Health and safety PROTOCOL

March 8, 2022

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HEALTH AND SAFETY UPDATE – MARCH 8, 2022: 

CINCINNATI BALLET ADJUSTS COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS FOR AUDIENCES AND PATRONS AMID DECLINING CASES IN THE REGION

Cincinnati Ballet announces significant changes to health and safety protocols for audiences at Mainstage performances, as well patrons at the Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance. These changes reflect the recent decline in positive COVID-19 cases across the region.

CINCINNATI BALLET PERFORMANCES AT MUSIC HALL AND THE ARONOFF CENTER FOR THE ARTS:

Effective March 14, 2022, audience members will no longer be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test certification to attend performances, and the wearing of masks in Music Hall will be optional. This announcement comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) publication of its latest guidance on COVID-19, which is based on hospitalization data and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area. Hamilton County, Ohio is currently categorized by the CDC in the ‘Low’ COVID-19 community level. Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Pops, and May Festival made the collective decision to modify these requirements. Scott Altman, President and CEO of the Cincinnati Ballet; Christopher Milligan, The Harry Fath General Director & CEO of Cincinnati Opera; Jonathan Martin, President and CEO of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Pops; and Steven Sunderman, Executive Director of the May Festival joined together in support of the new plan: “Regional COVID-19 data, the advice of our partners, the experts at TriHealth, as well as public health and government officials have informed our COVID-19 protocols from the very beginning, and we continue to be guided by the same data to inform our adjustments. As we approach the second anniversary of the onset of the pandemic, we’ve reached a new inflection point in the regional data which allows us to adjust COVID-19 protocols for audiences at Music Hall. We collectively share our gratitude to our arts and venue partners and ArtsWave for their collaborative efforts in ensuring effective and consistent protocols and to our audiences for their unwavering support and cooperation through the years.” Cincinnati Ballet performances at the Aronoff Center for the Arts will follow the same protocols. It’s important to note that these changes are reflective of the organizations, not the venues. If you have tickets for a non-CB event at these venues, different requirements may apply. 

HEALTH AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS AT THE MARGARET AND MICHAEL VALENTINE CENTER FOR DANCE:

• Effective March 7, 2022:
  • Masks will be optional in all administrative and public spaces (Center for Dance lobby, lounges, restrooms, hallways, etc.).
  • Proof of vaccination will no longer be required for any visitor to a CB sponsored event.
  • Masks will continue to be required in studio for all Academy activity the week of March 7th.
• Effective March 14, 2022:
  • Masks will be optional in studio for all Academy students and faculty.
  • Masks will be optional in studio for all PTD dancers and faculty.
    • PTD engagement in Main Company classes or rehearsals will be governed by Main Company policy.

• Masks will be optional in studio for all Adult Dance + Fitness participants and faculty and will no longer require proof of vaccination.

• Important Notes:
  • As we move to optional masking, it remains incredibly important for anyone with symptoms of a contagious illness to refrain from entering the Center for Dance and for COVID-19 positive test results to be communicated promptly to Academy Administration.
  • Masking may continue to be required for our CB Moves program. We’re currently working with our CB Moves partners to assess an appropriate policy for these groups. We’ll provide further updates when we’ve confirmed our approach.
  • Masking may continue to be required in certain venues or at unique events.
  • Separate protocols may be in place for activity connected to Main Company dancers.

Complete COVID-19 details and a list of Frequently Asked Questions can be found on our website, cballet.org.

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