VERB BALLETS PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Jen Garlando- Community Engagement jgarlando@verbballets.org Choreographer Tommie-Waheed Evans to Create New Work on Verb Ballets Verb Ballets to debut new work for its summer season CLEVELAND, OH - It is with great excitement that Verb Ballets hosts guest choreographer Tommie-Waheed Evans in-studio from June 26-30, 2017. Evans danced with PHILADANCO! and Complexions Contemporary Ballet before starting his own company Waheed Works in 2006. Evans recently finished a Choreographic Fellowship for Ballet X and was selected nationally as an emerging leader by Dance/USA. The Dance Journal described his work as, “vocabulary is deeply rooted in a classical ballet aesthetic blended with modern sensibilities and jazz influences.” Evans strives to create work built upon the human experience to connect audiences through a fierce physical language while communicating statements about social justice. Verb Ballets will debut Evans' new work for its upcoming summer season at performances including Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival on July 28-29, Tremont's Arts in August on August 12 and Cain Park on August 19. In 2013 Evans' created Dark Matter on Verb Ballets that audiences and critics alike enjoyed. This intensely driven physical work was set to a score comprised of a mix of Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor with sounds of shattering glass and African drum rhythms. The dance was complemented by the stage design with hanging fluorescent light bulbs that were rhythmically controlled providing a breathtaking visual effect. This audience favorite will return to the stage throughout the 2017-18 season. Tommie-Waheed Evans, Choreographer Tommie-Waheed Evans began his formal training with Michelle Blossom at the Dance Connection in Los Angeles California. He continued his studies under the mentorship of Andrea Calomee and Karen McDonald at Hamilton High School before receiving a fellowship at the Ailey School. As a student, Evans performed the work of Matthew Rushing, Benoit-Swan Pouffer, Karol Armitage, and Debbie Allen. He was an assistant to current artistic director of Ailey II, Troy Powell. Evans professional appearances include the popular sitcom "The Parkers", the Emmy Awards, HopeBoykinDance, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Lula Washington Dance Theater, the Philadelphia Dance Company (Philadanco) and Complexions Contemporary Ballet. In 2006 he founded his company, Waheed-Works. Evans has set choreography on The Garden State Dance Festival, Philadelphia Dance Boom Festival, Grace Dance Theater, Verb Ballets, Eleone Dance Theatre, and Boston Conservatory. Evans is the Artist-in-Residence at PHILADANCO! and is currently on faculty at the University of the Arts. His awards include a Dance/USA Philadelphia Rocky Award, Billy Penn: Who Next Arts, Howard Gillman Foundation Fellowship Winner, and a BalletX 2017 Ballet Choreographic Fellowship. Evans recently received his Master of Fine Arts in Choreography from Jacksonville University. For more information on Tommie-Waheed Evans visit www.tommie-waheed.com. Interviews and photos available by contacting Jen Garlando at jgarlando@verbballets.org. Performances July 28-29, 2017 8:45PM Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival Firestone Park 1480 Girard St, Akron, Ohio 44301 Free and open to the public. No tickets required. August 12, 2017 8:30PM Tremont Arts in August Lincoln Park W. 14th and Starkweather, Cleveland, OH 44113 Free and open to the public. No tickets required. August 19, 2017 8:00PM Cain Park 14591 Superior Rd, Cleveland, OH 44118 Free and open to the public. No tickets required. About Verb Ballets Verb Ballets, a contemporary ballet company, presents dynamic programming through bold artistry, unique styles and technical excellence that captivates a broad audience. Under the direction of Dr. Margaret Carlson, Producing Artistic Director and Richard Dickinson, MFA, Associate Director, the company will present a season that ignites passion in the energy, beauty and athleticism of dance. Critics have hailed Verb Ballets as, “Dashes preconceptions ...with keen dramatic power.” -The Plain Dealer, "(Verb) is dance magnifique.” - The Examiner, “confident and polished, Verb's dancers shone” - Dance International Magazine. Verb Ballets cultivates dance appreciation and nurtures wellness through movement in community dance classes, school residencies, senior outreach, library programs, master classes and college course partnerships. Verb Ballets has also been named one of Five Great Tiny Troupes in America by Dance Magazine and was one of the 25 dance companies in America to watch. In 2017 Verb Ballets begins a year long celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the company. As one of the oldest dance organizations in Cleveland we are proud to produce high caliber work and continue to connect with communities across a four county reach. Additional information can be found at www.verbballets.org. Verb Ballets 3445 Warrensville Center Rd. Shaker Heights, OH 44122 • 216-397-3757 • www.verbballets.org Facebook/@verbballets • Twitter/@verbballets • Instagram/@verbballets • YouTube/@verbballets ###