Tag Archives: Cincinnati Ballet

Cincinnati Ballet Appoints Cervilio Miguel Amador as Permanent Artistic Director

Cervilio Miguel Amador. Photo by Hiromi Platt Photography.

Amador, former principal dancer, served as Interim Artistic Director since Sept. 2023

Cincinnati, OH (December 16, 2024) – Cincinnati Ballet’s Board of Trustees announced today that Cervilio Miguel Amador has been named permanent Artistic Director of Cincinnati Ballet. “The Board of Trustees is thrilled to announce Cervilio Miguel Amador will assume the permanent role of Artistic Director, effective immediately,” said Cincinnati Ballet Board of Trustees Chair Emerson Moser. In September 2023, the Board appointed Mr. Amador Interim Artistic Director. “After a robust and thorough external search process, it became clear that Cervi has a unique passion for and understanding of Cincinnati Ballet that combine to make him well positioned to lead the artistic future of the Company. The Board has been impressed with his performance and stable presence as Interim Artistic Director over the last year, and today’s announcement is affirmation of his leadership capability.” Since his arrival from Cuba 20 years ago, Mr. Amador has been a beloved member of Cincinnati Ballet and the Queen City. While he began as a soloist, he quickly rose through the ranks to principal dancer and established himself as a creative leader in the Company. He retired from the stage following the 2019-2020 Season, after 16 years as a dancer, and made a successful transition to Company rehearsal director before assuming the Interim Artistic Director position. (See above link for extended BIO)

“Cervi immediately took on complex leadership responsibilities as he transitioned from rehearsal director to Interim Artistic Director. He brings to this critical leadership role a deep understanding of Cincinnati Ballet and the community,” said Deborah S. Brant, Cincinnati Ballet President and CEO. “I have enjoyed working with Cervi and look forward to future opportunities for this incredible Company.” “It is an honor to serve as Artistic Director of this Company that I cherish with all my heart. I am passionate about creating new opportunities for our dancers, deepening the Company’s relationship with the community, and elevating Cincinnati Ballet and art form through challenging classical and innovative contemporary repertoire,” Mr. Amador said. “Cincinnati is truly my home. I am proud to have moved my extended family here from Cuba and am raising my three children with my wife, Jackie Damico Amador, in our beautiful Queen City. I am so grateful for the opportunities I have been given and am energized to take the Company to the next level.”

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. Cincinnati Ballet is a creative force within the larger dance community, commissioning world-premiere works and exploring unique collaborations. With a mission to enrich, expand, and excel in the art of dance through performance, a high-caliber academy, and impactful education and community 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, provides extensive education and community engagement programs, and offers top-level professional ballet training at Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy. Cincinnati Ballet is housed at the world-class Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance in Cincinnati’s thriving Walnut Hills arts community.

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THE NUTCRACKER Runs Dec. 19-29

THE NUTCRACKER
Cincinnati Ballet
Dec. 19-29
Cincinnati Music Hall [Over-the-Rhine]

This season marks the 50th anniversary of Cincinnati Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker. No holiday is complete without a trip to the Land of Sweets! When a curious young girl named Clara receives a magical Nutcracker for Christmas, her dreams come to life. Joined by her Nutcracker Prince, Clara meets the Sugar Plum Fairy and a cast of colorful characters. With Tchaikovsky’s beloved score performed live by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

  • Thu-Fri, Dec. 19-20 at 7:30pm
  • Sat, Dec. 21 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, Dec. 22 at 1pm & 6:30pm
  • Mon, Dec. 23 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Tue, Dec. 24 at 1pm
  • Thu, Dec. 26 at 2pm
  • Fri-Sat, Dec. 27-28 at 2pm & 7:30pm
  • Sun, Dec. 29 at 1pm

Official page | Facebook event |

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It’s the 50th Anniversary of THE NUTCRACKER in Cincinnati

Audiences will experience new costumes and choreography that celebrate diversity,
Dec. 19-29 at Music
Hall

CINCINNATI, OH (November 20, 2024) – Cincinnati Ballet’s The Nutcracker presented by Sheakley Family returns to Music Hall. The Company is celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Nutcracker in Cincinnati. The Company first performed the holiday classic in 1974 under Artistic Director David McLain and for the first time in many years, will feature shows after Christmas. The production remains in high demand, with few seats remaining for several shows. This grand production features elaborate sets and costumes and live musical accompaniment of Tchaikovsky’s beloved score by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, with choreography from Victoria Morgan.

This year’s production also features changes to reflect the diversity of our community thanks to a gift from Bank of America. Cincinnati Ballet created new heads for the Nutcracker character that represent diverse skin tones. Victoria Morgan has also reimagined choreography for the divertissement Coffee (the dance traditionally known as Arabian) to be more mindful of cultural sensitivities. In addition, the wigs worn by dancers now will include wigs that represent different hair types. This project was also funded in part by Cincinnati Parks Foundation, which also partnered by the Ballet on a special Nutcracker-themed nature hike in Smale Riverfront Park, November 30 through December 31.

This year’s production also features changes to reflect the diversity of our community thanks to a gift from Bank of America. Cincinnati Ballet created new heads for the Nutcracker character that represent diverse skin tones. Victoria Morgan has also reimagined choreography for the divertissement Coffee (the dance traditionally known as Arabian) to be more mindful of cultural sensitivities. In addition, the wigs worn by dancers now will include wigs that represent different hair types. This project was also funded in part by Cincinnati Parks Foundation, which also partnered by the Ballet on a special Nutcracker-themed nature hike in Smale Riverfront Park, November 30 through December 31.

This holiday season Cincinnati Ballet is also thrilled to be collaborating with Washington Park, the City of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC), DANCEFIX and the Art Academy of Cincinnati to bring a Nutcracker-inspired Winter Wonderland installation to Washington Park this December. The installation presented by Cincinnati Ballet will be a story walk with six scenes created by students from the Art Academy of Cincinnati, in addition to dazzling holiday lights on park trees, along paths, and surrounding the bandstand. The story walk will be viewable from December 1-31, with a special event at the opening of the story walk on December 1 with ballet dancers, Santa Claus, a performance by DANCEFIX, family-friendly activities and more.  

Victoria Morgan’s The Nutcracker premiered in 2011 with new sets by scenic designer John Ezell, bright and beautiful costumes by Carrie Robbins, lighting by Trad A Burns and athletic, engaging choreography by Victoria Morgan. Morgan’s rendition of the classical ballet is filled with unique, contemporary twists on longstanding traditions: from the bright, whimsical sets, stage effects and acrobatics to the appearance of new, playful characters such as Clara’s companion, a pet poodle named Minnie, dancing Cupcakes, tumbling Snowballs, an ensemble of poodles performing the Dance of the Mirlitons (or “Lollipups”). Morgan’s whimsical choreographic take on the classic story is like nothing you have ever seen before.

PERFORMANCE DATES AND INFORMATION    

WHO: Cincinnati Ballet Choreography: Victoria Morgan Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky, performed with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

WHAT: The Nutcracker

WHEN:

  • Thursday, December 19 – 7:30 pm
  • Friday, December 20 – 7:30 pm
  • Saturday, December 21 – 2:00 pm
  • Saturday, December 21 – 7:30 pm
  • Sunday, December 22 – 1:00 pm
  • Sunday, December 22 – 6:30 pm
  • Monday, December 23 – 2:00 pm
  • Monday, December 23 – 7:30 pm
  • Tuesday, December 24 – 1:00 pm
  • Thursday, December 26 – 2:00 pm
  • Thursday, December 26– 7:30 pm
  • Friday, December 27 – 2:00 pm
  • Friday, December 27 – 7:30 pm
  • Saturday, December 28 –2:00 pm
  • Saturday, December 28 –7:30 pm
  • Sunday, December 29 –1:00 pm

WHERE: Music Hall 1241 Elm St. Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Cincinnati Ballet 2024-2025 Season Sponsors: Margaret and Michael Valentine, Julie and John Richardson | SugarCreek, ArtsWave, Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Ohio  Arts Council, 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, regularly with live orchestral accompaniment. Cincinnati Ballet is a creative force within the larger dance community, commissioning world-premiere works and exploring unique collaborations. With a mission to enrich, expand, and excel in the art of dance through performance, a high-caliber academy, and impactful education and community 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, provides extensive education and community engagement programs, and offers top-level professional ballet training at Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy.

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Cincinnati Ballet, City, 3CDC, and Art Academy of Cincinnati Announce WINTER WONDERLAND Installation in Washington Park

Story Walk to Be Unveiled December 1 for Holiday Season

CINCINNATI (October 24, 2024) – The holiday season is just around the corner and the Cincinnati Ballet, the City of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC), and the Art Academy of Cincinnati have partnered to bring a Nutcracker-inspired Winter Wonderland installation to Washington Park this December.

The installation, Winter Wonderland presented by Cincinnati Ballet, will be a story walk with six scenes created by students from the Art Academy of Cincinnati, in addition to dazzling holiday lights on park trees, along paths, and surrounding the bandstand.  The story walk will be viewable from December 1-31 and the lighting enhancements will remain in the park through February 2025. Additionally, Cincinnati Ballet will host a special event December 1 to celebrate the launch of the story walk experience from 11AM – 3PM. The event will include ballet dancers and characters, family-friendly activities, music, and more. Santa Claus will also be on-site at the Sherwin-Williams Porch greeting families and taking free photos.

“The holidays are a magical time for families to enjoy our City. Bringing Washington Park to life with the timeless tale of The Nutcracker will create memories and a connection to Cincinnati that will last a lifetime. These experiences are the cornerstone of growing our City. I can’t thank the Cincinnati Ballet, 3CDC, and the Art Academy of Cincinnati enough for making this moment possible” said Cincinnati City Councilmember Seth Walsh.

“We’re thrilled to partner with staples of our community, the Cincinnati Ballet and the Art Academy of Cincinnati, to bring holiday magic to Washington Park this winter” said Christy Samad, Executive Vice President of Civic & Commercial Space Activations for 3CDC. “OTR is rich with shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences during the holiday season and we’re excited to give folks one more reason to come downtown and enjoy the holidays in OTR. We’re grateful to the City of Cincinnati for helping us to bring this vision to life.”

This season, the Cincinnati Ballet is celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Nutcracker in Cincinnati. The Company first performed the holiday classic in 1973. Performances will be held at Music Hall from December 19 – 29 and tickets can be purchased at https://cballet.org/performances/the-nutcracker-presented-by-sheakley-family/.

“This season we joyfully celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Cincinnati Ballet’s enchanting production of The Nutcracker,“ said Interim Artistic Director Cervilio Miguel Amador. “Attending The Nutcracker at Music Hall has been a beloved holiday tradition for families across generations. This immersive and spectacular installation at Washington Park will enhance this magical experience!” “Our mission is to share the love of dance with our community,” said Cincinnati Ballet CEO Debbie Brant. “We are so excited to bring this partnership to life in Washington Park, as we come together to celebrate the magic of the holidays.”

Winter Wonderland presented by Cincinnati Ballet debuts December 1, 2024 and will be viewable during all park hours (7AM – 10 PM) seven days a week through December 31.

Washington Park’s Sherwin-Williams Porch and concession stand offer full bar service including hot chocolate, coffee, Coca-Cola products, beer, wine, seltzer and liquor from brands like Fifty West Brewing Company, NÜTRL Vodka Seltzer, Heineken, White Claw, Dark Horse, Bud Light, Boone County Distilling, Rhinegeist, Canvus Premium Cocktails, and The Christian Moerlein Brewing Co. No outside alcohol is permitted in the park.

Washington Park is located at 1230 Elm Street, in the heart of OTR. Secure parking is available in the Park’s 450-space underground garage facility, or at nearby Mercer Garage on Vine Street.

MORE INFORMATION: www.WashingtonPark.org.

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About 3CDC
The Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC) is a private, non-profit full-service real estate developer with a mission and strategic focus to strengthen the core assets of Downtown Cincinnati in partnership with the City of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati corporate community. Its work is specifically focused on revitalizing and connecting the Central Business District and Over-the-Rhine. For more information, visit http://www.3cdc.org.

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Cincinnati Ballet Presents GISELLE, Oct. 31-Nov. 3

Just in time for Halloween! Ballet’s most beloved ghost story at haunted Music Hall

CINCINNATI, OH (October 21, 2024) – Cincinnati Ballet opens choreographer Devon Carney’s Giselle October 31, with live music performed by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. With performances at Music Hall through November 3, Giselle follows the story of a peasant girl who descends into emotional turmoil and dies of a broken heart after her lover betrays her and features an elaborate production, multiple eye-catching theatrics and of course, a beautiful Borzoi dog!

The story was created by composer Adolphe Adam who was inspired by Victor Hugo’s Les Orientales. Giselle features tons of complex characters, such as the lovestruck Giselle and Albrecht, envious forester Hilarion and Giselle’s concerned mother Berthe. The production includes romance, heartbreak, forgiveness, and our corps de ballet as the famous ghostly maidens in the second act. “At its core, Giselle tells a story of love, betrayal, forgiveness, and redemption—universal themes that continue to resonate with audiences,” said Cervilio Amador, Interim Artistic Director. The exploration of unrequited love, the consequences of deception, and the power of forgiveness transcends cultural and temporal boundaries.” 

Giselle was last seen at the Cincinnati Ballet in 2011, it includes the famous Act I Variation, and multiple pas de deux—the most well-known dance in the ballet repertory. The music is from the score by Adolphe Adam, performed live by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.  Tickets are on sale now, starting at $29 at cballet.org.

PERFORMANCE DATES AND INFORMATION

WHO: Cincinnati Ballet
Choreography: Devon Carney
Music: Adolphe Adam, performed with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

WHAT: Giselle

WHEN:

  • Thursday, October 31 – 7:30 pm
  • Friday, November 1 – 7:30 pm
  • Saturday, November 2 – 2:00 pm
  • Saturday, November 2 – 7:30 pm
  • Sunday, November 3 – 1:00 pm

WHERE: Music Hall – 1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Cincinnati Ballet 2024-2025 Season Sponsors:
Margaret and Michael Valentine, Julie and John Richardson | SugarCreek, ArtsWave, Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund, Ohio Arts Council, 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, regularly with live orchestral accompaniment. Cincinnati Ballet is a creative force within the larger dance community, commissioning world-premiere works and exploring unique collaborations. With a mission to enrich, expand, and excel in the art of dance through performance, a high-caliber academy, and impactful education and community 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, provides extensive education and community engagement programs, and offers top-level professional ballet training at Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Budig Academy.

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