Ohio Contemporary Ballet at Akron's Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival
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Ohio Contemporary Ballet returns to the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival, kicking off the festival's 52nd season with performances on Friday, July 24 & Saturday, July 25, 2026 at Forest Lodge Park in Akron!
Main performance begins at 8:45pm, with an interactive pre-show children's program starting at 7:45pm.
Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival performances are FREE and open to all! It is recommended to bring a lawn chair or blanket. Pro tip: pack a picnic to share with friends!
About the Company:
One of Northeast Ohio’s oldest and most respected dance companies, Ohio Contemporary Ballet has gained a reputation for artistic excellence and exemplary community engagement since 1987. Under the leadership of Dr. Margaret Carlson, former principal dancer for Cleveland Ballet, and Richard Dickinson, MFA, former Ohio Ballet dancer, the company is committed to the creation and mounting of dance works of the highest caliber. The company strives to act as a catalyst to promote learning, nurture wellness, and encourage dialogue about the dance art form. As a contemporary ballet company, the dancers combine classical ballet training with strong artistry. Internationally acclaimed, the company has toured Cuba and Taiwan. https://ocballet.org/
About the Festival:
Now in its 52st season, the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival was established to honor the legacy of Heinz Poll--the founding artistic director of Ohio Ballet. The Festival presents free public dance performances by acclaimed regional and national companies each summer in Akron parks. Each performance leaves audience members with a unique dance experience, reflecting the common thread of Poll's commitment to the highest artistic standards. Sponsored by the City of Akron, the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival aims to connect with the community through dance! http://akrondancefestival.org/
Main performance begins at 8:45pm, with an interactive pre-show children's program starting at 7:45pm.
Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival performances are FREE and open to all! It is recommended to bring a lawn chair or blanket. Pro tip: pack a picnic to share with friends!
About the Company:
One of Northeast Ohio’s oldest and most respected dance companies, Ohio Contemporary Ballet has gained a reputation for artistic excellence and exemplary community engagement since 1987. Under the leadership of Dr. Margaret Carlson, former principal dancer for Cleveland Ballet, and Richard Dickinson, MFA, former Ohio Ballet dancer, the company is committed to the creation and mounting of dance works of the highest caliber. The company strives to act as a catalyst to promote learning, nurture wellness, and encourage dialogue about the dance art form. As a contemporary ballet company, the dancers combine classical ballet training with strong artistry. Internationally acclaimed, the company has toured Cuba and Taiwan. https://ocballet.org/
About the Festival:
Now in its 52st season, the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival was established to honor the legacy of Heinz Poll--the founding artistic director of Ohio Ballet. The Festival presents free public dance performances by acclaimed regional and national companies each summer in Akron parks. Each performance leaves audience members with a unique dance experience, reflecting the common thread of Poll's commitment to the highest artistic standards. Sponsored by the City of Akron, the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival aims to connect with the community through dance! http://akrondancefestival.org/
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Where is it happening?
Forest Lodge Park, 260 Greenwood Ave, Akron, OH 44313-7771, United States
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherHeinz Poll Summer Dance Festival
