The Plain Dealer | March 04, 2017
DanceCleveland books eight acts and a mini-festival for expansive 2017-18 season
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Keep on reading, DanceCleveland fans. Unless you're attending (or attended) Jessica Lang Dance Saturday, March 4, this is where you'll learn of the 2017-18 season.
The season begins with a name that should be familiar: Malpaso.
Seen here just last February, the Cuban troupe is slated to return this summer for free performances June 2 and 3 at the Ohio Theatre. Only this time, in addition to core repertoire, the group will also perform "Indomitable Waltz," a new work conceived through the Cleveland Foundation's Creative Fusion: Cuba program.
DANCE CLEVELAND'S 2017-18 SEASON
June 2 & 3: Malpaso
July 29: Pilobolus
Aug. 2: Raphael Xavier
Aug. 5: Brian Brooks + Dancers
Oct. 1: Koresh Dance Company
Nov. 11: Paul Taylor Dance Company
Jan. 20 & 21: Grupo Corpo
March 17: Che Malambo
That's not all that's special this summer. After Malpaso comes a miniature version of the American Dance Festival. The three-concert series, a co-presentation with Cleveland State University, marks the first time the prestigious Durham, North Carolina-based festival has taken to the road.
Featured on the Festival in Cleveland: Pilobolus, performing "Shadowland" (July 29 at the State Theatre); the Raphael Xavier company (Aug. 2 at the Allen Theatre); and Brian Brooks + Dancers (Aug. 5 at Ohio Theatre).
The rest of the season entails four companies. Two qualify as household names while the others fall into the category of "lesser-known."
Up first on the main season is the Koresh Dance Company, Oct. 1 at E.J. Thomas Hall in Akron. DanceCleveland staff said the Philadelphia-based troupe may include a site-specific piece on its program, in addition to other works.
Then comes the revered Paul Taylor Dance Company, Nov. 11 at the Ohio Theatre. One of the founders of American modern dance returns to Cleveland with a program of "greatest hits," pieces that have emerged as favorites over the course of decades.
The last two companies both hail from South America. Specifically, Brazil and Argentina.
Grupo Corpo, a prolific troupe from Brazil featured in the 2016 Rio Olympics, brings the vision of founder Paul Pederneiras to the Ohio Theatre at Playhouse Square Jan. 20 and 21.
The season then ends on March 17, with a performance at the Ohio Theatre by Che Malambo, an Argentine company combining the percussive aura of "Stomp" and the spirited footwork of the South American cowboy.
Season tickets, available now, begin at $117. Individual tickets, starting at $25, go on sale May 11. For more information and to order, visit dancecleveland.org call 216-991-9000.
