CANTON, Ohio — September 16, 2025 — 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. The season begins Sunday, September 28, at 4:30 p.m. at Gervasi Vineyard with One Stage, Two Legacies, 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. The season continues with the public performance of Peter and the Wolf 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. This year’s Peter and the Wolf will feature newly designed costumes made possible through the generosity of The Hoover Foundation. Since its debut with Canton Ballet in 1978, Peter and the Wolf 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. “Launching our anniversary season with these partnerships underscores how collaboration strengthens the arts,” said Jennifer Catazaro Hayward, executive artistic director of Canton Ballet. “One Stage, Two Legacies celebrates the bright future of dance with Ballet Excel Ohio’s remarkable young artists, while Peter and the Wolf continues our mission to inspire the next generation of audiences through live music and dance.” 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.” Tickets for One Stage, Two Legacies and Peter and the Wolf are available through Canton Ballet at www.cantonballet.com or by calling 330-455-7220.. 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. Ballet Excel Ohio’s 2025-26 season is supported by 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. ------------------------------ About Canton Ballet 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. About Ballet Excel Ohio 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. -- Jessica Thomas ROAD® Administrator Reach Out and Dance® (330) 822-4BXO Click HERE <https://balletexcelohio.org/performances/> for information on our upcoming performances.