This past summer, Verb Ballets performed a series of duets in Tremont's Lincoln Park, filled with intricate choreography that likely enchanted even those with nary a recognized interest in the art. That's a noted trend among organizations highlighted here: bringing what might be perceived as niche artistic interests into the Northeast Ohio entertainment mainstream.
The rest of Verb Ballets' season includes several fall appearances (Twinsburg High School on Sept. 26, Green High School on Oct. 18) and leads to a robust winter that kicks off with a slot at the International Association of Blacks in Dance Showcase in January.
DanceCleveland starts its season Oct. 5 with the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet at Akron's EJ Thomas Hall. This is the sort of thing DanceCleveland does best: showcase top-notch companies from around the world. The Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company arrives in early November.
Dancing Wheels, a local company that features some dancers with disabilities, will perform Oct. 15 at Trinity Cathedral. The event is part of Trinity's "Brownbag Lunch Series," which is open to the public.
On Oct. 20, the national tour of So You Think You Can Dance (#SYTYCD) rolls into Playhouse Square. The show's 11th season finalists will perform the season's most popular routines -- plus a few new and original numbers.
Case Western Reserve University's department of dance will showcase Horizons from Oct. 31 to Nov. 8. The show features noted works from Mark Morris and Pascal Rioult.
Likewise, the Cleveland Orchestra is looking toward a busy season at Severance Hall in the coming months.
Here's the one that longtime supporters and rookies alike should be able to get behind: Franz Welser-Most conducts Beethoven's Sixth Symphony ("Pastoral"), Oct. 4 and 5. The performances will be grouped with selections from Ravel.
Renowned pianist Lang Lang, who spends most of his time traveling the globe, will bring his takes on Chopin and Strauss to Cleveland Oct. 9 through 12.
Beginning in late November, the Cleveland Orchestra will take to Playhouse Square and join Chicago's Joffrey Ballet for the annual Nutcracker performances. For most children -- families in general, really -- these shows afford the most accessible entry point for orchestral music in Cleveland.
It's probably worth a reminder that the Cleveland Orchestra is an internationally lauded institution. And Cleveland gets a front-row seat to the music.
