Tag Archives: Cincinnati Ballet

WLWT to Broadcast Cincinnati Ballet’s THE NUTCRACKER AT HOME

CB_WLWTAudiences will enjoy a free, all-new version of the holiday favorite

CINCINNATI, OH. (December 9, 2020) –
Cincinnati Ballet and Hearst Television, WLWT announced today that for the first time ever, Cincinnati Ballet’s performance of the holiday classic The Nutcracker presented by Frisch’s will be shown on WLWT Channel 5. The Nutcracker at Home presented by Frisch’s will premiere in Prime Time on Tuesday, December 22 at 8 pm, with additional re-broadcasts throughout the holiday season on both WLWT and MeTV, Cincinnati channel WLWT 5.2. “Everyone has a front row seat to this year’s Nutcracker,” said Cincinnati Ballet President and CEO Scott Altman. “The Nutcracker is a part of so many families’ holiday memories, this re-imagined, hour-long broadcast will keep that tradition alive during this unusual holiday season. We are thrilled to partner with WLWT on this holiday gift to the community.” Music for the production was recorded by members of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. “Due to COVID-19, viewers across Greater Cincinnati will be able to enjoy this year’s performance of The Nutcracker from the safety and comfort of their homes,” said Branden Frantz, WLWT President & General manager. “For more than 72 Years, WLWT has continued Leading the Way in the Tri-State on hyper-local programs and unique specials. I am incredibly proud of the collective teams at WLWT and Cincinnati Ballet for the vision and extraordinary efforts to make available to everyone a cherished holiday tradition at the end of this challenging year,” Frantz added.

The Nutcracker at Home presented by Frisch’s will be recorded at Cincinnati Music Hall next week following strict health and safety protocols. The production will introduce new choreography by Artistic Director Victoria Morgan with support from artistic team – Cervilio Miguel Amador, Dale Shields and Suzette Boyer Webb, Main Company dancers, and gorgeous sets and costumes. Morgan and the Cincinnati Ballet’s artistic and production teams spent countless hours working with Emmy award-winning Director David Ashbrock to adapt the ballet for television. Due to the pandemic, dancers will wear masks and follow socially-distancing guidelines, but Morgan said audiences will enjoy an up-close, immersive experience of The Nutcracker like never before. “With eight cameras capturing moments from every angle, even on the stage itself, this is a truly unique experience,” said Morgan. “Those magical moments we share together each year remain in this production — Clara and the Nutcracker Prince, the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, plus we’ve added a few surprises just for this broadcast version.” Cincinnati Ballet is also honored to partner with Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra to create a unique recording of Tchaikovsky’s iconic music for this special performance. Cincinnati Ballet Music Director Carmon DeLeone and 35 Symphony musicians recorded a special score for the performance at Music Hall in late November. DeLeone also spent many hours editing the music for this special broadcast. A streaming version of the production will be also available to watch for a limited time after Christmas. More details to come at cballet.org.

WLWT Channel 5 schedule:

  • Tuesday December 22 at 8pm
  • Thursday December 24 at 7pm
  • Friday December 25 at 5am
  • Friday December 25 at 12pm

MeTV Cincinnati Channel 5.2 schedule:

  • Thursday December 24 at 8pm
  • Friday December 25 at 10pm

Nutcracker at Home Presenting Sponsor: Frisch’s, Production Sponsor: Mercy Health, our official Sports Medicine Provider

Cincinnati Ballet 2020-2021 Season Sponsors: Rhonda & Larry A. Sheakley, Margaret & Michael Valentine, ArtsWave, Mercy Health, Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Ohio Arts Council, Frisch’s, The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation

About Cincinnati Ballet
Since 1963, Cincinnati Ballet has been the cornerstone professional ballet company of the region, presenting a bold and adventurous array of classical, full-length ballets and contemporary works. Under the artistic direction of Victoria Morgan, Cincinnati Ballet has become a creative force within the larger dance community, commissioning world premiere works and exploring unique collaborations. With a mission to inspire hope and joy in our community and beyond through the power and passion of dance, Cincinnati Ballet reaches beyond the stage in programs that allow every person in the region to be part of the continued evolution of dance through exhilarating performances, extensive community and education programs and top-level professional ballet training at Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy.

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Cincinnati Ballet Keeps THE NUTCRACKER Magic Alive Despite the Pandemic

cb_NutcrackerAtHome_image 2Audiences will enjoy a free, newly-produced digital version of the holiday favorite

CINCINNATI, OH.  (November 20, 2020) ­– The holidays would not be complete without The Nutcracker presented by Frisch’s Big Boy, especially during these challenging times. This year everyone in our community will have the opportunity to experience The Nutcracker for free! As we continue to prioritize the health and safety of our dancers, staff, students, and patrons, Cincinnati Ballet is shifting our family tradition from an in-person experience to a digital one, The Nutcracker at Home presented by Frisch’s Big Boy. “Given the ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases across the region, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel all in-person performances of The Nutcracker at Cincinnati Music Hall,” said Cincinnati Ballet President and CEO Scott Altman. “We have a responsibility to the community to do all we can to stop the spread of COVID-19. While we will dearly miss performing for live audiences, we are producing and recording a re-imagined, hour-long performance everyone can enjoy in the comfort and safety of their own homes. We could think of no better gift for the community this holiday season.”

The Nutcracker at Home will be recorded at Cincinnati Music Hall following strict health and safety protocols. The production will feature Artistic Director Victoria Morgan’s whimsical choreography, Main Company dancers, and gorgeous sets and costumes. “All those magical moments we share together each year remain in this production,” said Morgan. “Clara and the Nutcracker Prince, the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier, plus we’ve added a few surprises just for this digital version.” Cincinnati Ballet is also honored to partner with Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra to create a unique recording of Tchaikovsky’s iconic music for this special performance. Cincinnati Ballet Music Director Carmon DeLeone will conduct 35 Symphony musicians for the recording at Music Hall.  There will be several opportunities for the community to view the program. Cincinnati Ballet will announce the details in the coming days. The Nutcracker at Home virtual experience will also include behind-the-scenes, bonus content, as well as the online Nutcracker gift shop on our website, cballet.org.

When Cincinnati Ballet announced the re-imagined 2020-2021 Season, we recognized the challenges in producing live performances during the pandemic and included plans to modify productions based on current circumstances. We so enjoyed creating live performances for Ballet in the Park and Cincinnati Made earlier this season. We continue to plan the remainder of the 2020-2021 Season with live, in-person productions, which will be enhanced by digital offerings for audiences everywhere to enjoy the beauty of dance.

About Cincinnati Ballet
Since 1963, Cincinnati Ballet has been the cornerstone professional ballet company of the region, presenting a bold and adventurous array of classical, full-length ballets and contemporary works. Under the artistic direction of Victoria Morgan, Cincinnati Ballet has become a creative force within the larger dance community, commissioning world premiere works and exploring unique collaborations. With a mission to inspire hope and joy in our community and beyond through the power and passion of dance, Cincinnati Ballet reaches beyond the stage in programs that allow every person in the region to be part of the continued evolution of dance through exhilarating performances, extensive community and education programs and top-level professional ballet training at Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy.

Nutcracker at Home Presenting Sponsor: Frisch’s Big Boy, Production Sponsor: MercyHealth

Cincinnati Ballet 2020-2021 Season Sponsors: Rhonda & Larry A. Sheakley, Margaret & Michael Valentine, ArtsWave, Mercy Health, Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Ohio Arts Council, Frisch’s Big Boy, The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation

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CINCINNATI MADE Runs Nov. 5-8

CB_Cincinnati Made logoCINCINNATI MADE
Cincinnati Ballet
Nov. 5-8
Music Hall Ballroom [Over-the-Rhine]

Choreogarphers: Heather Britt, Arcadian Broad, Victoria Morgan, Dale Shields, & Cervilio Miguel Amador, Andrea Schermoly, Amy Seiwert, Gabriel Gaffney Smith and Missie Lay Zimmer & Andrew Hubbard

Join us in November for Cincinnati Made — an exciting production of contemporary works created by Cincinnati’s own and staged in an intimate, indoor setting.

  • Thu, Nov. 5 at 7:30pm
  • Fri, Nov. 6 at 8pm
  • Sat, Nov. 7 at 2pm & 8pm
  • Sun, Nov. 8 at 1pm & 6:30pm

Official page |

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BALLET IN THE PARK with Cincinnati Ballet on Sept. 25-27

CB_Ballet in the Park logoJoin the Cincinnati Ballet for a free (or pay what you wish), socially distanced production at the P&G Pavilion at Sawyer Point on Sept. 25-27.

This program will feature the return of our dancers with outdoor performances showcasing selections of favorite solos and pas de deux from our rich repertoire as well as contributions from members of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Opera.

Performances are:

  • Fri, Sept. 25 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Sept. 26 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, Sept. 27 at 1pm

Click here for more information or to reserve your spot.

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Cincinnati Ballet Announces Updates to the 2020-2021 Season

CB_2020-2021 Season logoReimagined season includes new choreography and classic favorites

CINCINNATI, OH (August 10, 2020) – Cincinnati Ballet is excited to announce our modified 2020-2021 Season. While this unexpected schedule looks different than first envisioned, it is a season of surprises sure to delight dance lovers in the region. When the COVID-19 pandemic postponed the remainder of the 2019-2020 Season in March and April, Cincinnati Ballet did not anticipate programming changes well into our upcoming season. However, Cincinnati Ballet’s dedicated staff pivoted quickly to reimagine the 2020-2021 season with varied performance options. “The health and safety of our dancers, staff, patrons, and community remain our top priority,” said Scott Altman, Cincinnati Ballet CEO. “As we continue to navigate the unique challenges of social distancing, our commitment to health and safety has guided us as we created a season that delivers the world-class dance you expect from Cincinnati Ballet. We have had to make some difficult decisions, but we know, thanks to our community’s deep commitment to the arts and Cincinnati Ballet, we are safeguarding the future of our organization.” Cincinnati Ballet has adapted the 2020-2021 Season based on recommendations from government and health officials and in line with sister organizations both regionally and nationally.

CB_Nutcracker2

Photo provided by Cincinnati Ballet.

Cincinnati Ballet invites you to come celebrate dance and our vibrant community next month as we kick off the season with a free, socially distanced production in partnership with Cincinnati Parks at the P & G Pavilion September 25-27. This program will feature the return of our dancers with outdoor performances showcasing selections of favorite solos and pas de deux from our rich repertoire. In November, Cincinnati Ballet will present an intimate workshop performance. “Right now, our artists are busy creating thoughtful pieces for this performance,” said Artistic Director Victoria Morgan. “Our dancers and artistic staff are developing a celebratory program. The return of this art form to an indoor stage with audiences and dancers socially distanced will proudly highlight the talents of your Cincinnati Ballet artists, as dancers, as choreographers, and innovators of our time. While the world is an unsettled place, we are focused and moving forward in our mission to share the love and healing power of dance with our community.”  As we move into December, keeping in mind appropriate social distancing, we will offer a re-imagined Nutcracker presented by Frisch’s Big Boy in an hour-long program in the Music Hall Ballroom, December 17-23.

Our second half of the season begins in a NEW and surprising way. For the first time in our history, The Kaplan New Works Series moves from the Jarson-Kaplan Theater at Aronoff Center to Springer Auditorium at Music Hall. This audience favorite will replace Jewels previously scheduled in February. To highlight the intimate setting for these contemporary world premieres, Cincinnati Ballet will perform New Works like never seen before in front of the proscenium, performing in the space you would typically see Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra musicians perform. New Works as always continues to highlight the raw, powerful athleticism of dance. In this series we reflect on these unique times, addressing today’s challenges with gravity, humor, and hope.  To celebrate springtime, we have shifted our Family Series regional premiere of Snow White from February to April. This treasured fairytale will showcase Cincinnati Ballet Second Company and Otto M. Budig Academy students and for the first time, will feature live actors narrating the story, April 8-18. April will also feature a mixed-repertoire program, Bold Moves Plus. The anchor will be the return of Ohad Naharin’s wildly popular, Minus 16. Artistically, Bold Moves Plus will serve as a precursor to our inaugural festival which will debut in the 2021-2022 Season and will celebrate legendary contemporary choreography. Artistic Director Victoria Morgan’s whimsical Cinderella is now slated to close the 2020-2021 Season with a two-week engagement June 10-20 at Aronoff Center. As audiences enjoy the magical Cinderella, Cincinnati Ballet will also be celebrating the opening of the new Cincinnati Ballet Margaret & Michael Valentine Center for Dance in Walnut Hills. Cincinnati Ballet’s new home is slated to open in Summer 2021.

About Cincinnati Ballet
Since 1963, Cincinnati Ballet has been the cornerstone professional ballet company of the region, presenting a bold and adventurous array of classical, full-length ballets and contemporary works, regularly with live orchestral accompaniment. Under the artistic direction of Victoria Morgan, Cincinnati Ballet has become a creative force within the larger dance community, commissioning world premiere works and exploring unique collaborations with artists as diverse as Grammy winning guitarist Peter Frampton and popular, Ohio-based band Over the Rhine. With a mission to enrich, expand, and excel in the art of dance through performance, a high-caliber academy, and impactful education and engagement in local to global communities, Cincinnati Ballet reaches beyond the stage in programs that allow every person in the region to be part of the continued evolution of dance. To that end, Cincinnati Ballet presents exhilarating performances, extensive education and community engagement programs and offers top level professional ballet training at Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy.

CONNECT: READ / WATCH / LISTEN / LEARN / ENJOY at cballet.org

Cincinnati Ballet 2019-2020 Season Sponsors: Rhonda & Larry A. Sheakley, ArtsWave, Mercy Health, Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Ohio Arts Council, John A. Schroth Family Charitable Trust, Frisch’s Big Boy, Knowlton

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