By Olivia Mian

The City Ballet of Cleveland is a non-profit, preprofessional ballet company based in Shaker Heights, with a mission of teaching dancers to grow in technique and artistry, providing a safe place to teach, explore, and spread the art of movement. I have danced with the City Ballet of Cleveland for four years and was just recently promoted to soloist.  I have been dancing for the past 12 years of my life; dance is my passion and a huge part of my identity. Being a dancer allows me to express myself in a different way and challenge myself to work harder every day. I dance 6-7 days a week around 3-8 hours per day. While dance is incredibly challenging both physically and mentally, often frustrating, and not always rewarding, it is one of the main reasons why I smile when I wake up in the morning and something I love more than I can even explain.  Below are two opportunities to come watch and support the City Ballet of Cleveland in their 10th season: 

10th Anniversary Gala:

February 28, 2020, 6:30–10:00 

Breen Center for Performing Arts | 2008 West 30th Street Cleveland, OH 44113 

The company is celebrating its 10th Anniversary with a Gala and performances from current company dancers choreographed by guest artists Jeff Rowland and Amy McKenney. Additionally, there will be performances from company alumni, including dancers from the Pittsburgh Ballet and Joffrey Ballet. 

For more information on the event of how to purchase tickets please contact me. | omian23@hb.edu 

City Ballet of Cleveland Spring Concert :

May 15th, 2020 

Breen Center for Performing Arts | 2008 West 30th Street Cleveland, OH 44113 

This annual spring concert features performances from current company dancers and guest artists. This year we will perform a mix of Classical, Neoclassical, and Contemporary repertoire. The two featured ballets are Swan Lake with professional guest artists from the Pittsburgh Ballet and a classical interpretation of Leonard Bernstein’s Peter and the Wolf. One of the greatest ballets and well-known ballets of all time, Swan Lake will be inspiring and incredibly moving, combining advanced technique and choreography, with a tragic love story.  The concert will also include pieces from our own artistic staff and guest choreographers. The performance will be a great experience even for those who do not know much about ballet, and I highly encourage coming to support the art and maybe see something you’ve never seen before.
For more information on the event of how to purchase tickets please contact me. | omian23@hb.edu