Cincinnati Ballet exists to move people—profoundly and joyfully, a new dance center helps them soar.
Drawn by the artistry, athleticism, and precision of ballet, students flock to the Cincinnati Ballet Academy. While their annual production of The Nutcracker has increased their renown, it’s programs like Ballet Moves that have deepened the organization’s impact on the community by providing inclusive opportunities for students with Down’s Syndrome to experience the joy of dance. Add to that the fact that the Ballet’s corps is a diverse global company of professionals, and it’s clear that Cincinnati Ballet is all about breaking down barriers to dance. But as their reputation has fueled their growth, they felt their space was holding them back.
GBBN worked with Cincinnati Ballet to design the new Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance, an inspiring Academy and Professional Studio space for dancers who give everything to their craft.
Tucked into Cincinnati’s Walnut Hills neighborhood, the new center breathes new life into an arts district that includes the Cincinnati Art Museum (and its new “Art Climb” under construction) as well as Playhouse in the Park; it’s also adjacent to one of the city’s major expressways, making it highly visible to locals and visitors.
The building’s design is influenced by Cincinnati Ballet’s mission to break down the stereotype that ballet is only for a certain group of people; it embraces their vision that dance is for everyone.
Team:
Lead Architects:
Marcene Kinney, Director of Arts, Principal, AIA LEED AP
Daniel Luegering Associate, RA
Steve Karoly, Associate Principal, RA, LEED AP
Greg Pinter, Principal, AIA LEED AP
Matthew Schottelkotte CEO, Principal, AIA LEED AP
Construction Manager: Messer Construction
MEP Engineering: dbHMS
Structural Engineer: Schaefer
Civil Engineer:Kleingers
Acoustics: Kirkegaard
Theater Planning & Lighting Design: Schuler Shook
Landscape: REALM
Material Used :
1. Terreal / NeXclad 14 / Mediterranean Blue (gloss)
2. Lighting, Pure Edge Lighting
3. Flooring, Robbins Dance floor
