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Calissa Capri

CB2 | Concord, MA | Joined Cincinnati Ballet in 2018

After beginning her training at a local ballet studio, Calissa enrolled in Boston Ballet School’s Classical Ballet Program in 2012. She went on to join their Pre-Professional Program where she was the recipient of the Pamela Jones Full Scholarship from 2014 to 2017. During her time at the school, she performed in many Boston Ballet company productions, including the role of Clara in Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker for two consecutive years and children’s roles in Balanchine’s Coppélia and Clerc’s La Bayadère. Calissa has attended summer intensives at the School of American Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and Boston Ballet.

Touchet will never forget her 19th birthday. That was the day Victoria Morgan came to Pacific Northwest Ballet, to audition Touchet’s professional division. “Directors from everywhere auditioned us, but nobody ever picked me,” she says. “I remember thinking she wouldn’t like me anyway, so I told myself to just have fun, and after it was over, she said, ‘I’d like to talk to Janessa’.” Crossed wires with communicating Touchet’s acceptance of Morgan’s apprenticeship offer led to a planned spot with Memphis Ballet, but Morgan called one last time and Touchet was able to come to Cincinnati Ballet instead. “It was meant to be here. I started as an Apprentice and moved all the way through the ranks. I had always had my heart and mind set on Cincinnati Ballet.”

Favorite Roles

Competitions & Awards

Articles about Ethan

Move With Us. The Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance.

November 1, 2019

Today Cincinnati Ballet unveiled design plans for the Cincinnati Ballet Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance, scheduled to begin programming in Summer 2021. The new center for dance will be built on vacant land purchased by Cincinnati Ballet at 1801 Gilbert Avenue in Walnut Hills. Cincinnati Ballet is currently engaged in a building capital […]

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Oh no, not the flying monkeys!

October 16, 2019

It wouldn’t be The Wizard of Oz without the Wicked Witch’s minions. Some of our dancers fly across the stage in harnesses, wearing amazing winged-monkey costumes created by designer Liz Vandal. In addition, the sea of monkeys is also thanks to puppets created by theatrical designer Nicholas Mahon. Special thanks to Kansas City Ballet and […]

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4 Tickets to OZ for $100!

October 8, 2019

There’s no place like the Aronoff on Halloween! Bring the family, come in costume and score FOUR tickets for $100! Celebrate Halloween with The Wizard of Oz.  Follow the yellow brick road with Dorothy, Toto, and all their friends on their topsy-turvy adventure to Oz. Not a fan of trick-or-treating? Worried what the weather might be? […]

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Costume Designer: Liz Vandal

Win Tickets to The Wizard of Oz

October 3, 2019

Dorothy’s ruby red slipper pointe shoes are now on display at Cincinnati Museum Center! Take a selfie (like this little cutie) with the slippers and you could WIN four tickets to The Wizard of Oz. Post your photo to Cincinnati Ballet’s social media channels (Facebook, Instagram & Twitter) and use the hashtag #CBApplause. The shoes […]

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Costume Designer: Liz Vandal
Costume Designer: Liz Vandal
Puppet Designer: Nicholas Mahon
Choreographer: Septime Webre

The Wizard of Oz: By the Numbers

October 3, 2019

From October 25 through November 3, there’s no place like the Aronoff Center for the Arts. Experience our spectacular production of The Wizard of Oz. With projection technology, puppetry, and flying effects, it’s unlike any ballet you’ve seen before.  To execute what you see on stage also takes a village of dancers, wardrobe crew, stagehands, […]

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Étoile Spotlight – September

September 6, 2019

Victoria and Cincinnati Ballet Take National Stage for Gender Equity A dancer’s transformation into choreographer is a deeply personal journey. For Cincinnati Ballet Artistic Director Victoria Morgan, it started at a friend’s birthday party. “It was a fluke,” Morgan recalls. “While I was a dancer with the San Francisco Ballet, we decided to do choreography […]

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Nutcracker in July 2019

July 16, 2019

Don’t delay — make your plans now and join us for Cincinnati’s beloved holiday tradition, December 19 through 29, 2019 at Music Hall with 50% off tickets to select performances of The Nutcracker presented by Frisch’s Big Boy. Single tickets for the 2019-2020 Season go on sale Monday, August 5, but you can order your The Nutcracker […]

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Story Choreography Project

May 30, 2019

 As a loyal supporter of the Ballet, you may already be familiar with our flagship Community Program, CincyDance! For more than 20 years, we have brought dance classes into third grade classrooms and provided opportunities for the most motivated and talented of those students to continue their training, including with lifelong scholarships to the Otto […]

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Interview with Cervilio

May 30, 2019

We recently sat down with Cincinnati Ballet principal dancer and Co-Artistic Director of Moving Arts, Cervilio Miguel Amador, to learn a bit more about what Moving Arts is and why he’s so passionate about it. The festival comes to Cincinnati June 28-29, and tickets are available online at https://www.movingartsco.org/, or by calling the Cincinnati Ballet […]

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2019-2020 Season

Oh, What a Season it’s Going to Be!

April 22, 2019

Our 2019-2020 Season will feature seven dynamic productions, including compelling new works and crowd-pleasing returning favorites. We hope that you’ll subscribe and join us for all of the following: The Kaplan New Works Series – featuring works from emerging artists, including a trio of female powerhouse choreographers and two Cincinnati Ballet dancers (September 12-22, 2019) […]

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Getting to Know Sarah Hairston

April 22, 2019

It’s always interesting when you learn from individuals within an organization that have held multiple roles over a period of time.  A wonderful example at Cincinnati Ballet is Sarah Hairston. Sarah is the Otto M. Budig Academy Director and before that was a Cincinnati Ballet Principal Dancer for multiple seasons. She’s been with the Company for […]

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Victoria Morgan Reflects on Bold Moves

April 22, 2019

Cincinnati Ballet presents a wide variety of repertoire during its performance season, including a number of new works.  In this issue, Artistic Director, Victoria Morgan, talks about the upcoming Bold Moves program and some of her favorite moments of the 2018-2019 Season. 1. What are the characteristics of the ballets chosen for a Bold Moves […]

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Introducing Sarah Templeton Wilson

April 18, 2019

Sarah joins Cincinnati Ballet after serving in various advancement positions at both Ohio and Miami Universities. She most recently served as the Assistant Director of Alumni Groups where she successfully created and launched an affinity group program, working closely with the development, communications, and alumni offices to develop engagement plans to grow event attendance, volunteerism, […]

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Celebrating Many Incredible Cincinnati Ballet Women

March 20, 2019

Since March plays host to Women’s History Month, here’s a shout out to a number of women who have each impacted Cincinnati Ballet in their own very unique and important ways: Myrl Laurence, Virginina Garrett and Nancy Bauer – Cincinnati Civic Ballet (as Cincinnati Ballet was originally known) was the brainchild of these three local […]

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Ballet and Broadway

March 20, 2019

The exciting worlds of Broadway and Ballet came dynamically together in a unique Master Class at the Cincinnati Ballet studios in early March. The session, taught by actor Krystal Mackie from Hamilton: An American Musical, was attended by 20 eager students from the Otto M. Budig Academy Professional Training Division. Cincinnati Ballet always looks for […]

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Aladdin Casts a Magical Spell

March 20, 2019

After Beauty and the Beast inaugurated Cincinnati Ballet’s popular Family Series last season, the series returns March 30 – April 7 with another family-friendly production for kids of all ages with our Family Series: Aladdin. We spoke with Suzette Boyer Webb, Director of Cincinnati Ballet Second Company (CB2), about what it takes to take to […]

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The Luck of the Irish

March 20, 2019

One of the highlights of the month of March is St. Patrick’s Day, which is celebrated not just in Ireland, but with those of Irish heritage around the globe. Corps de Ballet dancer Kathleen Dahlhoff’s ancestors hail from The Emerald Isle. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, Kathleen shared a little about her culture and […]

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Meet CB Monday

March 11, 2019

 Jefferson Payne  grew up in Boston, Massachusetts. He started training at the age of four with Boston Ballet School. Mr. Payne danced with The Minnesota Ballet and Oklahoma City Ballet, and most recently was a Guest Artist working closely with coach Magaly Suarez. We are excited to have him here at Cincinnati Ballet! Have you ever […]

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CINCINNATI BALLET ANNOUNCES 2019-2020 SEASON

March 7, 2019

Cincinnati Premiere Septime Webre’s The Wizard of Oz, Val Caniparoli’s Ibsen’s House, Kirk Peterson’s Swan Lake PLUS return of The Nutcracker presented by Frisch’s Big Boy, Kaplan New Works and Family Series: Snow White Photo courtesy: Aaron M. Conway Photography CINCINNATI, OH (March 7, 2019) – Cincinnati Ballet is thrilled to announce today our 2019-2020 […]

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Conquering one of Ballet’s Most Demanding Roles: Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty

February 13, 2019

Cincinnati Ballet Principal Dancer, Melissa Gelfin, joined Cincinnati Ballet as a new dancer for the 2014-2015 Season. She was promoted to Corps de Ballet, then to Senior Soloist, and ultimately to Principal Dancer. While she has danced numerous roles throughout her career, the role of Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty is definitely one of the most demanding […]

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Love is in the Air

February 13, 2019

Not only do many fall in love WITH the ballet…but many have also fallen in love AT the ballet. In fact, sometimes all it takes is the right mixture of beautiful music and dance coupled with a passion for the arts to set flames afire. In this edition, we speak with four Cincinnati Ballet dancer […]

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Love is in the Air

February 8, 2019

When and where did you and David meet? We met in 2011 while we were both dancers with Charlotte Ballet but we actually didn’t really get to know each other until we started dancing together in the Pas De Trois in Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux’s “Sleeping Beauty.” Where was your first date? David called me one afternoon and […]

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Cincinnati Ballet The Sleeping Beauty logo

BOGO Ticket Sale

January 25, 2019

This Weekend Only – EXTENDED THROUGH MONDAY, 1/28 BUY ONE GET ONE FREE Tickets for Select Performances of The Sleeping Beauty Simply enter promo code: 4163 into the box labeled “Promo Code” and click “submit” before adding seats to your shopping cart or click on the links below. Get your tickets for these select dates only […]

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Meet CB Monday

January 24, 2019

David joined Cincinnati Ballet in the 2016-2017 Season and was promoted to Soloist for the 2017-2018 Season. In addition to being a professional dancer, David is also an accomplished pianist. What’s your favorite role you’ve ever danced? Hands down, the principal man in William Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated. I’ve never felt more powerful on […]

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Love is in the Air

January 24, 2019

When and where did you and Edward meet? We met in Sarasota, FL when we were both dancing for the Sarasota Ballet. Edward joined during my second season with the company. Where was your first date? For our first date Edward asked to take me out to dinner for my birthday. We went to a Mexican restaurant and afterwards took […]

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Dance-Inspired Workouts to Make the Best “YOU” in 2019

January 22, 2019

Looking for new ways to meet your fitness goals for the year ahead?  Consider taking a class with Cincinnati Ballet Dance and Fitness. Developed and taught by former Company dancer, Courtney Hellebuyck, Cincinnati Ballet Dance and Fitness provides a variety of dance-inspired workouts to help make you the best “you” you can be.  Included are classes […]

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Dancer Dreams and Aspirations for 2019

January 22, 2019

Here’s what seven Cincinnati Ballet dancers had to say about what they hope they will have accomplished – either personally, professionally or both – by year’s end: “I want to be able to say that it was one of the best years of my life so far! I hope that it is a year full […]

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Meet CB Monday: Melissa Gelfin

January 18, 2019

Melissa joined Cincinnati Ballet as a New Dancer in the 2014-2015 Season and in February was promoted to Corps de Ballet. Gelfin was promoted to Senior Soloist for the 2017-2018 Season and Principal for the 2018-2019 Season. What’s your favorite role you’ve ever danced? My absolute favorite role that I have had the opportunity to […]

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Love is in the Air

January 17, 2019

When did you and Cervi meet? We met when I joined the company in 2008 as a trainee. We didn’t begin dating until the summer of 2010. We dated for three years and actually broke up for about a year and a half. We got back together in 2015. Where was your first date? We […]

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Meet the Staff: Ramsey Houston

January 16, 2019

One of Cincinnati Ballet’s newest employees, Ramsey Houston, is the Executive Assistant to The Sue and Bill Friedlander Artistic Director, Victoria Morgan. Read on to get to know Ramsey, and learn a little about her life, family, and passions…including dance. What is your role at Cincinnati Ballet? I’m the new Executive Assistant to The Sue […]

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Meet CB Monday

January 14, 2019

James Cunningham joined Cincinnati Ballet Second Company as a Trainee in 2008. After graduating from CCM magna cum laude in 2010, he joined the Cincinnati Ballet company as an Apprentice and worked his way up to Soloist by 2016. How long have you been dancing? Why did you become a dancer? I have been dancing since I was 11 […]

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Love is in the Air

January 11, 2019

Where was your first date? Our first date was dinner and a show. We went to Biagio’s Bistro in Clifton.  It’s a great little Italian place on Ludlow Ave. I was so nervous that I parked the car and blocked the passenger door with a telephone pole. I had to move the car just so that […]

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Meet CB Monday

January 7, 2019

Bella Ureta joined the Cincinnati Ballet corps de ballet in the 2017 season. How long have you been dancing? Why did you become a dancer? I have been dancing for 14 years. I started dancing when I was selected to join Pacific Northwest Ballet’s school through their outreach program, ‘Dance Chance’. I loved being part of […]

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What a Monumental Year 2018 was for Cincinnati Ballet

January 2, 2019

What a monumental year 2018 was for Cincinnati Ballet! We wanted to share some of the organization’s recent accomplishments, none of which would be possible without you, our Cincinnati Ballet Family. The Otto M. Budig Academy is experiencing tremendous growth, easily outpacing our projections. We are so pleased to report the Academy currently has more than […]

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Meet CB Monday: Sirui Liu

December 17, 2018

Sirui joined Cincinnati Ballet in 2011 and was promoted to Principal Dancer in the 2017-2018 Season. This year in The Nutcracker, she will be dancing the roles of Snow Queen, Sugar Plum Fairy, and Rose. How long have you been dancing? Why did you become a dancer? I have been dancing for 24 years.😳 I have always had […]

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Meet the Staff: Melinda Dobson

December 7, 2018

What is your role with Cincinnati Ballet?  I am the Production Stage Manager. During a production, my role is to ensure lighting, scenery, and props cues are executed seamlessly. How long have you been with the Company?  I’ve been with the Company since 2011. What jobs did you have previously?  I’ve worked as Production Stage Manager […]

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Donor Spotlight

December 7, 2018

Frisch’s Big Boy partnership with Cincinnati Ballet and The Nutcracker is a very longstanding one (almost 50 years, in fact!) Can you shed some light on how it came to be so many years ago?  Way back in 1973, philanthropist and businessman John Magro approached Jack Maier, then the president of Frisch’s, about committing $150,000 right […]

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How do they do that?

December 7, 2018

Think you’ve seen every version of The Nutcracker that Cincinnati Ballet has produced over the years? If you’re only thinking about the big, full Company productions, that’s only part of The Nutcracker story at Cincinnati Ballet. Each year, the Otto M. Budig Academy presents its own mini-version of The Nutcracker at the Cincinnati Ballet studios, […]

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Behind the Scenes

December 7, 2018

If you’re a little girl who takes ballet, chances are you won’t have ‘visions of sugar plums’ dancing through your head, but rather visions of yourself dancing in The Nutcracker presented by Frisch’s Big Boy. The first role many young dancers dream about playing is Clara, the girl who receives a magical Nutcracker for a […]

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Meet CB Monday: Samantha Griffin

December 7, 2018

Samantha joined the Cincinnati Ballet in 2015. This year in The Nutcracker, she will be dancing the roles of Rose, Flower, Spanish, and Snowflake. How long have you been dancing? Why did you become a dancer? I was around 4 years old when I started dancing. My mom actually put me into a bunch of different sports when […]

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Meet CB Monday: Serena Helene Hanavan

December 3, 2018

Serena joined the Cincinnati Ballet in 2015. This year in The Nutcracker, she will be dancing the roles of Rose and Snow Queen. How long have you been dancing? Why did you become a dancer? Believe it or not, I was very shy when I was young, so when I was 3 years old my mom put me […]

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Meet CB Monday

November 26, 2018

Christian Renforth joined the Cincinnati Ballet corps de ballet in 2017. This year in The Nutcracker, he will be playing the roles of Mouse King, Spanish, and parlor guest, and for the first time he is learning the role of Snow King. How long have you been dancing? Long before I even remember. Three I […]

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Cyber Monday Ticket Sale

November 26, 2018

The perfect holiday gift for friends and family is an adventure through the Land of Sweets with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince during The Nutcracker. November 26 only Cincinnati Ballet is offering steep Cyber Monday discounts on select Nutcracker performances. Cyber Monday Only MONDAY saves 20% off Nutcracker tickets Simply enter CYBERMONDAY into the box labeled “Promo Code” […]

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Nutcracker Black Friday Offer

Nutcracker Ticket Sale

November 22, 2018

We have so much to be thankful for this year, most of all YOU! We would love to see you this season and hope you add The Nutcracker to your holiday tradition this year. Now through Monday, take 20% off select performances of The Nutcracker. ACT NOW for 20% off Select Performances of The Nutcracker […]

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Behind the Scenes

November 8, 2018

The Sleeping Beauty is one of the biggest productions in Cincinnati Ballet’s repertoire. When it comes to life again at Music Hall from February 14-17, dancers will be wearing 70 luminous, newly handsewn tutus. “It’s a dying art,” said Cincinnati Ballet Wardrobe Mistress Diana Vandergriff-Adams. “People aren’t sewing anymore. It takes too much time.” Tutus […]

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Meet the Staff: Oğulcan Borova

November 8, 2018

Oğulcan Borova began his career as a ballet dancer in Turkey and received his first contract as a professional dancer in the United States in 1999. He was a guest artist for many years at Cincinnati Ballet before officially joining as a principal dancer from 2008-2012.He returned to Cincinnati Ballet to serve as Ballet Master in […]

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Alumni in Focus

November 8, 2018

Zack Grubbs began his dance training at Tuzer Ballet to supplement his education as a competitive gymnast. He came to Cincinnati Ballet in 2002 as a soloist and was promoted to senior soloist in 2005. In 2016, he retired from Cincinnati Ballet’s professional company to assume the leadership position of Academy Principal at the Otto M. Budig […]

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How do they do that?

November 8, 2018

Cincinnati Ballet’s Special Events Manager oversees more than 40 events each year, with everything from fundraising events for hundreds of attendees (such as An Intimate Evening and Club B) to cast parties and five annual gatherings for members of Étoile.  Rachel Hinger pulls back the curtain on how long it can take to prepare for an event. In […]

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Peter Pan flying on stage

Dancing on Air

October 23, 2018

There is no doubt that moment when Peter Pan first flies through the window of the Darling nursery, it’s absolute magic for the audience.  “That spirit of flying, of being that free,” says Cincinnati Ballet principal dancer Cervilio Amador. “People love it. Who hasn’t at one point wanted to be a Lost Boy, Peter Pan, […]

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Meet CB Monday: Chisako Oga

October 22, 2018

How long have you been dancing? Why did you become a dancer? I have been dancing since I was 10! I decided to become a dancer because I saw my sisters dancing ballet growing up and I knew that, that was what I wanted to do! Who, or what, was your biggest teacher? That’s a […]

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How do they do that?

October 8, 2018

One of the most magical parts of any stage version of Peter Pan – ballet or otherwise – is seeing members of the cast literally take off and fly around the stage.  Cincinnati Ballet’s upcoming production is no exception.  So, how did the ability for performers to fly on stage come to be? To answer […]

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Meet Cincinnati Ballet Staff

October 8, 2018

As Patron Engagement Manager for Cincinnati Ballet, Lauren Moore heads up a dedicated staff of six that handles hundreds of customer interactions each month, from answering questions about the ballet to selling subscriptions, exchanging tickets, and so much more. She is the first impression our more than 70,000 patrons encounter, and exceptional customer service is […]

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Behind the Scenes with….

October 8, 2018

Carmon DeLeone, Cincinnati Ballet’s Music Director, is celebrating his 50th Anniversary with the company this season.  In First Position wanted to know more about Carmon’s interests and inspirations.  Here’s what he told us: Who was the most pivotal person in your life when it comes to music, and why? There are so many people who […]

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Dancer Spotlight

October 4, 2018

Principal dancer, Melissa Gelfin, is one of two Cincinnati Ballet dancers who will be portraying the role of Tinkerbell in the upcoming production of Peter Pan.  She is excited to dance the role again (the first time was with Cincinnati Ballet in 2014).  Here are Melissa’s thoughts about taking on this challenging role once again: […]

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Peter Pan flying on stage

Peter Pan flies into Music Hall

October 4, 2018

Join Peter Pan, Wendy, and the Darling kids as they travel to Neverland and meet the Lost Boys, Captain Hook, Tinkerbell, and a very hungry crocodile! The classic story of ‘the boy who wouldn’t grow up’ is transformed into a full-length ballet with challenging and charming choreography by Septime Webre that  — quite literally — […]

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Cincinnati Ballet celebrates World Ballet Day

October 1, 2018

On Tuesday, October 2, 2018 join the Cincinnati Ballet as we celebrate World Ballet Day with a livestream of our company class on our Facebook page from 9:15 to 10:35 AM EST.  Join Cincinnati Ballet Artistic Director Victoria Morgan, Ballet Master Oğulcan Borova, and our company of artists for a behind-the scene look at what […]

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Nutcracker Kids Cast 2018

September 6, 2018

Congratulations to all the talented young dancers who auditioned for The Nutcracker performances! We were impressed to have so much skill and enthusiasm grace our auditions. Below, you’ll find the official Nutcracker Kids Cast for 2018. You may also download the casting list here.

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Creating a Dancer

August 22, 2018

Milton Holloway was only eight when Cincinnati Ballet’s CincyDance! educational outreach program visited his school. From that moment on, ballet has been Milton’s passion. He graduated from Otto M.Budig Academy and is now attending UC’s College-Conservatory of Music, on is his way to becoming a professional dancer.

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Nutcracker in July 2018

July 23, 2018

Don’t delay — make your plans now and join us for Cincinnati’s beloved holiday tradition, December 13 through 24, 2018 at Music Hall. Single tickets for the 2018-2019 Season go on sale Monday, August 6, but you can order your The Nutcracker tickets early AND get a great family deal! Special Two-Day Offer: Nutcracker in […]

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2018 Nutcracker Young Performers Auditions

June 29, 2018

Cincinnati Ballet is looking for talented young performers to be a part of this timeless holiday tradition. Auditions for The Nutcracker will be held at 1555 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45214. Download Young Performers Auditions Information sheet. Currently enrolled Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy students ONLY A $20 audition fee will apply to everyone […]

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Cincinnati Ballet Presents Director’s Cut: Musical Masters

March 8, 2018

Cincinnati Ballet continues its season with a triple bill highlighting dynamic choreographers paired with musical masterpieces performed with Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, March 15-18 at Aronoff Center for the Arts. The program has been hand-selected by Artistic Director, Victoria Morgan, and showcases the symbiotic and critically-important relationship between dance and music. “This is Cincinnati Ballet’s first […]

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2018-2019 Season logo

Cincinnati Ballet Unveils a Landmark 2018-2019 Season

March 8, 2018

Cincinnati Ballet announces its 2018-2019 Season, a celebration of Carmon DeLeone’s 50th Anniversary as Music Director, with more performances than ever before. The ambitious programming schedule includes diverse offerings, from sophisticated classics to adventurous new works in tandem with expanded fun for the whole family. “Carmon is loved by his Cincinnati Ballet family; the dancers, […]

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Cincinnati Ballet Presents Carmina Burana + Serenade

January 23, 2018

Cincinnati Ballet is thrilled to continue its historic return to Music Hall with a dazzling premiere of Carmina Burana, coupled with George Balanchine’s “stunningly beautiful”* Serenade, for six performances this Valentine’s Day weekend – February 8 through 11. Carl Orff’s powerful and evocative score comes brilliantly to life in the Cincinnati Premiere of the “wickedly […]

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Lost and Found

January 19, 2018

In 1803, in a dusty monastery in Bavaria, a librarian re-discovered a manuscript not seen since the 13th century. Later named the Carmina Burana, the manuscript contained 254 poems and dramatic texts. Believed to be the works of students and clergy, researchers date some of the texts back to the 11th century. Curators who started […]

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Cyber Monday Ticket Sale

November 26, 2017

The perfect holiday gift for friends and family is an adventure through the Land of Sweets with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince during Frisch’s Big Boy Presents The Nutcracker. November 27 only Cincinnati Ballet is offering steep Cyber Monday discounts on select Nutcracker performances. Cyber Monday Only MONDAY saves 20% off Nutcracker tickets Simply enter MONDAY into the […]

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A Perfect Combination of Music and Dance – Romeo & Juliet Lives Again

October 24, 2017

Cincinnati Ballet makes its triumphant return to Music Hall with the Romeo & Juliet this Thursday. With a cast of 34 dancers and a dazzling Prokofiev score performed by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Romeo & Juliet is the perfect production to herald the ballet’s return to the newly-renovated Music Hall. Carmon DeLeone, Music Director of Cincinnati Ballet, […]

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Becoming Juliet

October 20, 2017

It’s been a big year for dancers Chisako Oga and Melissa Gelfin. Oga was promoted this year to Principal Dancer and Gelfin was promoted to Senior Soloist, both after dancing lead roles in full-length ballets last season such as Swanilda in Coppélia and Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker. This season, both Oga and Gelfin […]

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Gina Cerimele-Mechley, Fight Director for Romeo & Juliet

October 17, 2017

If you are a theater or ballet-goer in the Cincinnati region, chances are you’ve witnessed the artistry of Gina Cerimele-Mechley. The actor/director/teacher/choreographer/movement coach extraordinaire has created fight choreography for several Cincinnati Ballet productions including Peter Pan, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, King Arthur’s Camelot, and our upcoming performances of Romeo & Juliet. In addition to the epic, action-packed […]

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Cincinnati Ballet and Contemporary Dance Theater Partner to Present COLLIDE!

October 2, 2017

In partnership with Contemporary Dance Theater (CDT), and with support from the Cincinnati Arts Association and ArtsWave, Cincinnati Ballet is pleased to announce Collide!, with three performances on October 13 and 14, at the Aronoff Center’s Jarson-Kaplan Theater. The Collide! performance series is a unique collaboration in celebration of the BLINK Festival taking place that weekend, […]

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Cincinnati Ballet Presents Romeo & Juliet

September 25, 2017

Cincinnati Ballet returns to the newly renovated Cincinnati Music Hall with six performances of Victoria Morgan’s passionate Romeo & Juliet, October 26 through 29. Victoria Morgan brings the most well-known love story of all time to life with a dazzling blend of dance and drama. Shakespeare’s legendary tale, written nearly 420 years ago, continues to […]

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Cincinnati Ballet Introduces New Event Series, Ballet Plus

September 11, 2017

Cincinnati Ballet is thrilled to announce a brand new event series called Ballet Plus. Throughout the 2017-2108 Season, Cincinnati Ballet will host five fun, after-hours events at various popular locations around the city, including the Cincinnati Ballet Center located at 1555 Central Parkway in Over-the-Rhine. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience an insider’s view […]

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Travis Wall, The Kaplan New Works Series

Travis Wall Brings His Unique Style to Cincinnati Ballet in New Works

September 6, 2017

“I’m very confident in storytelling,” Travis Wall, choreographer and Artistic Director of Shaping Sound Dance Company, said. “Something I can do is create a story with no words and get that across to an audience.” That is exactly what Travis Wall brings to Cincinnati Ballet’s The Kaplan New Works Series September, 14-24 at the Aronoff […]

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Cincinnati Ballet Launches New, Annual Family Series with Beauty and the Beast

September 5, 2017

Cincinnati Ballet is proud to announce a new, annual Family Series, with an inaugural production of Beauty and the Beast, featuring the Cincinnati Ballet Second Company, with dancers from the new Professional Training Division, and students from Cincinnati Ballet’s Otto M. Budig Academy. Beauty and the Beast comes to the Aronoff Center, with six performances […]

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Walnut Hills High School Senior Joins Professional Training Division

August 28, 2017

Sometimes in life, it takes losing something to truly know what it means to us. This sentiment rings true for Vivian LaCerda, a member of Cincinnati Ballet’s Professional Training Division, who discovered her intense passion for dance after an injury put her on the sidelines. After suffering from a hip injury going into seventh grade, […]

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music hall renovation exterior

Cincinnati Ballet Brings Dance Back to Historic Music Hall

August 28, 2017

Cincinnati Ballet joins Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestras, Cincinnati Opera, and May Festival, as a Cincinnati Music Hall resident performing company, with three productions in the 2017-2018 Season. Cincinnati Ballet’s participation in the five-week Music Hall Grand Opening celebration will include six performances of Victoria Morgan’s passionate and powerful Romeo and Juliet, October 26 through […]

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Nutcracker Kids Cast 2017

August 25, 2017

Congratulations to all the talented young dancers who auditioned for Frisch’s Big Boy Presents The Nutcracker performances! We were impressed to have so much skill and enthusiasm grace our auditions. Below, you’ll find the official Nutcracker Kids Cast for 2017. You may also download the casting list here.

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Cincinnati Ballet Professional Training Division Renee Castonguay

Cincinnati Ballet’s Professional Training Division Welcomes Student From the West Coast

August 24, 2017

“No one was asking me to change how I was dancing, just asking me to let go and be more free. That’s what I loved,” Renee Castonguay, a member of Cincinnati Ballet’s newly formed Professional Training Division, said referring to her Summer Intensive experience. Castonguay, originally from Huntington Beach, CA, joins students from around the […]

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Cincinnati Ballet’s Academy Launches Professional Training Division

August 23, 2017

Cincinnati Ballet’s Otto M. Budig Academy launched a new initiative entitled the Professional Training Division (PTD) on Monday, August 7, 2017. The 38-week program, led by the Academy Director of Training and former Cincinnati Ballet Principal, Sarah Hairston, is designed to support the transition from ballet student to professional dancer. It focuses on developing each […]

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Cincinnati Ballet Presents The Kaplan New Works Series

August 23, 2017

Celebrating its 13th year, The Kaplan New Work Series opens Cincinnati Ballet’s groundbreaking 2017-2018 Season September 14-24 at the Aronoff Center’s Jarson-Kaplan Theater. The series offers an up-close experience with a variety of exciting world premieres by today’s most innovative choreographers. This year’s program includes special guest Travis Wall, best known for his work on […]

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Cincy Sets the Stage: Arts ‘level up’ with newly renovated Music Hall

July 25, 2017

http://www.soapboxmedia.com/features/072517-music-hall-renovation-welcome-back.aspx

Cincinnati’s art world will undergo a tectonic change as it welcomes area residents back to the historic Over-the-Rhine home of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera and Cincinnati May Festival. In its refurbished and expanded form, it’s sure to invoke jealousy in cities across America and around the world.

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Cincinnati Ballet

Tired of bar-hopping? Here are 9 ways young professionals can plug into the city’s rich arts scene

July 19, 2017

http://www.wcpo.com/news/insider/tired-of-bar-hopping-here-are-9-ways-young-professionals-can-plug-into-the-citys-rich-arts-scene

Using the arts to connect young professionals to the city, encouraging them to develop friendships and relationships that will keep them and their talents in the region, also is one of the key tenets for ArtsWave, Greater Cincinnati’s leading arts agency.

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Nutcracker Young Performers Auditions

June 27, 2017

VIEW THE NUTCRACKER 2017 KIDS CAST  Cincinnati Ballet is looking for talented young performers to be a part of this timeless holiday tradition. Auditions for The Nutcracker will be held at 1555 Central Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45214. Download Young Performers Auditions Information sheet. Currently enrolled Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy students ONLY A $20 […]

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Cincinnati Ballet hosts “Choreographing Confidence” Workshop Presented by Always

June 15, 2017

Cincinnati Ballet presents Choreographing Confidence, a dance and leadership workshop, through the generous support of Always, June 17 at 1 pm at the Over-the-Rhine studios located at 1555 Central Parkway. More than 100 young women ages 10-17 will spend the afternoon learning, interacting with mentors, and engaging in activities with a focus on developing confidence […]

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Cincinnati Ballet Expands and Reorganizes Leadership Team

May 30, 2017

Executive Director Scott Altman announces the administrative reorganization and expansion of Cincinnati Ballet’s leadership team with the addition of respected nonprofit leader Tanya Cornejo as Vice President of External Affairs. The newly imagined role has been added to the leadership team as part of Cincinnati Ballet’s long-term strategy for sustained growth and advancement. “I am […]

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The artist “Swoon” with her set for Cincinnati Ballet’s New Works PHOTO: HAILEY BOLLINGER

CityBeat: Ballet, CAC to Showcase Street Artist ‘Swoon’

April 24, 2017

http://www.citybeat.com/arts-culture/visual-arts/article/20858720/ballet-cac-to-showcase-street-artist-swoon

Using humble materials, temporary approaches and by “getting up” enough work on the street, by the mid-2000s Swoon was becoming familiar enough that she had already sold pieces to New York’s Museum of Modern Art and had a solo show at Deitch Projects gallery — all this merely a few years out of college.

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ArtsWave: Cincinnati Ballet’s sensory-friendly Swan Lake, Jr. takes place March 19

March 16, 2017

http://www.theartswave.org/impact/ripple-effect-blog/artswave-blog/2017/03/10/cincinnati-ballet%27s-sensory-friendly-swan-lake-jr.-takes-place-march-19

The sensory-friendly performance will be performed at 5pm, designed to create a welcoming and inviting experience for patrons and children with sensory sensitivities or specific needs. These adjustments include gentle lighting and sound, on-hand specialists, and a flexible, open-door theater environment, complete with designated break spaces.

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CityBeat: Superstar Israeli choreographer Ohad Naharin’s unique Gaga style of contemporary dance comes to Cincinnati Ballet

March 16, 2017

http://www.citybeat.com/arts-culture/dance/article/20854980/superstar-israeli-choreographer-ohad-naharins-unique-gaga-style-of-contemporary-dance-comes-to-cincinnati-ballet

Authenticity shouldn’t be hard to find in Bold Moves. Both choreographers are bringing their personal stories to the table and translating them into a performance that’s reflective of their lives, but also open to interpretation from the audience.

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Dance USA: Family-Friendly Programming Helps Dance Organizations Attract Fans and See What’s Beyond the Box Office

March 14, 2017

http://danceusa.org/ejournal/2017/02/28/family-friendly-programming-helps-dance-organizations-attract-fans

“I think getting people moving is the answer to getting people hooked,” says Cincinnati Ballet director of education Julie Sunderland. “I want you to come see the ballet, but I also want to find that person who learns from an arts-integrated lesson in a way they couldn’t otherwise.”

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DanceMagazine.com: Cincinnati Ballet Bets on Women Choreographers

March 14, 2017

http://dancemagazine.com/news/cincinnati-ballet-bets-women-choreographers/

Not only is Cincinnati Ballet’s ratio of men to women choreographers balanced, but the season is artistically balanced, too. Look at the rest of the programming: master works by George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins, company premieres from Justin Peck and former Houston Ballet dancer Garrett Smith and a world premiere from SYTYCD favorite Travis Wall.

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Cincinnati.com: Tweaking perfection: King Arthur’s Camelot gets a redo

February 3, 2017

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/theater/2017/02/02/tweaking-perfection-king-arthurs-camelot-gets-redo/97400176/

Writers have the opportunity to edit text before it’s read. Musicians refine music before it is performed. Filmmakers pore over films frame by frame to fine-tune the finished product. Choreographers rarely have that sort of chance. So when they do get it, they embrace it with a vengeance.

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Super Bowl Traffic at Houston Auditions

February 1, 2017

For dancers wishing to audition in Houston, Texas, we have compiled some helpful information about street closures and changes to traffic patterns. Prepare for additional traffic due to the Super Bowl!! The NFL Honors event, Saturday evening from 7:00-10:00 pm at the Wortham Theater will most directly impact traffic getting to and from Houston Ballet. […]

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music hall renovation exterior

Cincinnati Ballet’s Return to Music Hall

January 27, 2017

When Music Hall reopens in the Fall of 2017, Cincinnati Ballet will join our fellow arts organizations, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Opera and May Festival as a resident company. Starting in the 2017-2018 Season, three of our productions will be presented at Music Hall, including Victoria Morgan’s passionate and powerful Romeo and Juliet, with a classic Sergei Prokofiev score, as well as our beloved Nutcracker. We are thrilled to bring ballet back to the Music Hall stage!

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Cincinnati.com: Cincinnati Ballet goes all ‘road trip’ to perform at the nation’s capital

November 23, 2016

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/2016/11/23/the-cincinnati-ballet-goes-all-road-trip-to-perform-at-the-nations-capital/94274128/

For these young dancers – they range from 17 to somewhere in their mid-30s – the sense of excitement is palpable. They’re giggly and chattering as they wait to board the bus. For many of them this is the their first-ever tour.

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New Nutcracker Knowledge

November 7, 2016

How much do you know about Cincinnati Ballet’s Nutcracker? In this video, we collected some little known facts about Frisch’s Big Boy Presents The Nutcracker so you can feel like an insider before you get to the theater. If you’re already an expert, we have even more fun facts below! Did you know? Over 100 children […]

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Cincinnati.com: Cincy Ballet’s Victoria Morgan: The woman who changed everything

September 15, 2016

http://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/arts/2016/09/08/cincy-ballets-victoria-morgan-woman-who-changed-everything/89908426/

By staying in Cincinnati, Morgan has reigned over a period that has seen its share of tumult and triumphs, crises and conquests. But as she begins her 20th season as Cincinnati Ballet’s leader – the season opens Sept. 16 – she can look to a list of accomplishments that would make any business leader proud.

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Cincinnati Ballet to Present during The Fifth Annual Music & Medicine Conference

September 10, 2016

The Cincinnati Music and Wellness Coalition will hold The Fifth Annual Music & Medicine Conference on October 7, 2016 from 8 am – 3:45 pm. The conference aims to strengthen and support communities through recreational music making. Cincinnati Ballet’s Director of Education and Outreach, Julie Sunderland, will be on hand to present during the Creativity & Wellness […]

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Nutcracker Young Performers Auditions

June 29, 2016

Cincinnati Ballet is looking for talented young performers to be a part of this timeless holiday tradition. Each year we audition and select young performers to fill various roles during our largest show of the season. If your child is interested in auditioning to be in the kids cast of Frisch’s Presents The Nutcracker, please review […]

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Meet the Artists – Director’s Choice

April 12, 2016

Studio Experience: Event: April 19, 2016 Join us at the Cincinnati Ballet Center for a full behind the scenes experience including a performance preview and a conversation with select artists. RSVP to the Cincinnati Ballet box office at 513-621-5282. Purchase your Director’s Choice tickets here! Schedule of Events 5:15 – 6:15 pm | Director’s Choice rehearsals 6:15 […]

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Director’s Choice | Groundbreaking Female Choreographers

April 7, 2016

Director’s Choice is a unique, mixed-repertoire presentation featuring works by four groundbreaking female choreographers. The diverse yet balanced evening curated by Artistic Director & CEO Victoria Morgan includes Jessica Lang’s A Solo in Nine Parts, Heather Britt’s Habitual, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Cylindrical Shadows and a world premiere by Jennifer Archibald. Audiences have three opportunities to […]

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Director’s Choice Trailer

April 6, 2016

Despite the fact that a majority of ballet dancers are women, positions as choreographers are still predominantly held by men. As one of only a handful of women in leadership positions, Artistic Directors & CEO Victoria Morgan has flipped the status-quo for Director’s Choice by exclusively featuring groundbreaking female choreographers. For the first time ever, Cincinnati […]

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Hope after Death – Cylindrical Shadows

April 6, 2016

“It takes a while to let go,” says Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, choreographer of Cylindrical Shadows. “Once they pass away, it takes time… to accept that this phone number doesn’t exist anymore. You know you have to let go, but the phone number, the messages… you’re still keeping it.” For Ochoa, there’s more to death than […]

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Sarah Hairston talks Wild Sweet Love

March 10, 2016

She’s been dancing her entire life, but Principal Dancer Sarah Hairston says Trey McIntyre’s Wild Sweet Love, the title piece of Cincinnati’s mixed repertoire on March 18 & 19, is the most physically demanding ballet of her career. We caught up with Sarah after rehearsals to talk about working with Trey McIntyre, the demanding role and […]

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Meet the Artists – Wild Sweet Love

February 29, 2016

Studio Experience: March 1, 2016 Join us at the Cincinnati Ballet Center for a full behind the scenes experience including a performance preview and a conversation with select artists. RSVP to the Cincinnati Ballet box office at 513-621-5282. Schedule of Events 5:15 – 6:15 pm | Wild Sweet Love rehearsals 6:15 – 7:15 pm | Artistic panel […]

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Wild Sweet Love | A Triple Bill Collaboration with BalletMet Columbus

February 22, 2016

Cincinnati Ballet presents a triple bill in collaboration with BalletMet Columbus March 18 and 19 at the Aronoff Center for the Arts. The program includes George Balanchine’s Who Cares? performed by Cincinnati Ballet and BalletMet Columbus, Age of Innocence performed by BalletMet Columbus and Wild Sweet Love performed by Cincinnati Ballet. The family friendly Ballet Toybox […]

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T. Rex Dancing Ballet

February 3, 2016

Everyone please welcome Cincinnati Ballet’s latest Visiting Artist: Pas De BourRex! We periodically bring in talented artists from all over the world, but this marks the first time a Visiting Artist comes from an entirely different era (not to mention species)! Enjoy the T Rex ballerina video, we hope it brightens up your week!

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Eric Van Wyk: Cinderella Puppet Design

February 1, 2016

Eric Van Wyk received his M.F.A. in Scenic Design from the University of Maryland—College Park and his B.A. in Fine Arts from Dordt College. His credits at the Children’s Theatre Co. in Minneapolis include being scenic designer for Mercy Watson to the Rescue!, Babe, The Sheep-Pig, puppet and scenic designer for The Biggest Little House […]

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Clifton Taylor: Cinderella Scenic and Lighting Designer

January 25, 2016

Clifton Taylor’s works include Oui/Non and the ballets for the Jazz Blues Project for The Washington Ballet. At the Kennedy Center, his work has been seen with National Symphony Orchestra, American Ballet Theater, Alvin Ailey, Lar Lubovitch, Maria Benitez Teatro Flamenco, Sardono Dance Theater and Dance, the Spirit of Cambodia. Taylor has created lighting,  projection and scenic […]

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Peter Farmer: Cinderella Scenic and Costume Designer

January 25, 2016

Peter Farmer has designed for most of the major ballet companies in the world, including the Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, London Contemporary Dance Theatre, Houston Ballet, London City Ballet, Sadlerís Wells/Birmingham Royal Ballet, the Royal Danish Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, the Rome and Cologne Opera Houses, Stuttgart Ballet, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, New London Ballet, Ballet Rambert, […]

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Meet the Artists – Cinderella

January 19, 2016

Studio Experience: February 2, 2016 Join us at the Cincinnati Ballet Center for a full behind the scenes experience including a performance preview and a conversation with select artists. RSVP to the Cincinnati Ballet box office at 513-621-5282. Schedule of Events 5:15 – 6:15 pm | Cinderella rehearsals 6:15 – 7:15 pm | Artistic panel discussion with […]

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Patric Palkens and Abigail Morwood Win Silver at the Vienna International Ballet Experience

January 19, 2016

Principal Dancer Patric Palkens and Soloist Abigail Morwood competed with more than 200 dancers from around the world Thursday in the first Vienna International Ballet Competition held in the United States. Performing the Variation of Franz from Coppelia and the Grand Pas Classique Variation, Palkens took home a Silver Medal in the Men’s Classical category. Soloist […]

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Cinderella Returns with a Fresh New Look

January 14, 2016

Cinderella returns this Valentine’s weekend with choreography by Victoria Morgan. The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra performs the music of the legendary Sergei Prokofiev, conducted by Maestro Carmon DeLeone. Audiences have five opportunities to see the beloved tale come to life at the at the Aronoff Center, February 12-14. From the modern vision of Artistic Director & […]

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Meet the Artists

October 19, 2015

Cincinnati Ballet is pleased to offer Meet the Artists, a pre-performance discussion series where you will have the opportunity to meet select dancers, choreographers and members of the creative team who bring Lady of the Camellias to life.

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Choreographer Val Caniparoli

October 12, 2015

Val Caniparoli’s versatility has made him one of the most sought after American choreographers in the United States and abroad. He has contributed to the repertories of more than forty dance companies, including Pacific Northwest Ballet, Boston Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Northern Ballet Theatre, Pennsylvania Ballet, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Ballet West (resident choreographer 1993-97), Washington Ballet, Israel […]

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Video and Dance Collide in Plotnikov’s eye on pointe taken

September 9, 2015

Viktor Plotnikov didn’t want to be a choreographer, he was pretty satisfied dancing as a Principal Dancer for Boston Ballet. But the encouragement of friends and family led him to an entirely new career as a full time choreographer. Luckily for us, this change in direction has created eye pointe taken, a ballet featuring not […]

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Hougland’s “personal favorite” ballet Returns for New Works

September 9, 2015

Cincinnati Ballet Resident Choreographer Adam Hougland presents two pieces in the 2015-2016 Kaplan New Works Series, including the world premiere of his latest solo piece: Fellow Traveler, and the return of All My Favorite People from Cincinnati Ballet & Over the Rhine Live.   We caught up with Adam to ask what it’s like seeing his […]

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Cincinnati Ballet Closes Season with Director’s Choice

April 9, 2015

Download the 1415 Director’s Choice Press Release Director’s Choice is a unique, mixed-repertoire presentation with selections chosen specifically for Cincinnati audiences by Artistic Director & CEO Victoria Morgan, including Classical Symphony, Feast of the Gods and Chasing Squirrel. “These three pieces are choreographic powerhouses,” says Morgan. “They exemplify the direction ballet is headed and changing the […]

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Overhead Videos

March 20, 2015

You’ve seen ballet from the orchestra seats. We’ve even shown you what it’s like on stage. This time we’ve gone further… about 100 feet further, in fact. We hid a camera on the set floating high above the dancers to capture Mozart’s Requiem from an impossible angle during technical rehearsals. Watch as the Cincinnati Ballet […]

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Cincinnati Ballet Presents Exciting Collaborations and World Premieres for 52nd Season 

March 20, 2015

Download the 1516 Season Press Release Cincinnati Ballet’s 2015-2016 Season brings exciting collaborations, world premieres and the return of a beloved fairytale favorite with: The Kaplan New Works Series, Lady of the Camellias, Frisch’s Presents The Nutcracker, Cinderella, Wild Sweet Love and Director’s Choice performed at the Aronoff Center for the Arts. The Kaplan New Works […]

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Videos from the Stage

February 14, 2015

The week before opening night of ALICE (in wonderland) the Cincinnati Ballet company moved into the Aronoff Center for dress rehearsals and technical rehearsals. See Alice from angles you’ve never seen before as we pass a GoPro camera off to our dancers and join them for a first person perspective on stage!

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