Ballet Excel Ohio, based in Cuyahoga Falls, will mark its 50th anniversary with a world premiere production of Aladdin at the Akron Civic Theatre on March 14–15, 2026. The production, choreographed by Erich Yetter, draws from the original 18th-century folk tale rather than any film adaptation. The company was founded in 1975 as Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet by Nan Klinger, a former dance instructor at the University of Akron who had connections to both George Balanchine and Ohio Ballet founder Heinz Poll.

The lead role is performed by eighth-grader Carmelo Felding, who has danced with Ballet Excel for six years through the company’s Reach Out and Dance program in Akron-area schools. Felding is the first Black male to lead a Ballet Excel production. The cast of approximately 32 includes community participants performing on stage for the first time. Mia Klinger, who assumed artistic directorship in 2002 and has led the company since her mother’s death in 2003, reflected on the milestone: “I was at the founding. I was 10 years old.”

The anniversary production features guest appearances by Ashley Klinger, a Broadway dancer; Dustin True of Ballet Zürich; and New York City Ballet dancers Daniel Ulbricht and Indiana Woodward, who will premiere new works. Canton Ballet, which celebrates its own 60th anniversary the following month, contributed additional dancers to the production. Tickets are available through the Akron Civic Theatre.

Source: Ideastream Public Media