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Phone: 216-991-9000
Address: 13110 Shaker Square, Suite 106, Cleveland, OH 44120
September 19, 2026, 1 pm
September 19, 2026, 4 pm
Oxbow Trail, Cascade Valley Metro Park
September 26, 2026, 1 pm
September 26, 2026, 4 pm
Prather Trail, Cascade Valley Metro Park
Thank you for joining us for the world premiere of Black by Nature. As DANCECleveland opens our 70th Anniversary Season, we are thrilled to present this unique performance experience by Akron-based dance artist Dominic Moore-Dunson.
This project began shortly after the pandemic, when Dominic stepped outside his own comfort zone and immersed himself in the natural world. Through time spent on the trails, and through ongoing choreographic research at the National Center for Choreography at The University of Akron, the work grew into something deeply connected to place, movement, music, and conversation.
DANCECleveland is proud to be a commissioner of this remarkable site-specific work. After years of following Dominic's dance journey as a dance performer in Northeast Ohio himself, to an award-winning choreographer, DANCECleveland has been impressed by his dedication to the topics he tackles and stories he tells through movement. While, DANCECleveland has been a commissioner of other artistic works over the last several decades, this is the first work we’ve commissioned by a Northeast Ohio specific artist and encompasses our belief that Northeast Ohio is a fertile ground for incredible dance artists. We hope this support of Northeast Ohio artists continues to strengthen our local dance ecosystem and encourages our Ohio artists to continue to pursue new and exciting dance works.
Black by Nature invites audiences into a site-specific performance experienced as a hike through Summit Metro Parks. Along the way, hikers will encounter storytelling, live music, dance, and the sights, sounds, and textures of the natural landscape.
At the heart of the work is an exploration of healing, belonging, and the relationship between Black identity and nature. With an original, jazz-influenced score performed by an acoustic ensemble, the open air becomes a living soundscape where history, improvisation, modern dance, and place meet.
We are proud to walk alongside Dominic in bringing this work to our community, and we are grateful to you for being part of this special premiere. We hope Black by Nature offers you a chance to reflect, connect, and experience dance in a new and memorable way.
Sarah Sumbrum, Marketing and Artistic Director
Theresa Remick, Executive Director
A Note from the Choreographer:
This project started with a question: “Why don’t I see more Black people in nature?” What transpired after became a transformational part of my personal journey. Black by Nature is the result of almost a hundred hours of solo hiking through state and national parks across America, slowly discovering that my own ideas about who belongs in nature were just as complicated as the question I had started with.
Let’s be clear: before this project, I would have never been mistaken for a “nature person.” If anything, it was very much the opposite. I didn’t grow up hiking. I didn’t see myself reflected in the people I encountered on trails. But somewhere along the way, the trail became a place where I could listen, wonder, move, and simply exist. I began to understand nature not as a place I was visiting, but as a place where I belonged.
When you experience this work, it shouldn’t be viewed through the expectations of a proscenium theater, where every single moment is crafted and choreographed. This experience intentionally exists outside of that paradigm.
We are hiking together.
We should cherish the time we have to move through the landscape as a community.
Along the journey, we will encounter “art moments”, brief invitations to pause, reflect, and consider our relationship to nature, belonging, and one another. Think of Black by Nature less as a traditional dance performance and more as an outdoor museum: a living landscape where the art, the environment, and the people experiencing it are all part of the work.
Perhaps, by the end, we might leave with a slightly different understanding of who gets to say, “This place is for me.”
Dominic Moore-Dunson (Artistic Director/Choreographer & Dancer)
Named one of Dance Magazine’s 2023 “25 to Watch,” and 2025 Lloyd Richards New Futures Fellow (SDC Foundation), Dominic Moore-Dunson is an award-winning choreographer, performer, and storyteller based in Akron, Ohio. His work blends contemporary dance, physical theater, live music, and text to explore themes of race, identity, memory, and belonging through what he calls Urban Midwest Storytelling—narratives shaped by growing up Black in post-industrial America.
Dominic is the writer, director, and choreographer of inCOPnegro: Aftermath, a podcast and dance-theater work examining the long-term impact of police violence on Black communities; The Remember Balloons, an intergenerational family performance about memory, loss, and Alzheimer's; and The Block, a digital substack essay series combining personal narrative, satire, and movement to reflect on the creative realities of Black working artists.
His work has been presented nationally and featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Akron Beacon Journal, and on PBS Western Reserve. A 2024 Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Award recipient, Dominic creates immersive, multidisciplinary performances that spark dialogue, healing, and joy—continuing a legacy of storytelling that moves both people and systems.
Chris Coles (Composer/saxophone)
Christopher J. Coles graduated from Cleveland South High School in 2004 while studying with the renowned educator and saxophonist Kenneth LeeGrand. In 2009 Coles received his bachelor's degree in Saxophone Performance from Youngstown State University where he studied with educators such as: Dr. James C. Umble (saxophone), Dr. Kent Englehardt (saxophone), and Dr. David Morgan (bass). Amid developing his own style and sound, Coles went on to receive his master's degree in Saxophone Performance from the University of Akron in 2012.
Coles has performed with highly respected jazz musicians such as the Grammy Award-winning Slide Hampton, Sean Jones, Dan Wilson, Dominick Farinacci, Eddie Baccus Sr., Melvin Burks, Kenny Davis, Glenn Holmes, Bill Ransom, Cecil Rucker, Ralph Lalama, and Allen Vizzutti to name a few. Coles was invited to perform in Italy with the Ohio Youth Jazz Orchestra where he performed with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra’s lead alto saxophonist, Wessell Anderson.
Coles has also played at the North American Saxophone Alliance Regional Festival in West Virginia at the International Saxophone Symposium in Washington D.C. to premiere a commissioned work by John Hollenbeck, which he later recorded on Hollenbeck’s 2009 LP Rainbow Jimmies. Coles was invited to The Banff Workshop for Jazz and Creative music in Alberta, Canada where he was granted the distinct honor of studying with some of the great jazz pioneers such as: Tia Fuller, Somi, Vijay Iyer, Billy Hart, Mark Turner, Imani Izuri, Ingrid Jensen, Zakir Hussain, Yosvany Terry, and Miles Okazaki to name a few. In 2017, Chris was an awardee of the Knight Arts Challenge in Akron, Ohio, which catapulted him to receive grant funding from GAR Foundation and the Cleveland Foundation for his multimedia tribute to the victims of the 2015 mass church shooting in South Carolina, appropriately titled “Nine Lives”, which premiered in 2019. Chris is a Yamaha Performing Artist currently based out of Akron, Ohio and serves on the faculty at Oberlin Conservatory, The University of Akron and The Tri-C Creative Arts JazzFest Academy where he takes pride in bridging the gap to help the next generation of jazz giants.
Morgan Grube (Associate Artistic Director)
Morgan is a Cleveland-based versatile movement artist who earned her BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from Kent State University. Upon graduation, she received several prestigious awards, including the G. Harry Wright Scholarship and Kent Dance Ensemble Guest Artist Award, reflecting her dedication and excellence in dance. Following her graduation, Morgan began her professional career with Philadelphia-based company, Cardell Dance Theatre, while concurrently training on scholarship at The Ailey School in New York, New York. In 2019, she joined Cleveland-based company, Dancing Wheels Company, where she spent five seasons performing new and repertory works. In her final two seasons, she took on the roles of Rehearsal Director and Wardrobe Manager while continuing her passion as a fulltime company movement artist. During this time, Morgan had the pleasure of working with choreographers such as Stephanie Martinez, Ronald K. Brown, Catherine Meredith, Jamal White, Mark Tomasic, Tiffany Mills, among others.
In 2021, Morgan launched a choreographic project for local artists, which has led to commissions and creative residencies from Kent State University, Bellingham Repertory Dance, GroundWorks DanceTheater, Cleveland Dance Festival, Detroit Dance City Festival, Mark DeGarmo International Dance Festival, and Contemporary Dance Choreography Festival, among others. In 2023, Morgan was awarded the Michigan Residency Award by Detroit Dance City Festival and became a GroundWorks DanceTheater Discovery Residency Artist in 2024. Presently, Morgan is a dancer for Dominic Moore-Dunson's The Remember Balloons tour, STILGO dance + tech, and Ajayi Dance while concurrently developing her company, MoJo Co.Lab and an online movement program focused on accessible movement practices available to and for everyone
Larry White Jr. (Dancer)
Larry began his dance journey at the age of 13, sparking a lifelong passion that culminated in earning a BFA in Dance from The University of Akron in 2024. Throughout his college career, he collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including performing in Kimberly Bartosik's The Encounter: Akron. Deeply connected to the Northeast Ohio dance com-munity, Larry has established strong ties with local choreographers. He has performed with Dominic Moore-Dunson in Aftermath, a powerful George Floyd tribute presented at The O'Shaughnessy Center in Minneapolis, as well as in the nationally touring production of The Remember Balloons. Last year, Larry appeared as a guest dancer with Ohio Contemporary Ballet in Donald McKayle's Rainbow Suite. He is currently starting a new adventure as a company member with Garth Fagan Dance this Fall.
Jade Holloway (Dancer)
Jade is a dance artist, educator, and choreographer based in the Akron/Cleveland area. She began dancing at the age of three and has since trained across a wide range of disciplines, including tap, jazz, ballet, contemporary, acro, musical theatre, hip hop, and other street dance styles. At the age of eleven, she began dancing competitively, around age fifteen she began teaching and choreographing and at seventeen began pursuing dance professionally, gaining opportunities to train, compete, and perform across the country.
Her experience includes becoming the 2022 World of Dance Chicago Champion, performing at venues and events including Playhouse Square, Flip the Switch Convention, and Lago East Bank’s New Year’s Eve celebration. She has also performed as part of Detroit Dance City Festival (2024) and Cleveland Dance Fest (2024, 2025). Today, Jade continues her work as an educator, choreographer, and performing artist. She is currently working with MoJo Co.Lab, founded by Morgan Joanne Grube, as well as director and choreographer Dominic Moore-Dunson.
As an artist, Jade views dance as more than movement. For her, dance is a form of expression, connection, and communication. A way to give voice to experiences and emotions that words cannot always hold. While continuing to discover and define her own artistic identity, Jade embraces the process of evolving as an artist and allowing her experiences, relationships, and continued exploration to shape her work.
Natalie Brown (Dancer)
Natalie Brown has trained in dance for 12 years, with experience in Contemporary, Hip-Hop, Tap, Ballet, Musical Theatre, Jazz, and more. Her diverse training has made her a versatile performer, choreographer, and teaching artist. Dance has been a part of Natalie’s life from the very beginning, and her dedication to the craft continues to shape her artistic journey. Alongside performing, she enjoys creating her own choreography and sharing her passion for dance with young artists. Natalie is also exploring her interests in fashion and modeling while pursuing a degree in Fashion Merchandising at Kent State University. She hopes to continue expanding her work across the arts and discovering new ways to create, perform, and inspire.
Noa Denton (Bass)
Bassist Noa Denton has established an impressive career at just 20 years old, performing alongside acts like Foreigner, Knower, and Morgan Wade, as well as contributing to major soundtracks like Terrifier 3. His acclaimed collaborative EP, Database (with Daniel Hayn and Israel Strom), has garnered over a million streams and featured on Spotify's Top Jazz Songs of 2022.
Sarah Hegenderfer (trumpet)
Sarah Hegenderfer is a composer whose work centers on storytelling through sound, blending atmospheric orchestration with an emotionally driven and cinematic musical language. Drawing inspiration from natural imagery, folklore, psychological depth, and human connection, her music explores themes of transformation, wonder, and resilience. Her distinctive voice combines lyrical melodies, vivid orchestral color, and a deep commitment to communicating with audiences.
Sarah is currently completing a Bachelor of Music in Composition at The University of Akron, where she studies with James Wilding and Robert Brownlow. Her musical background is shaped by experience as a composer, conductor, vocalist, guitarist, pianist, and trumpeter, informing an approach to writing that is both collaborative and performer-conscious.
Her music has been programmed by professional ensembles including the Akron Symphony Orchestra and the Cleveland Women’s Orchestra, with performances at E.J. Thomas Hall and Severance Hall in Cleveland. Her works have also been performed internationally in and featured on university concerts, chamber music programs, and educational performances.
How long is the show? Approximately 70 minutes with no intermission across a 1.2 mile hike.
What are the addresses for the trails?
Prather Trail: 1134 Cuyahoga St. Akron, OH 44313.
Oxbow Trail: 1061 Cuyahoga St. Akron, OH 44313.
What about the weather?
The show will go on, rain or shine, unless weather conditions make it unsafe.
What if I have accessibility needs?
The Prather Trail is a mix of earthen surfaces and gravel. It is relatively flat and accessible to most abilities. The trail is not paved, and therefore we do not recommend it for wheelchair use.
We will be sharing a 360° virtual performance experience to provide audiences with mobility differences an opportunity to experience the work. Information about how to access this video experience will be available in the weeks following the performances.
Is this show appropriate for children?
Yes, children are welcome to come along to the performances. While the show is not specifically designed for children, this performance does not include any content inappropriate for children.
What should I bring?
We recommend sunscreen and insect repellent (please be considerate of others when applying). You are also welcome to bring your own walking stick, or snacks and water to enjoy before and after or along the trail.
What do I wear?
There is no dress code, and we encourage you to wear whatever makes you feel comfortable while hiking. Tennis shoes, hiking shoes or a closed-toe shoe are highly recommended. Be sure to check the weather and dress appropriately!
Can I bring my dog?
Please leave pets at home for this event.
What else should I know?
Allow yourself plenty of time for parking and walking to performance.
Where are restrooms located?
For the Prather Trail Performances on Sept. 26th, restrooms are available by the Crooked River Shelter near the Prather Trail.
If you are attending the Oxbow performances on Sept. 19th, we recommend using the restroom at Hilltop Shelter area before you continue to the parking lot for Oxbow Trail. Click here for directions. We recommend leaving plenty of time to use the restroom ahead of the performance and then continuing your drive to the parking lot for Oxbow Trail. Restrooms are located next to the parking lot.
Click here for directions to the Oxbow Trail, or enter 1061 Cuyahoga St., Akron, OH 44313 in your GPS.
Click here for directions to the Prather Trail, or enter 1134 Cuyahoga St, Akron, OH 44313 in your GPS.
Parking is available at both trailheads. Look for the DANCECleveland tent to check in once you arrive.
The Ohio Arts Council helped fund DANCECleveland with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.
DANCECleveland is generously funded by Cuyahoga County residents through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.
In addition, thank you to our other generous supporters:
The Cleveland Foundation
Elyria Charities
The George Gund Foundation
The John P. Murphy Foundation
Kastner, Westman, & Wilkins, LLC
Shubert Foundation
Thomas H. White Foundation
About DANCECleveland: From its modest founding in a church basement to the glittering lights of Playhouse Square, DANCECleveland, a Cleveland, Ohio-based nonprofit, continues into its seventieth year as one of just a few presenters in the nation dedicated solely to the presentation of modern and contemporary dance. The centerpiece of the organization’s programming is its annual performance series. Performances are surrounded by an array of educational outreach events including artist-run classes, residency programs, student matinees, pre-performance lectures and post-performance Q&A sessions, designed both to break artistic boundaries and provide community access.
DANCECleveland was first founded in 1956 by Lillian Weisberg as the Cleveland Modern Dance Association, a grass-roots organization devoted to bringing dance enthusiasts together to share in educational and artistic workshops. Within a year, the volunteer membership began inviting nationally known artists to Cleveland for public performances. The organization was formally incorporated in 1966, and in 1986, the trustees elected to adopt a new name for the organization: DANCECleveland. 70 years after its founding, the organization has not only kept a high-profile list of visiting dance companies on its roster season after season but has maintained the importance of dance education and other offerings at the forefront of its being, just as Weisberg intended, offering programs like Read to Learn…Dance to Move, masterclasses, artist conversations, school programs, and more. Serving as a compass for dance in the region, the organization continues to gauge where modern dance has been and how its innovative dance makers are charting a path forward while exposing the Northeast Ohio community to a broad spectrum of both emerging and established dance companies.
Learn more about DANCECleveland's history.
Learn more about DANCECleveland's educational offerings.
THERESA REMICK, Executive Director
SARAH SUMBRUM, Marketing & Artistic Director
VANESSA LANGE, Institutional Giving Manager
PRISCILLA FLORIN, Operations Manager
ALISON KAMIS, Education and Outreach Coordinator
KIRSTEN WILLIAMS, Production Manager
DAVID W. WITTKOWSKY
Chair
Retired
COREY CLAY
Secretary
The MetroHealth System
Deputy General Counsel
AMANDA COLE
Chair of Development Committee
Plexus LGBT+ Allied Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director
MANJU GUPTA
Chair of Trustee Committee
Tucker Ellis LLP
DANIELLE MORRIS
Treasurer
Immediate Past Chair
JumpStart, Inc.
Sr. Director, Revenue and Compliance Management
MARIA RESTREPO HAMILTON
Chair of Programming Committee
Independent Consultant
DOLORES BAUDERS
SPARXiQ
Chief Operating Officer
HEIDI GLYNIAS
Dance Educator
Vice Chair, Programming Committee
LEAH HUDDLESTON
CBIZ, Inc.
Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary
JOHN JENKINS
Bober Markey Fedorovich
Senior Manager
KAYLA JUERGENS
Thompson Hine LLP
Associate
ERIC LOGAN
KPMG LLP
Principal and Chief Transformation Officer
JANICE MATTEUCCI
Retired
CYNTHIA L. REYNOLDS
Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan
Realtor
FELTON THOMAS
Cleveland Public Library
CEO
GREGORY VIDETIC
Cleveland Clinic
Physician
MARK WILLIAMS
Manchester Partners
Managing Director
SCOTT WILLIAMS
Williams Accounting & Advisory
Managing Partner
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