Sat 6/14 @ 6:30PM
Dancing Wheels is one of Cleveland’s distinctive cultural treasures, founded 44 years ago by Mary Verdi-Fletcher to create choreography that blended wheelchair and “stand up” dancers working as an ensemble (Verdi-Fletcher herself is one of the wheelchair dancers due to her spina bifida, and formed the group due to her strong desire to dance.) The company was one of the first in the country to develop this concept, and it’s performed Florida, Mexico and Japan among other places.
Its annual gala is one of its big signature fundraisers, and this year the theme is Rodeo Reimagined. The centerpiece is a reimagining of the 1942 Agnes de Mille dance classic Rodeo by choreographer Amy Hall Garner, with a new score by Cleveland Jazz Orchestra artistic director/trombone player Paul Ferguson. The choreography blends jazz and hip-hop dance, folk dance, ballet, modern and contemporary dance along with dances of different abilities.
It will also feature two more premiere pieces: Little Sure Shot, choreographed by Catherine Meredith, with a storyline that revolves around the life of Annie Oakley, and a new dance by the School of Dancing Wheels Performance Ensemble.
There’s a VIP pre-party at 6:30, followed at 8pm by the performance and an afterparty to meet the performers and socialize. It takes place at Public Hall. Get tickets here.