<div dir="ltr"><div><span id="gmail-docs-internal-guid-fb954df3-7fff-f959-4b39-246c88735ef2" style="color:rgb(0,0,0)"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:12pt;margin-bottom:12pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">CANTON, Ohio — September 16, 2025</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> — Canton Ballet will open its 2025–26 season with two milestone performances that showcase the strength of collaboration and the legacy of the arts in Northeast Ohio.</span><br></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:12pt;margin-bottom:12pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">The season begins Sunday, September 28, at 4:30 p.m. at Gervasi Vineyard with </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-style:italic;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">One Stage, Two Legacies</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">, presented in partnership with Ballet Excel Ohio. Based in Cuyahoga Falls and celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, Ballet Excel Ohio is a youth ballet company under the direction of Artistic Director Mia Klinger. This one-hour performance will feature both Ballet Excel Ohio and Canton Ballet dancers, highlighting the shared artistry, discipline, and creativity of the region’s young performers.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:12pt;margin-bottom:12pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">The season continues with the public performance of </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-style:italic;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Peter and the Wolf</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> on Saturday, October 11, at 1 p.m. at Umstattd Performing Arts Hall. The 30-minute production will be performed by Canton Ballet dancers with live accompaniment from the Canton Symphony Orchestra, bringing Prokofiev’s timeless tale to life for audiences of all ages.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:12pt;margin-bottom:12pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">This year’s </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-style:italic;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Peter and the Wolf</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> will feature newly designed costumes made possible through the generosity of The Hoover Foundation. Since its debut with Canton Ballet in 1978, </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-style:italic;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Peter and the Wolf</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> has been experienced by more than 150,000 schoolchildren across Stark County—many of them seeing live theater for the first time through this beloved work.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:12pt;margin-bottom:12pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">“Launching our anniversary season with these partnerships underscores how collaboration strengthens the arts,” said Jennifer Catazaro Hayward, executive artistic director of Canton Ballet. “</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-style:italic;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">One Stage, Two Legacies</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> celebrates the bright future of dance with Ballet Excel Ohio’s remarkable young artists, while </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-style:italic;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Peter and the Wolf</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> continues our mission to inspire the next generation of audiences through live music and dance.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:12pt;margin-bottom:12pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Mia Klinger, artistic director of Ballet Excel Ohio, added: “For 50 years, Ballet Excel Ohio has given young dancers the chance to perform at a professional level. Partnering with Canton Ballet at Gervasi is a meaningful way to celebrate that history while looking ahead to the future. Together, our dancers will share the stage, building connections that will last long after the curtain falls.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:12pt;margin-bottom:12pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Tickets for </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-style:italic;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">One Stage, Two Legacies</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> and </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-style:italic;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Peter and the Wolf</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> are available through Canton Ballet at </span><a href="http://www.cantonballet.com/" style="text-decoration:none"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;text-decoration:underline;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">www.cantonballet.com</span></a><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap"> or by calling 330-455-7220.. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:12pt;margin-bottom:12pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-style:italic;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Canton Ballet’s 2025-26 performance season and education programs are supported by Arts in Stark, Ohio Arts Council, George H. Deuble Foundation, Hoover Foundation, Henry and Louise Timken Foundation, Krugliak, Wilkens, Griffiths, Dougherty Co., LPA, GreenLines Transportation, Kempthorn Motors, Visit Canton, William L. and Sharon K. Luntz Family Philanthropic Fund, Employer’s Health, Stark Community Foundation, Arthur P. Underhill and Martha Q. Underhill Charitable Fund, Fred Marion in memory of Dave Sherrod, Downtown Canton Partnership. </span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:12pt;margin-bottom:12pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-style:italic;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Ballet Excel Ohio’s 2025-26 season is supported by </span><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(33,33,33);font-style:italic;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Acme Fresh Market, Akron Community Foundation, ArtsNow -Arts Forward, Cantine-Nora Family Fund, Noble Foundation, Ohio Arts Council, Peg's Foundation, Pouttu Family Fund, Read Family Fund, Welty Family Foundation.</span></p><br><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"></p><hr><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">About Canton Ballet</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:rgb(35,31,32);font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Canton Ballet has fostered an appreciation of the art of dance throughout the region for 60 years. Under the direction of Jennifer Catazaro Hayward, the Ballet is regarded as one of the most admired pre-professional dance companies in Ohio, nurturing talent and artistic excellence. Its School provides the highest quality of instruction for all ages and skill levels, from toddlers to adults, inspiring a lifelong love of dance and providing a strong foundation for future professional dancers.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.38;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:700;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">About Ballet Excel Ohio</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height:1.2;text-align:justify;margin-top:0pt;margin-bottom:0pt"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre-wrap">Ballet Excel Ohio is proudly celebrating 50 years of transforming lives through the power of dance. Since 1975, this vibrant nonprofit youth ballet company has trained thousands of young artists, brought dance education into schools across Northeast Ohio through its Reach Out And Dance® program, and made the arts accessible to all through scholarships and free ticket initiatives. As the longest-running youth ballet production at the historic Akron Civic Theatre, Ballet Excel Ohio continues to honor its legacy while stepping boldly into the future.</span></p></span><br class="gmail-Apple-interchange-newline" style="color:rgb(0,0,0)"><br class="gmail-Apple-interchange-newline" style="color:rgb(0,0,0)"></div><div><br></div><span class="gmail_signature_prefix">-- </span><br><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div>Jessica Thomas</div><div>ROAD® Administrator<br></div><div><span style="font-size:12.8px">Reach Out and Dance®</span><br></div><div>(330) 822-4BXO</div><div><br></div><div>Click <a href="https://balletexcelohio.org/performances/" target="_blank">HERE</a> for information on our upcoming performances.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>