By Sarah Hricko, DANCECleveland

From America’s majestic West, to a kibbutz in Israel, to the Carnival spectacle of Brazil, DANCECleveland’s 59th season will continue a tradition of bringing companies noted for unique artistic voices and distinctive styles to stages in northeast Ohio. The 2014-15 performance season will feature five extraordinary dance companies from the U.S. and beyond.

Opening the season in Akron, Ohio will be Aspen Santa Fe Ballet.   Hailed for its bold vision, accomplished choreographers and virtuoso dancers, the mixed repertoire company will perform a matinee performance October 5 at 3pm. Continuing DANCECleveland’s 7-year relationship with the Akron community, ASFB will also spend a week in residence at The University of Akron’s dance program working with the students, as well as teaching master classes to local area dancers and students. The University of Akron students will also receive a chance to receive free tickets for the performance.

Continuing the season in November, the world renowned Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company from Israel will demonstrate Israeli dance at its best. In January, the wildly popular Pilobolus will delight audiences with its witty and gravity-defying works. A newcomer to northeast Ohio, Compagnie Käfig from France, features Brazilian dancers who will captivate audiences in March with two heart-stopping works combining samba, hip-hop and capoeira dance styles. In April, Restless Creature will make its debut, featuring former New York City ballerina Wendy Whalen who joins forces with four top modern choreographers for a memorable evening of new dance works. To view DANCECleveland’s season video, click here.

“Every year we look forward to the challenge of planning a season that gives audiences a taste of the dance world’s infinite variety, and this year is no exception,” says Pam Young, executive director of DANCECleveland. “From audience favorite Pilobolus and two ballet-based programs, to one of Israel’s finest dance companies and a Brazilian dance sensation, our new season is filled with innovation and excitement. While our dedicated dance lovers have favorites that they return to see, it’s frequently the newcomers to our stage that surprise and delight everyone.”

In addition, DANCECleveland subscribers will have an opportunity to purchase tickets for an additional production featuring popular radio personality Ira Glass and dancers Monica Bill Barnes and Anna Bass in “Three Acts, Two Dancers, One Radio Host” on Saturday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Palace Theatre. DANCECleveland is participating in this presentation by Playhouse Square.

Season subscriptions, starting at $128, are now on sale at www.dancecleveland.org. Call 216-991-9000 or visit www.dancecleveland.org to purchase season tickets or request a brochure. Single tickets will go on sale August 18.

For more information on the dance companies, visit:

• www.aspensantafeballet.com
• www.pilobolus.org
• www.wendywhelanproject2013.blogspot.com
• www.sunnyartistmanagement.com
• www.kcdc.co.il

For more information on DANCECleveland’s presenting partners, visit:

• www.ejthomashall.com or www.uakron.edu
• www.playhousesquare.org