Eager to perform
Balletmet and other Columbus dance companies
Central Ohio's dance troupes have spent too much time backstage during the past 18 months: For example, Balletmet has performed just a single program since the pandemic began (the mixed-bill show “Unlocked,” performed this summer in the company's own black-box theater).
In the months ahead, however, local dance companies are set to mount a kinetic comeback. Balletmet will resume its annual production of the beloved holiday favorite “The Nutcracker” (canceled last year due to the pandemic), and other area ensembles – including Columbus Dance Theatre, which will debut its own new holiday ballet – are also ready to lace up their dance shoes.
‘Dancers Making Dances’
When: Oct. 1-3
Where: Columbus Dance Theatre, 592 E. Main St. What: After a long stretch without public performances, Columbus Dance Theatre will return with a show that pairs dancers with visual artists. Admission: $25, or $20 for senior citizens, $12 for students
Information: www.columbusdancetheatre.com
New Vision Dance Company
When: Oct. 16-17
Where: Mccoy Center for the Arts, 100 W. Dublingranville Road, New Albany
What: Founded in Seattle in 2006 and restarted in central Ohio in 2013, the company will celebrate its anniversary with “Retrospective III –15 Years of Dance.”
Admission: $20.
Information: www.newvisiondanceco.org
‘City Dance Showcase III’
When: Nov. 19-21
Where: Columbus Dance Theatre, 592 E. Main St. What: Hosted by Hixon Dance, the program will present locally created dance pieces selected by a panel of experts and performed by area dancers. Admission: $15, or $10 for students and senior citizens
Information: www.hixondance.com
‘The Hip Hop Nutcracker’
When: Dec. 4
Where: Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St.
What: If you find” The Nutcracker” growing stale year after year, this production gives the classic story a fresh update courtesy of hip hop-style choreography. Admission: $30.50 to $60.50
Information: www.capa.com
‘The Nutcracker’
When: Dec. 10-12, Dec. 15-19, Dec. 21-24, Dec. 26 Where: Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St.
What: Are you ready for dancing sugar plums, ample falling snow and one seriously big Christmas tree? Following the cancellation of last year's performances, Balletmet's beloved holiday classic will be performed for the first time since 2019.
Admission: $30 to $90
Information: www.balletmet.org
‘Wonderment’
When: Dec. 18
Where: Riffe Center's Davidson Theatre, 77 S. High St. What: After retiring its longtime holiday production “Matchgirl” in 2019, Columbus Dance Theatre will debut a new piece for the season: “Wonderment” is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale “The Snow Queen.”
Admission: $25, or $20 for senior citizens, $12 for students
Information: www.columbusdancetheatre.com
‘Giselle’
When: Feb. 11-13, Feb. 17-19
Where: Riffe Center's Davidson Theatre, 77 S. High St. What: In a production sure to appeal to all audiences, Balletmet will revive the classic 1841 ballet about the love between an innocent maiden and a no-good nobleman.
Admission: $30 to $90
Information: www.balletmet.org
‘Swan Lake’
When: Feb. 26
Where: Palace Theatre, 34 W. Broad St.
What: The Russian Ballet Theatre will be in town to perform the much-loved 1877 ballet.
Admission: $30.50 to $125.50
Information: www.capa.com
Hixon Dance
When: March 25-27
Where: Columbus Dance Theatre, 592 E. Main St. What: The troupe will perform “A Harrowing World,” a multi-disciplinary piece featuring choreography by company founder Sarah Hixon, poetry by Maggie Smith, and a live performance of a new score by composers Jacob Reed and Lauren Spavelko.
Before you go
As of press time, here are the COVID policies at area troupes and venues:
• CAPA venues (Ohio Theatre, Palace Theatre, Southern Theatre, Lincoln Theatre, Riffe Center theaters): Patrons are required to wear masks starting Sept. 1 (all performing-arts venues except the Mccoy Center for the Arts, where masks are strongly recommended).
• Balletmet: Safety policies for “The Nutcracker” to be determined; no postponements, cancellations or changes are anticipated.
• Columbus Dance Theatre: For on-site performances, masks are required and seating will be limited; guidelines at outside venues will be followed. No postponements, cancellations or changes anticipated.
• New Vision Dance Company: Policies at venues will be followed; no cancellations are anticipated.
Admission: $20, or $15 for senior citizens, $10 for students
Information: www.hixondance.com