CANTON, OHIO (October 1, 2015) - Dancing Wheels Company & School will bring their artistic expression to the Umstattd Performing Arts Hall stage on November 21 at 8:00pm for an emotional collaboration with the Canton Symphony Orchestra (CSO). The performance, sponsored in part by T. K. and Faye A. Heston, Ohio Arts Council and Arts in Stark, will feature the world premiere of Stephen Melillo's Symphony IIII Lightfall. Gerhardt Zimmermann, CSO Music Director will conduct.
Dancing Wheels Company & School is a professional, physically integrated dance company uniting the talents of dancers both with and without disabilities. Founded in 1980 by Mary Verdi-Fletcher, the first professional wheelchair dancer in the U.S., Dancing Wheels has brought their inspirational mission to over 5 million people through performances, school assemblies, residencies and workshops. "In 2015, we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act," notes Zimmermann. "It will be a very special night both musically and emotionally." This is not the first time Zimmermann has premiered a work by Melillo. In the early 90's, he premiered Melillo's S-MATRIX and Symphony 2: At Life's Edge while with the North Carolina Symphony both of which received standing ovations. Also working on the team for this performance is choreographer Bobby Wesner, co-founder and artistic director of Neos Dance Theatre of Akron. Wesner has developed a strong culture of dance in the communities Neos serves and has choreographed over 45 works for Neos and other companies. He is the primary choreographer for the Dancing Wheels/Melillo premiere piece.Videos