Join us for an unforgettable evening of dance as beloved company dancers Kate Webb and Antonio Morillo take their final bow. This special farewell performance marks the end of their illustrious careers with the company as they retire to begin their next chapter. Kate and Antonio have carefully selected some of their favorite works from their time on stage, making this a truly heartfelt and celebratory event.
The free Cain Park performance is generously sponsored by James D. Graham & David M. Dusek and Leslie Kaufman & Scott Cowen
About Ohio Contemporary Ballet
Ohio Contemporary Ballet has been a trailblazer in the Northeast Ohio dance scene for over 35 years captivating audiences with innovative dance performances. We stand as a pillar of the Great Lakes region’s cultural fabric, redefining the art of dance with bold creativity and a deep connection to our community. Over the past 15 years, the company has built an impressive repertoire, collaborating with over 100 choreographers. Our audiences delight in a wide-ranging repertoire, from beloved classics and iconic masterpieces to new commissions and moving story ballets. These works create an inspiring artistic journey, captivating audiences with every performance.
Led by the vision of Dr. Margaret Carlson, former principal dancer with the Cleveland Ballet, and Richard Dickinson, MFA, former Ohio Ballet dancer, the company bridges the elegance of classical ballet with the dynamism of contemporary dance. The company’s journey has been one of evolution, beginning in 1987 as a modern dance collective and transforming over time into Verb Ballets. In 2024, Ohio Contemporary Ballet redefined its identity to capture the essence of performances audiences have come to cherish. This rebranding symbolizes the company’s commitment to honoring Ohio’s vibrant artistic legacy while proudly celebrating its home.
Ohio Contemporary Ballet’s commitment to artistic exchange goes far beyond its local stage. As a proud cultural ambassador, the company has toured internationally, performing in Cuba and Taiwan. The company has toured Cuba in collaboration with Laura Alonso—daughter of the legendary ballerina Alicia Alonso—and her acclaimed company, ProDanza. At home, the company brings art to the community each summer, performing in outdoor venues and theaters across the region to ensure that ballet remains accessible to all. Its rich history of collaboration includes esteemed music organizations such as BlueWater Orchestra, the Akron Symphony, Lakeside Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Chamber Symphony, and even rock musician Neil Zaza.
At the heart of Ohio Contemporary Ballet is a deep commitment to education and community engagement. Housed at the Ohio Contemporary Ballet Center in Shaker Heights, the company provides a nurturing environment for dancers of all ages and abilities. Our community classes welcome dancers of all ages and skill levels, while our workshops and outreach programs are designed to make dance more accessible and ignite a lifelong passion for the art. By bringing our programs directly to the community—where people live, work, and learn—we strive to break down barriers and share the joy of movement.
As Ohio Contemporary Ballet moves forward, the company remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of contemporary ballet, fostering innovation, and celebrating the power of dance to connect and inspire.
