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Phone: 216-991-9000
Address: 13110 Shaker Square, Suite 106, Cleveland, OH 44120
Welcome to DANCECleveland’s 65th Anniversary Season! We are so thankful to be celebrating another year of world-class dance with you by our side. We’re equally thrilled to be kicking off the season with a one-of-a-kind collaboration at the beautiful Cain Park this Saturday that’s directly inspired by our Northeast Ohio Community. Each year that we co-present a production at Cain Park, we are reminded of what a gem it is, nestled in the wonderful city of Cleveland Heights. Not only is this DANCECleveland’s 65th anniversary, but it is also the 100th birthday of this artistic and cultural city!
As the new leaders of DANCECleveland, we are excited to venture forward into this season with grace, flexibility, and an ever-growing determination to keep dance on the stages (and pathways in this case!) for you to enjoy.
Raphael Xavier previously was in Cleveland in 2017 at Playhouse Square as part of our American Dance Festival in Cleveland. He pushed many of us to look at breakdancing and hip-hop with a new lens and to question the interplay and connection between hop-hop inspired movement and modern dance. As a practitioner of the art form since the 1980’s, Raphael is a pioneer who has brought the art of breakdance and hip-hop to new audiences across the world through his unique approach. We are thrilled to have him back again this year to work directly with dancers from our Northeast Ohio community in this site-responsive work, “Kolâde-Xcope.” When we first learned about this piece, we were in quarantine, working from home and longing for that sense of community back. Our excitement for this piece grew as we planned for the return to in-person performances this year, and we are overjoyed to be kicking off the season in community with you.
We hope you will join us in welcoming Raphael Xavier back to Northeast Ohio.
Enjoy the performance!
Sarah Sumbrum, Artistic Director Theresa Remick, Executive Director
Raphael Xavier (Director, Choreographer, Performer) Originally from Wilmington, Delaware, Raphael Xavier (pronounced ZAH-vee-ay) has been a breaking practitioner since 1983. As he has forged an exceptional approach to improvisation, Brenda Dixon Gottschild deemed Xavier, ‘A fine rhythm technician who transforms a bravado dance style into an introspective meditation.’ Xavier's extensive research in the breaking form has led to the creation of Ground-Core, a Somatic dance technique that gives the practitioner a better understanding of the body within all dance forms. His solo and ensemble choreographic dance works have been performed worldwide. XAVEIR’S: The Musicians & The Mover is currently being developed as part of New York Live Arts’ Live Feed Artist Residency. Past works have been performed at REDCAT Los Angeles, the Kennedy Center in Washington DC, ART (American Repertory Theatre in Boston), the Dance Center at Columbia College Chicago and Painted Bride in Philadelphia, PA among others. He currently lives in Philadelphia and is a Professor of Dance at Princeton University and University of Texas Austin. To hear more about Xavier, visit raphaelxavier.org or follow him on Instagram @viazeen.
Tim Motzer (Musician). After two decades of world touring, nine solo soundscape albums, and stunning collaborations including over 100 albums of credits, Tim Motzer continues to “traverse manifold territories in music” (Guitar Player magazine). Tim is widely known for his distinct textural acoustic-electro guitar voice utilizing looping, bowing, electronics, and prepared techniques. He has collaborated with numerous musical luminaries including David Sylvian, Burnt Friedman, Jaki Liebezeit, poet Ursula Rucker, King Britt, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Vernon Reid, David Torn, Markus Reuter, and Pat Mastelotto, among others. Since 2016, Tim has toured the world playing prestigious venues and jazz festivals with Bandit65, an improvising trio he co-leads with guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel and drummer Gintas Janusonis; their most recent release, Searching the Continuum (Heartcore Records), received a rare five-star review from J.D. Considine in Downbeat Magazine. His film/TV credits include the hit HBO series True Blood as well as Miami Vice, a major motion picture directed by Michael Mann. As an in-demand, solo live composer/improviser in the world of modern dance, Tim co-creates alongside master choreographers at Princeton University and the University of the Arts. He also has a longstanding collaboration with legendary choreographer Manfred Fischbeck, as part of Group Motion Dance Company. For the past 20 years, Tim has brought his dynamic, eclectic array of musical projects together under his own 1k Recordings imprint, which has over 40 releases and counting. He composes, records, and produces his own solo and collaborative work, along with projects for other artists. For more info about 1k, please visit 1krecordings.bandcamp.com
Josh Culbreath (Performer) started dancing at the age of 5. Josh's Breaking journey began after watching the movies Breakin and Beat Street. In middle school Joshua got involved with a dance group called KRS Ent., who he credits for introducing him to theater and performing on stage. In High school Josh met Joe Son, who helped further his breaking. Joshua joined Rennie Harris's second dance company RHAW in 2009. Shortly after joining RHAW he met Raphael Xavier. In 2014, after performing in one of Raphael Xavier's works called "The Unofficial Guide To Audience Watching Performance", Josh wanted to work with Raphael more due to the direction he is taking the breaking movement. Josh continues to perform with both Raphael Xavier and Rennie Harris all while learning the ropes, so he can create his own work and expand the possibilities of the Breaking Movement. Follow Josh on Instagram: @bboysupajosh.
Deidre McPherson interviews popping extraordinaire, and community partner of DANCECleveland, Samuel McIntosh Founder, director and choreographer of 10KMovement, and talks about about hip-hop dance in Cleveland, components of hip-hop battles, the connection between DANCECleveland and 10kMovement and what he's excited about as we gear up for this Wednesdays' FREE All Styles Battle & Free performances August 21st featuring Raphael Xavier with live music & Local Northeast Ohio Dancers at Cain Park! No tickets are required for the battle or performances. Join us this week rain or shine.
Can Spectators watch the free Dance Open Styles Battle on August 18th in The Alma Theater?
Yes, observing is free and encouraged, however, spectators will be limited to the first 50 people who attend.
How long are the shows on August 21?
45 min. No intermission.
What about the weather?
The show will go on, rain or shine, unless weather conditions make it unsafe. While the performance is planned to take place along the pathways of Cain Park, in the event of rain, we will plan to move the performance to the Alma Theater at Cain Park. We will post updates regarding weather by 11 am on August 21 on the Virtual Playbill website, on DANCECleveland's social media pages and in our eblast newsletter.
I know the show is free, but do I need a reservation or ticket?
No. Tickets or reservations are not required Simply arrive a few minutes early to navigate to the performance space within the park. You can arrive early and bring a picnic to enjoy in the park grounds, grab some concessions, or check out the free Art Gallery, next to the Alma Theater, which will be open one hour before each performance.
Where do I park?
Parking is located on streets adjacent to the park (South Taylor Rd, Superior Rd, and nearby residential streets). There is an accessible parking lot located close to the Lee Rd. park entrance (permit required).
Where will we be walking?
Be prepared to walk. The show takes place along the pathways of Cain Park in multiple locations. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and bring along a blanket or folding chair if you do wish to sit, as seating will not be provided. Guests are encouraged to sit or stand at their own discretion. Expect to walk up to 10 min. during the show. Wear comfortable clothing as it will likely be warm!
What if I have accessibility needs?
Please contact Cain Park to make sure they are aware of your needs. There are a limited number of golf carts that will be operated by Cain Park staff 1 hour before and after each performance to help audience members get to and from the street parking areas. However, these carts will not be running during the performance to get patrons from location to location. Golf carts will take audience members up and down from the hill located on Superior Rd.
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, performances do not include mature themes or content.
Is photography permitted?
Photography and video without flash is permitted. And sharing is caring! Please follow @DANCECleveland on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and share your favorite moments with us #DANCECleveland #raphaelxavier #bboysupajosh.
What should I bring?
Chairs and blankets, sunscreen, and insect repellent (please be considerate of others when applying!). You are also welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy before or after the performances.
Do I Need to Wear a Mask?
Per the CDC recommendations, masks are encouraged for all individuals gathering in groups both indoors and outdoors.
My dog loves the park, can I bring it?
For the comfort and safety of all audience members, please leave family pets at home. Service animals who have been trained to perform a specific task are welcome to attend with their handlers.
What if I have to “go” during the show?
Accessible restrooms will be available in the Alma Theatre courtyard area.
What else should I know?
Allow yourself plenty of time for parking and walking to the initial performance area.
To get to Cain Park, please use the following address in your GPS or phone:
14591 Superior Rd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118.
Parking is located on the streets, however please note that all parking laws do apply.
There is an accessible parking lot located off of Lee Rd. close to the Lee Rd. park entrance. (permit required)
Golf carts are available to assit those needing help up or down the hill on Superior Rd. and to and from the accesible parking lot. [If you want to arrange a golf cart to assit you, please notify Cain Park in advance by calling (216) 371-3000. Golf Carts will be running one hour before and after each performance]
This engagement is supported by the Arts Midwest GIG Fund, a program of Arts Midwest that is funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional contributions from The Ohio Arts Council.
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:
Eaton Corporation
The Char and Chuck Fowler Family Foundation
The Shubert Foundation
Thank you to Beverage Distributors Inc. and Liquid Death Water for donating water to our dancers and performers.
DANCECleveland's mission is to bring the passion and verve of modern and contemporary dance to Northeast Ohio. Founded originally as Cleveland Modern Dance Association in 1956, DANCECleveland continues to be: A DANCE PRESENTER AND MORE!
One of only a handful of presenters in the nation dedicated solely to the presentation of modern and contemporary dance, DANCECleveland brings renowned modern and contemporary dance companies from around the world to perform on the stages of Northeast Ohio through their annual dance series. DANCECleveland is A COMMISSIONER of new dance works, bringing up-and-coming choreographers from across the nation to be inspired by our community as they create new dance pieces; AN EDUCATOR through Read to Learn…Dance To Move, an early childhood program that brings professional dancers into preschool and kindergarten classrooms to inspire creativity through literacy and movement. A RESOURCE to the dance community by offering free dance classes with visiting world class dancers and directors for local dancers of all ages and abilities; A NATIONAL LEADER recognized by organizations such as Dance/USA for their innovative audience engagement programs, pre and post show activities; and A VISIONARY by collaborating with the region’s leading arts, cultural and educational organizations to create co-presenting relationships.
Learn more about DANCECleveland's history, click here.
Learn more about DANCECleveland's educational offerings, click here.
The 65th Anniversary Season continues Sept. 25th at The University of Akron's EJ Thomas Hall with Monica Bill Barnes', "The Running Show". Tickets available starting August 16th at DANCECleveland.org or 330-972-7570.
We invite you to follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter @DANCECleveland.
Theresa Remick, Executive Director
Sarah Sumbrum, Marketing & Artistic Director
Briggs Van Sickle, Administrative Coordinator
Deidre McPherson, Project Coordinator
Board Officers
MARK WILLIAMS
Chair
JOHN JENKINS
Immediate Past Board Chair
DANIELLE MORRIS
Chair Elect
DMITRIY BERKOVICH
Treasurer
MYZOMIA GARCIA VALES
Secretary
MANJU GUPTA
VP, Chair of Trustee Committee
MARIA RESTREPO HAMILTON
VP, Co-Chair of Programming Committee
JOANNE TSEVDOS
VP, Co-Chair of Programming Committee
RENA T. VYSNIONIS
VP, Chair of Marketing Committee
DAVID W. WITTKOWSKY
VP, Chair of Development Committee
REBECCA CARMI
COREY CLAY
MARY KIM ELKINS
GINA FRANCE
ANDREAN HORTON
EMILY HUGGINGS JONES
DANIELLE MORRIS
MYZOMYIA GARCIA VALES
Cain Park is a summer performing art park owned and operated by the City of Cleveland Heights.
No ordinary City park, Cain Park begins where most leave off:
In December 2004, Cleveland Magazine included Cain Park as One of 19 Reasons to Cross the River:
"There's nothing quite like Cain Park west of the river. During its summer-long season, you can sit in the airy, intimate Evans Amphitheater or, better yet, recline on your own blanket on the grassy slope that climbs gently upward from the theater while you watch local dance troupes cavort and leap or lose yourself in live concerts of folk, jazz, klezmer, blues, bluegrass, Latin and a little bit of everything else by local and national acts. Cain Park also features 22 acres of bike and jogging paths, tennis and basketball courts, a playground, a skate park and picnic tables and pavilions - but it's eclectic music under the stars that really makes it unique."
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Thanks to Our Sponsors!
DANCECleveland gratefully acknowledges its generous community of institutional supporters.
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