FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Lindgren Carson Phone: 216-320-9000 lindgren@clevelandballet.org <mailto:lindgren@clevelandballet.org> www.clevelandballet.org Cleveland Ballet Premieres A Celebration of Dance and Music CLEVELAND, OH October 3As part of its second season, Cleveland Ballet looks to add to its growing repertoire with an original collection of dances under the title A Celebration of Dance and Music. Following a well-reviewed inaugural season, Cleveland Ballet will continue its vision to reimagine classical ballet by highlighting the artistry of individual dancers. Through innovative choreography, strong lighting design and creative costumes, Cleveland Ballet brings Northeast Ohio performances to remember. This seasons fall production features the return of lighting designer Trad A. Burns and costume designer Victoria Mearini. Burns recently lit Coppélia and Mearini designed last falls Past. Present. Future. Mearini became a designer following a full career as a ballerina. She studied at Kent State University and is currently studying silversmithing at Cleveland Institute of Art through a Gund Family scholarship and is pursuing a degree in Jewelry and Metals. To be a part of Cleveland Ballets growth for yet another production brings me great joy, notes Mearini. Its so exciting to apply what I know about a dancers needs because I was a dancer with a costume designers desire to create something that can compliment and support a dancers movement and is also beautiful. Artistic Director Gladisa Guadalupe will join guest choreographer Ramón Thielen in creating dances inspired by the music of some of the most well known composers. Guadalupe and Thielen will also set ballets to Argentinian Tangos, Spanish Granadas and romantic Arias that focus on the dancers unique physical gifts to tell rather than simply highlight the stories of these well known and romantic dances. Cleveland Ballet looks to separate itself from traditional ballet companies. One way A Celebration of Dance and Music differentiates itself is to move its musicians from the orchestra pit to the stage. Allowing dancers to share the stage with musicians lets audiences see how the fluidity of dance and a musicians grace compliment each other. Tenor Mikhail Usurov will accompany the dancers with the arias Amore Perduto and Granada. Cleveland Ballets Music Artistic Advisor Alexandra Preucil will also be featured. As we build our company of dancers and group of artistic collaborators, says Gladisa Guadalupe, Artistic Director, we are looking for ways to create a look unique to Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. Building a repertoire of dances influenced by many cultural styles is one way to achieve that goal. -more- To purchase tickets ($25-$99) and learn more about how to support Cleveland Ballet or enter into an educational partnership, please visit clevelandballet.org. For VIP packages or group ticket discounts visit playhousesquare.org or call: 216-640-8603. ABOUT CLEVELAND BALLET In 2014 a group of dedicated volunteers and artists reconnected to build on the artistic legacy of the Cleveland San Jose Ballet and form Cleveland Ballet. Under the artistic leadership and vision of Gladisa Guadalupe, Cleveland has the opportunity to welcome a professional and resident dance company back to the stage. Cleveland Ballet marked its return to the Cleveland arts scene with the artistically and financially successful October 2015 production, Past. Present. Future, a production that featured traditional and innovative ballet performed in collaboration with Neos Dance Theatre of Mansfield, Ohio. The collaboration addresses an important Cleveland Ballet tenant, to create artistic partnerships with the areas leading cultural organizations. This debut production was presented to a nearly sold-out audience and exemplified Cleveland Ballets collaborative spirit, and the community support demonstrates that a passion for professional ballet exists in Cleveland. The world premiere production of Coppélia, choreographed by the acclaimed artist Ramón Oller, concluded the inaugural season. Cleveland Ballet has simultaneously established a number of exciting education and outreach programs such as our collaboration with Warrensville Heights and Maple Heights School Districts and The Cleveland Orchestras Family Concert series. What: Cleveland Ballet premieres new work Who: Cleveland Ballet Location: Ohio Theatre at Playhouse Square Admission: $25-$99 For Tickets: (216) 241-6000 For Group Sales: 216-640-8603 For more information on Cleveland Ballet, visit clevelandballet.org, or call 216-320-9000 Stay connected on Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/ClevelandBallet> , Twitter <https://twitter.com/BalletCleveland> and Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/clevelandballetcompany/> . # # # Lindgren Carson | Executive Assistant 330.518.7000 | <mailto:michael@clevelandballet.org> lindgren@clevelandballet.org <http://www.clevelandballet.org/> YOUR VERY OWN CLEVELAND BALLET COMPANY. Office: 216.320.9000 | Fax: 216.438.7661