Director's Note

DIRECTOR'S NOTE

Verb’s 2021-22 season got off to a bang this summer performing before over 3,000 audience members! The dancers were overjoyed to perform in front of live audiences again. The thrill of applause and the in-time reaction to live performance is something we really missed. Most importantly, returning to live performance reminded me how the arts bring people together. As with all outdoor events, there are always challenges with weather, but we made some beautiful memories on stage under starlit skies.

This season the company is diving right in and creating three full-length works! It is with much pride that I announce Verb’s partnership with the Dance Institute at The University of Akron in presenting The Akron Nutcracker: A Holiday in the Rubber City at E.J. Thomas Hall. As the Artistic Director of the production, I have worked with many artists in the community to recreate the sights and sounds of Akron in 1935 as well as celebrating the cultural backgrounds of Akron’s citizens. The Verb dancers will join the stage with the Dance Institute and dancers from the University’s Dance program for a reinvention of The Nutcracker. Later in the season, in winter and spring 2022, Verb has commissioned contemporary versions of Romeo & Juliet (with choreography by Joshua L. Peugh) and Antigone (with choreography by Tommie-Waheed Evans). Both ballets are timeless stories of tragedy and love but will be reinterpreted to elevate marginalized voices and reflect our times.

Verb will continue to follow all recommended state health and COVID-19 guidelines for public performances. Though entering a theatre may feel different with masks on and the ticket-buying process may require proof of vaccination, the experience of witnessing dance will continue to light up the hearts of our audiences. We are thankful for the support of our audience members, patrons, and funders for making it all possible!