CCM Dance presents 'An American in Paris + Other Works' on Nov. 30-Dec. 2

CCM Dance proudly presents "An American in Paris + Other Works," a lively program featuring repertoire ranging from classical ballet to modern dance, on Nov. 30-Dec. 2, 2023, in Patricia Corbett Theater. The centerpiece of the program is An American in Paris, a one-act ballet set to George Gershwin’s iconic music with guest choreographer Peter Davison and guest repetiteur Jennifer Aiken. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office.

The beloved movie musical An American in Paris tells a story of romance and art in the wake of WWII. Peter Davison’s original ballet, set to selections from Gershwin’s spirited score, makes its regional premiere in Cincinnati. Davison’s career as a juggler and dancer spans movies, television and the stage. As a choreographer, his works have appeared at the Boulder Ballet, Ballet Nouveau Colorado, Saint Paul Ballet and the Colorado Shakespeare Festival. In addition to CCM’s Dance students, An American in Paris features students in CCM’s Prep Ballet program.

The program also includes three new works by dance professors Shauna Steele, Ihaiah Miller and Jiang Qi.

Shauna Steele’s “it's not the breaths you take...” finds inspiration in the challenge of exploring complex ideas. “What is grotesque? What is beautiful? What is needed? What is desired?” she asks. Set to Giovanni Battista Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, the piece examines how social constructs both control and liberate individuals.

Ihaiah Miller’s "Jux d'pose" blends classical ballet with contemporary aesthetics. Using the music of Vivaldi’s Violin Concerto in A minor, Miller playfully deconstructs traditional forms to create something that is energetic, emotional and of the moment.

Inspired by Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night” and “Iris” paintings, Jiang Qi’s original new work exemplifies the creative possibilities CCM Theatre Design and Production has to offer. The concept for the piece began with Erin Donnelly, a graduate Costume Design and Technology student. Donnelly designed costumes for a potential dance work inspired by van Gogh, leading to a unique collaboration between student designers, student performers and Qi.

Additionally, the performance includes selections from Esmerelda, the romantic ballet based on Victor Hugo’s novel Notre-Dame de Paris (The Hunchback of Notre Dame). Marius Petipa’s original choreography is restaged by CCM faculty Tricia Sundbeck and Isabele Elefson.

From Gershwin to Vivaldi, and comedy to drama, "An American in Paris + Other Works" offers food for thought and witty escapism. Tickets are on sale now through the CCM Box Office. 

• 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30
• 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 
• 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 

Patricia Corbett Theater, CCM Village 
University of Cincinnati

Tickets: $36 adult, $20 student, $15 UC faculty/staff, $10 UC student, $5 CCM student; group discounts available.

 Experiencing the magic of CCM OnStage has never been easier! Purchase your tickets:

• Online at ccmonstage.universitytickets.com
• Over the phone at 513-556-4183
• In person at the CCM Box Office in the Atrium of UC's Corbett Center for the Performing Arts 

CCM’s Box Office hours are 1-5 p.m., Tuesday-Friday, and one hour prior to curtain for ticketed performances. Hours subject to change based on the University of Cincinnati calendar. Our Box Office staff is always ready to answer your questions by phone at 513-556-4183 or email at boxoff@uc.edu. 

CCM is located on the campus of the University of Cincinnati. For detailed driving directions, visit ccm.uc.edu/directions.

Parking is available in UC's CCM Garage (located at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the UC campus. Effective July 1, 2023, all University of Cincinnati Parking Services locations will become cashless. Pay for parking securely with your credit/debit card. All major credit cards accepted.

CCM OnStage patrons can add pre-paid parking to their checkout carts when purchasing tickets. Pre-paid parking is date/performance specific. CCM Garage parking rates for a performance or special event is usually available for $10-15. Learn more about parking at UC's CCM Garage.

For additional information on parking at UC, please visit uc.edu/about/parking.

There's more to explore — view CCM's full schedule of fall major events at ccm.uc.edu/onstage. 

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All event dates and programs are subject to change. For a complete calendar of events, please visit ccm.uc.edu/onstage.