EXPLORE
PRESS ROOM
Ballet Excel Ohio Marks 50 Years with New Aladdin Production and Expanded Youth Outreach
5/02/25
CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH — Ballet Excel Ohio, one of the nation's pioneering youth ballet companies, will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a new production of Aladdin, choreographed by Erich Yetter. The ballet will be staged at Nan Klinger Excellence in Dance from August 4 to 16 and will be performed at the Akron Civic Theatre on March 14 and 15, 2026.
Conversations with Mia Klinger- VoyageOhio Magazine
4/10/25
Today we’d like to introduce you to Mia Klinger
Hi Mia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 1975, visionary dance educator Nan Klinger founded the Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet, determined to provide young dancers with the opportunity to train at a pre-professional level while performing original works created specifically for them.
ROAD scholarship encourages dancers from underrepresented populations
3/11/25
Akron, OH - Ballet Excel Ohio encourages dancers from underrepresented populations to live their dreams.
They've been providing a way for dancers to train and perform at no cost for the past 26 years.
Madison Epps has been dancing with Ballet Excel Ohio in Akron for the past five years. She remembers the first time she saw them perform. She was in the 6th grade and the show was "Peter Pan."
Epps is one of 25 dancers under the Reach Out And Dance program (ROAD). It's a scholarship program that provides free dance training. Her dance teacher, Mia Klinger, says the program is essential to give those in underserved or underexposed communities an opportunity to dance.
Firestone's Madison Epps is a sword-fighting ballerina in 'Peter Pan'
3/7/25
Akron, OH - When Madison Epps was 11, she was so enthused seeing a friend dance in Ballet Excel Ohio's (BXO) "Peter Pan," she decided to pursue ballet seriously.
Epps, a senior dance student at Firestone CLC's Akron School for the Arts, had been dancing since age 3, once a week at a studio near her grade school.
Fast forward to this month, and Epps, 17, is starring in the title role of BXO's revival of the "Peter Pan" story ballet playing at the Akron Civic Theatre next weekend.
Ballet Excel prepares to take flight with ‘Peter Pan’
3/7/25
Akron, OH - The last time Madison Epps danced in “Peter Pan” with Ballet Excel, she played a Lost Boy. When she takes the stage in this year’s reprisal, the 17 year old will portray the title character, her first lead role with the company. She called it her “dream role.”
“I love being Peter Pan, because he just has so much joy, and he’s really strong. He’s kind of like a leader of all the Lost Boys,” Epps said. “And obviously I take class with the Lost Boys, the kids who play them, and I feel like that leadership goes further than the role.”
Akron’s Own Jonathan McCray Soars to New Heights with Carolina Ballet
6/11/24
Akron, OH - The spotlight shines brightly on Akron native Jonathan McCray as he takes a significant leap in his dance career, joining the prestigious Carolina Ballet this summer.
Ballet Excel Ohio to bring classic 'Snow White' to Akron Civic Theatre
3/2/24
AKRON - Ballet Excel Ohio reprises original ballet "Snow White," created for youth company, at Akron Civic Theatre featuring two area high school seniors.
Ballet Excel Ohio Artistic Director Mia Klinger Receives 2023 Arts Alive Award
Ballet Excel Ohio and Nan Klinger Excellent in Dance Artistic Director Mia Klinger has been recognized with Summit Artspace’s IDEA Leader Award for 2023. The IDEA Leader Award is given to an individual or group who has amplified the voices and vision of artists in the community or has strengthened inclusion, diversity, equity and access for and within the arts. Who give selflessly to the cause of advancing arts and culture in the community.
I am very humbled by this award,” says Klinger. “For over 34 years as a dance teacher, and for the past 20 years through my work as Artistic Director of Ballet Excel Ohio, it has been a privilege to be able to share my dreams and mine and the company’s work with people across Summit County. Dance has made and continues to make possible so many vital and memorable connections in the Akron area community and it means so much to know it has been valued. I am grateful on behalf everyone who has helped realize the work for this recognition.”
Ballet Excel Ohio’s outreach program Reach Out And Dance® is celebrating it’s 25th Anniversary
We are pleased to announce the 25th anniversary of Ballet Excel Ohio’s outreach program Reach Out And Dance®. ROAD® is an arts education organization dedicated to enriching the lives of school children through the art of dance. For 25 years we have been dedicated in serving students who otherwise would not have the opportunity to experience dance and positively changing the trajectory of their lives.
Started in 1998 by Lori Klinger and Thecla Harris, ROAD® has impacted over 15,000+ public school children. Several of these children are chosen to receive scholarships to attend pre-professional training at Nan Klinger Excellence in Dance, which extends through their high school graduation. This is the largest investment in pre-professional dance training in Northeast Ohio. Many of our ROAD® dancers go on to become company members of Ballet Excel Ohio where opportunities become bountiful. These dancers learn true commitment to excellence along with dedication, confidence and developing lifelong skills to becoming responsible young adults.
Artistic Director, Mia Klinger, who recently received the “IDEA Leader” award from Arts Alive for bringing diversity into the arts said “Not many arts organizations last 25 years. The fact we are thriving is a tribute to how our community needs the arts.”
Akron dancer makes most of scholarship, rises to lead role in 'Hansel and Gretel'
02/23/23
AKRON — Wendy Moreno-Garcia has come a long way from when she was 8 and began learning about the world of classical ballet.
The North High School 15-year-old, a Reach Out and Dance (ROAD) scholarship student for seven years at Nan Klinger Excellence in Dance, has progressed from beginner ballet class at the Cuyahoga Falls studio to its second-highest level. She trains six days a week in nine pre-professional classes plus company rehearsals for Ballet Excel Ohio (BXO).
Ballet Excel to perform ‘Hansel & Gretel’
02/23/23
DOWNTOWN AKRON — Ballet Excel Ohio will present Grimm’s fairy tale “Hansel & Gretel,” choreographed by Erich Yetter, March 11-12 at noon and 2 p.m. at the Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St. The performers, from Nan Klinger’s Excellence in Dance Studio, range from ages 8 to 18.
Busy with ballet: Wooster high sophomore dedicated to upcoming 'Hansel & Gretel' shows
02/21/23
CUYAHOGA FALLS − Wooster High sophomore Emma Graziano has been dancing since she was 3.
Her passion for ballet has led her to Ballet Excel Ohio in Cuyahoga Falls where Graziano is plying her skills in the spring performances of "Hansel & Gretel," a world premier by choreographer Erich Yetter.
Mia Klinger, Artistic Director of Ballet Excel Ohio, Named National Visiting Fellow for School of American Ballet
08/29/22
Cuyahoga Falls, OH - Mia Klinger, Artistic Director, Ballet Excel Ohio, was recently recognized as one of five classical ballet teachers nationwide to participate in the School of American Ballet's (SAB) National Visiting Fellows program in New York City.
Every year, the School of American Ballet selects 5 classical ballet instructors who have demonstrated commitment to teaching students from diverse backgrounds. Klinger has been working with underserved youth for over two decades through Ballet Excel Ohio's Reach Out And Dance® (ROAD®) program. "I believe in the value of the arts being taught at the highest level possible, not watered down versions; Klinger said. "It brings students to a higher level of intelligence and achievement."
As a Visiting Fellow, Klinger will attend two week long SAB sessions to observe, meet with faculty to discuss SAB's curriculum and strategies for progression, teach SAB students, receive faculty feedback, and discuss relevant dance education topics with administrative staff.
Currently, one of her ROAD® students, Jonathan McCray, is attending SAB on full scholarship for his high school years. "I look forward to working with SAB faculty, and bringing back the knowledge to my current dancers to help put Akron, Ohio on the map for great classical ballet training."
Ballet Excel Ohio Awarded 2020-2021 Morgan Impact Award
11/11/21
Ballet Excel Ohio (BXO), under the artistic direction of Mia Klinger, has received the esteemed 2020 -2021 Morgan Impact Award for Excellence in Arts. On November 11, Peg’s Foundation recognized BXO as was one of five recipients at their annual grand event held at Northeast Ohio Medical University in Rootstown.
-
The Morgan Impact Awards, established in 2010, celebrates significant contributions and exceptional commitment to the Foundation’s mission. Each year, Peg’s Foundation recognizes individuals and organizations for their outstanding achievements in mental health, education and the arts. Artistic Director, Mia Klinger, was honored to accept the award and thanked the many past and present parent volunteers, family and friends for their continued support of Ballet Excel Ohio. “Miss Nan would be so proud!” Klinger stated.
Rick Kellar, President of Peg’s Foundation noted, “Ballet Excel Ohio encourages young dancers to appreciate the discipline of classical ballet and develop a love of performance which enhances confidence, professionalism, and a passion for life.”
“I am deeply honored to receive such a prestigious, regional award, and to be part of a select group, who are passionate about enhancing the quality of life in our community, and each and every day strive to improve lives,” said Klinger. “I am grateful to Peg's Foundation for their recognition of our efforts to bring dance to children who might not otherwise have this opportunity, and to help children reach their full potential. I value their ongoing support and partnership, helping us realize our vision. Having Board President Ashleigh Miller, many of our tireless board members, along with friends and family, made the evening extra special.”
Patient ballet dancers finally get time to shine in 'Snow Queen,' 15 months later
6/03/21 - Akron Beacon Journal
After last March's cancellation of the original ballet "The Snow Queen: A Frozen Fairytale" the night before opening and three more attempted reschedulings, the show finally will go on 15 months later, June 12 and 13 at the Akron Civic Theatre.
Ballet Excel Ohio dancers 'Happy' to bring pop-up performance to Falls 9/30/20 - Akron Beacon Journal
Young dancers from Ballet Excel Ohio brought some joy to the Front Street area of Cuyahoga Falls Saturday by giving two pop-up performances to diners and passersby next to Leo's Italian Social and near the amphitheater to the south.
I Love SHAPES and The Snow Queen: dance in the schools, costumes, and costs 3/12/20 - Cleveland Concert Dance
Ballet Excel Ohio (BXO) has been combining hard-working, talented young pre-professional ballet students with original choreography since 1975. The school and company are notably diverse, with 30% of the young dancers from minorities or underserved groups. We want to talk about the dancing in the program, look into the reason for the company’s diversity, and tell a recent success story.
Young ballet dancers warm to frozen fairy tale
3/11/20 - Akron Beacon Journal
Ballet Excel Ohio (BXO) is performing the new work “The Snow Queen,” created for the pre-professional company by longtime collaborator Tom Gold, a former soloist with the New York City Ballet. The ballet, dubbed “a frozen fairy tale,” is based on the Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale that inspired the hit Disney movie “Frozen.”
Ballet Excel Ohio dances new steps in ‘The Snow Queen’
3/8/20 - Akron Beacon Journal
The audience will have to take a deep breath to keep pace with the Ballet Excel Ohio dancers as they create the world premiere of “The Snow Queen” ballet to the fast-paced choreography by Tom Gold.
Ballet Excel’s ‘Snow Queen’ offering magic, fun
3/5/20 - Akron.com
The Akron Civic Theatre stage will become a magical winter wonderland as Ballet Excel Ohio presents “The Snow Queen” March 14-15. Ballet Excel Ohio started out as the Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet in 1975 and was renamed in 2013 “to simplify and expand the coverage region,” according to Artistic Director Mia Klinger.
“We are one of the oldest companies in the country and are presenting our 45th season,” said Klinger.
EN POINTE NEWSLETTERS
BXO publishes an annual newsletter containing information for the current season, highlights and stories from inside and outside the studio, and letters from leadership. This digital newsletter is shared with email subscribers as well as social media audiences.
Be sure to subscribe to BXO's newsletters to be the first to read about the goings-on at your favorite youth ballet company!
BXO NEWS DELIVERED RIGHT TO YOU!
Be the first to know about upcoming performances and events
