What’s Happening in Dance This Summer Across Northeast Ohio
Enjoy a summer full of dance performances and events throughout Northeast Ohio! We have arranged a list of performances that you should keep your eye out for this summer.
FEATURED PERFORMANCES
The Movement Project: CodeMoves
Saturday, June 6th at 6:00 pm
Price: $10-$30 (Choose-What-You-Pay)
At the start of June, The Movement Project will present CodeMoves: weaving technology in the creative practice. CodeMoves is both lecture and performance that investigates how AI technologies can support and expand choreographic practice. CodeMoves is the culminating presentation of The Movement Project’s 2024 Knight New Work grant, an initiative of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation that supports artists and organizations in Akron, Miami, and Detroit using technology to rethink how art is made, shared, and experienced.
Over the past 18 months, The Movement Project, led by Associate Director Elyse Morckel, worked with core collaborators Lauren Bedal of Los Angeles and Miryam Gabrielle of Detroit to examine how AI tools can serve choreographers and dance makers. The process included research, a survey shared with dancers across the country, studio testing, artist feedback, and community dialogue centered on keeping the artist’s voice at the heart of the work.
This presentation includes new dance works by Miryam Gabrielle and Elyse Morckel, along with a live lecture demonstration led by Lauren Bedal and project collaborators Spatial Pixel and Varsha Iyengar. Guests will see how these AI-based tools were used during rehearsal, composition, and performance, and hear directly from the artists about what was useful, what was challenged, and what questions remain.
Join us Saturday, June 6th at the Sandefur Theatre in Akron. The show begins at 6:00 pm. The company will then travel to Detroit to perform the work once more on June 11th.
The Dancing Wheels Company: Ladies of the 80’s
Saturday, June 13th at 8:00 pm
Price: $60 (general admission)
The Dancing Wheels Company & School is celebrating 45 years of innovation at this year's Benefit Performance, certain to be a remarkable night of music and dance. The event will feature choreographic works by Annette Ellis, Angelina DiFranco, and the critically acclaimed Dianne McIntyre. With pieces set to iconic female sung hits of the 1980s, the program is sure to have you grooving in your seats. Don’t miss the chance to experience the artistry of the Dancing Wheels Company alongside performers from the School of Dancing Wheels in a moving celebration of creativity and enduring legacy. This performance takes place on Saturday, June 13th at the Mimi Ohio Theatre (located at Playhouse Square) and begins at 8:00 pm.
Ohio Contemporary Ballet: Ballet Under the Stars
Friday, June 19th at 7:00 pm
Saturday, June 20th at 7:00 pm
Price: Free (registration recommended)
Join Ohio Contemporary Ballet for a weekend of Ballet Under the Stars, June 19th & 20th! Presented by the Shaker Arts Council as a part of their Heart of the Arts series, the collaborative performance will feature highlights of the company’s repertoire, as well as a special appearance from the Youth Academy. The event will also include a free ballet class for children aged 4-12 at 6:00 pm before the performance. The company performance will begin at 7:00 pm both nights. While this event is free, it is highly suggested to register in advance. This free performance is generously supported by the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Foundation. The venue will provide limited seating, so we recommended bringing lawn chairs to use for guaranteed seating. The event takes place in their studios at The Dealership in Shaker Heights, with free parking accessible. If accessibility accommodations are needed, please give them a call at 216-397-3757 ext 2.
Ajayi Dance: Half the Sky
Friday, June 19th at 7:30 PM
Saturday, June 20th at 7:30 PM
Sunday June 21st at 2:30 PM
Price: $12-$60
(“Pay What You Can” general admission)
Ajayi Dance is making their Playhouse Square debut this June! This performance will feature contemporary dance works set by director, Melissa Ajayi, along with pieces by Annika Sheaff and Monica Bill Barnes.
The performance features 18 local dancers representing the depth of Cleveland’s artistic landscape. The show will take place in the Westfield Studio Theatre with “Pay What You Can” general admission tickets. Prices range anywhere from $12-$60 including ticket fees.
Dominic Moore-Dunson & Theron Brown:
The Remember Balloons Live!
Saturday, June 20th at 6:30 PM
Price: $56.50 (Includes fees)
If you are looking for a performance in Akron, we got you covered! The Remember Balloons Live! premiered in 2024 and since then has been shared with over 20,000 audience members.
“Conceived by award-winning choreographer Dominic Moore-Dunson and internationally renowned composer Theron Brown, this 90-minute experience features 20 live musicians and four dancers bringing music, movement, and storytelling vividly to life.”
“Based on the award-winning children’s book, written by Jessie Oliveros & illustrated by Dana Wulfekotte, The Remember Balloons Live! brings this story of memory, love, and connection to life through music, dance, and storytelling.
Inspired by real family experiences with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, the performance offers a gentle, hopeful way for families to explore what it means to remember, and to be remembered.”
This performance will be recorded for PBS Western Reserve, so families across the country can enjoy its magic.
However, you do not want to miss the chance to witness the magic live! Join us June 20th at EJ Thomas Hall!
Inlet Dance Theatre's 25th Anniversary
Saturday, July 25th at 8:00pm
Price: $14.50-$34.50
Join Inlet Dance Theatre at Cain Park to celebrate their 25th annual summer performance on July 25th! Founded in 2001 by Founder and Executive Artistic Director Bill Wade, the company is recognized for its distinctive athletic style and innovative creative process.
From local stages to regional residencies and international artistic exchanges, Inlet cultivates meaningful connections through movement, continually pushing the boundaries of creativity while championing its mission to use dance as a catalyst for human growth and connection.
Doors for the performance will open at 7:00 PM, with the show beginning at 8:00 PM at the Evans Amphitheater in Cain Park.
Additional Performances & Events:
June 18 Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival - Preview Performance at the Akron Art Museum
June 20th NCCAkron 10th Anniversary Dance Party
June 24-25 Heinz Poll Dance Festival - Ohio Contemporary Ballet at Forest Lodge Park
June 28 Moving Through - Artist Workshop at The Dance Hub
July 25 DANCECleveland Student Showcase at Playhouse Square
July 25 DANCECleveland Community Dance Day at Playhouse Square District
July 31-Aug 1 Heinz Poll Dance Festival - Dayton Contemporary Dance Company at Goodyear Heights Metro Park
August 1 The Movement Project’s Annual SummerWorks Performance in Akron
August 7-8 Heinz Poll Dance Festival - Inlet Dance Theatre at Firestone Park
August 16 Moving Through - Community Workshop at Akron-Summit County Public Library Main
If you are hoping to take classes throughout the summer, you’re in luck! Below is a collection of various organizations offering classes throughout the Cleveland area.
CLASSES
The Dance Hub powered by The Movement Project
Modern/Contemporary, Functional Ballet, House, Yoga for Dancers, and Improv Jam. Ongoing classes all of June and July.
Class Schedule & Registration
Open Company & Community Class with guest artist Victoria Lynn Awkward, July 1-3.
More Info Here.
Dance for Parkinson's
All levels social-dance. Free to those with Parkinson's and one additional caretaker.
Class Schedule & Registration
Ajayi Dance
Horton Technique, Narrative Jazz, Modern/Contemporary, and Contemporary Fusion.
Additionally, FoCo Technique taught by Grace Whitworth from Yue Yin Dance Company.
Class Schedule & Registration
Cleveland Dance Project
Heels, Contemporary, Jazz, Jazz Funk, Musical Theater, Pom, Ballet, Salsa, Hip-Hop, Hoop, and more.
Class Schedule & Registration
Heinz Poll Dance Fest Master Classes
Free Yoga classes throughout parks in NE Ohio & Master Classes with Ohio Contemporary Ballet, Dayton Contemporary Dance Co, and Inlet Dance Theater
Schedule details & locations
Inlet Dance Theatre
Erick Hawkins Technique and Ballet.
June, 29 - July, 17 Erick Hawkins Technique, Nontraditional Partnering, and Improvisation.
Class Schedule & Registration
Cleveland Tango School
Tango 101, Tango 102, Private Lessons, and Monthly Partner Seminar
Class Schedule & Registration