The Plain Dealer  |  April 22, 2016

DanceCleveland looks to tell and showcase good stories during 2016-17 season (preview)

DANCE CLEVELAND'S 2016-17 SEASON

3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9

Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company

E.J. Thomas Hall, Akron

Program: "Analogy/Dora"

7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12

BODYTRAFFIC

Ohio Theatre, Playhouse Square

Program: Mixed repertoire

3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21

Dance Theatre of Harlem

Ohio Theatre, Playhouse Square

Program: Includes new work by Dianne McIntyre

7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 4

Jessica Lang Dance

Ohio Theatre, Playhouse Square

Program: Includes "Thousand Yard Stare"

7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 2

Ballet Biarritz

Ohio Theatre, Playhouse Square

Program: A new version of "Cinderella" by artistic director Thierry Malandain

CLEVELAND, Ohio - DanceCleveland is getting back to normal.

As its celebratory 60th anniversary season draws to a close, the distinguished dance presenter has announced that next season will more closely resemble years past, beginning in the fall and consisting of five performances instead of this year's eight.

Smaller, though, does not mean inferior, or reflect a struggling organization. On the contrary. In terms of quality, DanceCleveland's next season is every bit as compelling as this year's lineup and its predecessors, and the presenter itself is healthier than ever.

In fact, the 61st season boasts something most typically don't: a theme. Where most seasons are determined by general interest and availability, series director Pamela Young said in 2016-17 she also made selections based on what each troupe represents or has to say.

There's a broader narrative, in other words. "I found myself drawn to dance companies with really good back stories, or whose work itself told a good story," Young said.

Here, in any case, is what Young came up with. Check back here for a detailed season preview and coverage of individual performances.

Subscriptions, $128-$270, are available now. Single tickets, $25-$65, go on sale Aug. 15. Go to dancecleveland.org or call 216-991-9000.