From TOLEDO ALLIANCE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
On January 4, 2022, the Toledo Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA) announced that Lisa Mayer-Lang will no longer serve as artistic director of Toledo Ballet. Mayer-Lang’s husband Michael Lang will also no longer serve as the organization’s resident choreographer.
School operations and classes will continue to function, concluding the remainder of the fall semester which ends on January 24. A schedule for the spring session and faculty placements are being finalized with registration set to open for all new and returning students on Jan. 11. An Open-House is scheduled for this Saturday, Jan. 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Toledo Ballet studios located at 5327 Monroe St. in Toledo.
TAPA representatives said a Task Force will be assembled in the coming weeks to engage in an international search for new artistic leadership. This spring, Toledo Ballet students can expect masterclasses and mini-residencies by some of the world’s finest principal dancers.
“When our two organizations merged in 2019, we did so with a vision of a fully integrated music and dance curriculum, creating possibilities that would be truly unparalleled in our region,” said Pat Bowe, chairperson of TAPA’s Board of Trustees. “In order to achieve this vision, new structures and leadership are required. TAPA recognizes the Langs’ 15 years of service to Toledo Ballet and to all the students who have participated in their programs.”
During the Langs’ tenure, Toledo Ballet has trained many dancers who have pursued professional careers in dance. Most recently, Toledo Ballet alumna Quinn Starner accepted an apprenticeship with New York City Ballet in the summer of 2020. Many other Toledo Ballet students have competed at the national and international level, including the Youth American Grand Prix (YAGP), the world’s largest international student ballet competition. Many students have gone on to dance in the nation’s finest programs and conservatories.
“We recognize this transition will be challenging and we appreciate our students’ and families’ commitment to Toledo Ballet,” says TAPA President and CEO Zak Vassar. “Since the merger, we have searched for ways to build synergy across our dance and music programs while creating valuable artistic experiences for our community. I recall Marie Vogt’s enthusiasm for the possibilities this kind of partnership would allow. We will continue to honor her vision as we build even greater access to dance and music education in our region.”
Toledo Ballet is committed to providing quality dance instruction and performance opportunities for its students. To learn more about Toledo Ballet’s mission, vision, and values, visit toledoballet.com.
