February 13, 2012

Ballet Memphis Makes Cleveland Debut March 10-11 Company recognized for ties to South's rich musical, literary heritage

Spring will arrive in Cleveland early this year when Ballet Memphis heats up the stage at the Ohio Theatre March 10-11 for the company's debut appearance in Ohio, presented by DANCECleveland.

Tickets for this groundbreaking troupe can be purchased by calling 216-241-6000 or online at www.playhousesquare.org for the Saturday evening performance on March 10 at 8 pm and the matinee on Sunday, March 11 at 3 pm. For the matinee, DANCECleveland has a special ticket offer a Family Four Pack for $60. Purchasers can use the code FAM4 online or by phone to receive the discount.

Known for its thought-provoking repertory, Ballet Memphis will present a program featuring acclaimed work by four choreographers, including the award-winning ballet S'Epanouir by Jane Comfort, set to a gospel tradition score by Kirk Whalum, an eight-time Grammy nominated musician. In Dreams, by Trey McIntyre (former resident choreographer of the company) is set to a score of Roy Orbison love songs. Being Here with Other People, a joyous romp set to Beethoven's Violin Concerto in D Major, was created by company dancer Steven McMahon. Curtain of Green, inspired by the short story of the same name by Eudora Welty, was created by Julia Adam, the company's artistic associate and former dancer with San Francisco Ballet.

Founded in 1986 by Dorothy Gunther Pugh, who continues to serve as artistic director, the establishment of Ballet Memphis was a bold move to redefine the city's cultural landscape. It has evolved into a nationally renowned ballet company performing original dances and classics with a fresh face.

Identified as a "national treasure" by the Ford Foundation, Ballet Memphis has performed in such prestigious locales as Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, the Joyce Theatre in New York City and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., among others.

"If northeast Ohio still had a classical ballet company in residence, it might look and feel like Ballet Memphis," says Pam Young, DANCECleveland executive director.

DANCECleveland is one of a handful of presenters nationally that are dedicated solely to the presentation of modern dance. The centerpiece of DANCECleveland's programming is its annual performance series that is always surrounded by an array of educational outreach events designed to break artistic boundaries and provide community access to the dance aesthetic and dance luminaries that DANCECleveland brings to northeast Ohio.

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH: DANCECleveland educational and outreach programming includes master classes, residency programs, student matinees and pre-performance lectures and post performance Q&A sessions.

For more information about Ballet Memphis, visit www.balletmemphis.org

ELECTRONIC PHOTOS AVAILABLE FROM PAM BARR AT 216-932-5060 or barrp@roadrunner.com