities: Committed to accessibility, the academy strives to provide opportunities for students regardless of economic means, often offering financial aid.

• Legacy and Evolution: Formerly Verb Ballets, Ohio Contemporary Ballet has a rich history dating back to 1987 as a modern dance collective. This evolution reflects its adaptability and commitment to both preserving classical forms and embracing contemporary innovation.
• Dual Focus: Professional Company & Academy: OCB operates both a professional dance company that stages captivating performances and a comprehensive dance academy (OCBallet Center) that provides educational opportunities for all ages and skill levels.
• Diverse Repertoire and Choreography: The company is praised for presenting an eclectic mix of programs, featuring new works by 21st-century choreographers alongside beautifully restaged classics, ensuring a dynamic and inspiring artistic journey for audiences.
• Community Engagement and Outreach: A core mission of OCB is to build community through dance. Their outreach programs bring dance directly to schools, libraries, and various community settings, making the art form accessible and engaging for a wider audience, including "Dance for Everyone" classes for teens and adults.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: OCB actively promotes diversity among its dancers, staff, and board in terms of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and country of origin. They also strive to feature choreographers who elevate marginalized voices.
• High Artistic and Athletic Standard: Audiences consistently commend the "skill, artistry," and "strenuousness of their movement" of the dancers, highlighting the blend of artistry and athleticism in their performances. The "wonderful choreography" is also a significant highlight.
• Female Leadership and Vision: The company maintains its history of female leadership under the direction of Dr. Margaret Carlson (former principal dancer with Cleveland Ballet), ensuring a strong artistic vision.
• Collaboration with Esteemed Organizations: OCB frequently collaborates with significant musical organizations (e.g., BlueWater Orchestra, Akron Symphony) and performs at prominent venues (e.g., Playhouse Square, Cain Park, Cleveland Public Theatre), underscoring its respected position in the regional arts landscape.

For more information about performances, class schedules, enrollment, or outreach programs, you can contact Ohio Contemporary Ballet using the following details:

Address: 3558 Lee Rd, Shaker Heights, OH 44120, USA

Phone: (216) 397-3757

Mobile Phone: +1 216-397-3757

For residents of Shaker Heights, Cleveland, and the broader Northeast Ohio region, Ohio Contemporary Ballet is an invaluable cultural institution that offers a unique blend of world-class professional performances and accessible, comprehensive dance education. This organization, with its rich history and commitment to contemporary artistic expression, provides local families with the rare opportunity to engage with ballet at the highest level, right in their own community. The ability to witness the "skill, artistry, and strenuousness" of the dancers in compelling productions like "Romeo and Juliet" highlights the caliber of talent and choreography that OCB brings to the stage.

Beyond the breathtaking performances, the OCBallet Center offers diverse programs for all ages, from early childhood creative movement to advanced pre-professional training and inclusive adult classes. This ensures that whether you're a parent seeking to introduce your child to the joy of dance or an adult looking to rekindle a passion, there's a suitable and supportive pathway at OCB. While some organizational challenges, such as communication regarding recital times, have been noted in feedback, the core strength lies in the talent of the instructors, the quality of the art, and the studio's overarching mission to foster dance in the community. The commitment to diversity, community engagement, and making dance accessible further cements Ohio Contemporary Ballet as a true gem for Ohioans who wish to experience, learn, or simply appreciate the dynamic art of ballet.

Ohio Contemporary Ballet

3558 Lee Rd, Shaker Heights, OH 44120, USA