Verb Ballets

Romeo and Juliet – Preview

Verb Ballets has commissioned award-winning choreographer Joshua L. Peugh to create a contemporized version of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Reflecting poignant issues of our current political and social reality, this new ballet will include live music by distinguished pianist, Nathan Carterette. The choreographer and artists will explore the new production on stage ahead of its world premiere, transforming the work each night as the performers adapt the story to the stage.

About the Choreographer: Joshua L. Peugh

Joshua L. Peugh is the Founder and Artistic Director of Dark Circles Contemporary Dance and Co-founder of Fair Assembly. A graduate of Southern Methodist University, he has created work for festivals in Asia, Europe, and North America, winning awards for his choreography in South Korea, Japan, Canada, and the USA. He was the recipient of the Grand Prize at the McCallum Theatre’s 18th Annual Choreography Festival and was chosen as one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch.” Joshua served as choreographer for legendary soprano Kathleen Battle’s concert Underground Railroad—A Spiritual Journey, and was the 2018 recipient of the Natalie Skelton Award for Artistic Excellence. He has created over 40 new works for BalletX, Ballet Memphis, The Big Muddy Dance Company, BODYTRAFFIC, Bruce Wood Dance Project, Company E, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Dallas Theater Center, Dance Lab NY, DanceWorks Chicago, Eisenhower Dance, Korea National Contemporary Dance Company, MADCO, METdance, Tulsa Ballet, WaterTower Theatre, and Whim W’Him, among others.

About Verb Ballets

Verb Ballets is a contemporary ballet company that presents bold works and builds community through dance. The company honors the roots of pioneer ballet companies in the Great Lakes region. Today, the company is under the leadership of Dr. Margaret Carlson, former principal dancer for Cleveland Ballet, and Richard Dickinson, MFA, former Ohio Ballet dancer. The company strives to commission choreographers that elevate marginalized voices and reflect our times. Building community and offering opportunities to learn through dance are at the core of Verb’s mission. Verb aims to bring programs out to the public, meeting people where they live, work, and learn. The company’s children’s programs explore topics such as arts appreciation, literacy, STEM, and cultural diversity. Verb also offers programs for seniors that emphasize movement to encourage socialization and wellness. The professional company is comprised of dancers from across the nation and globe. In addition to touring regionally, the company has toured internationally in Cuba and Taiwan and has built lasting partnerships that provide opportunities for cultural exchange. Verb Ballets aims to support art that is reflective of our current societal landscape and relevant to our dancers, communities, and dance enthusiasts in Ohio and abroad. Additional information can be found at verbballets.org.

“Confident and polished, Verb’s dancers shone.” –Dance International Magazine
“[Their] dancers move with great athleticism and complexity.” –The Plain Dealer
“Make a serious effort to capture one of these sought after tickets… [Verb] is dance magnifique.” –Examiner.com

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Main image credit: Jackie Sajewski