Cincinnati Ballet's 'Pinocchio' Showcases Rising Talent

The company's 'Family Series' provides valuable performance experience for its Second Company dancers.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:10am

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A striking black silhouette of a ballet dancer in motion, composed of bold, geometric shapes in high-contrast red and white, conceptually representing the rising talent of Cincinnati Ballet's Second Company.Cincinnati Ballet's 'Family Series' showcases the next generation of ballet stars, as Second Company dancers take the stage in child-friendly productions.Cincinnati Today

Cincinnati Ballet's annual 'Family Series' production, this year featuring 'Pinocchio,' offers an important platform for the company's Second Company (CB2) dancers. The abridged, child-friendly ballets allow these up-and-coming performers to gain valuable stage experience, with many CB2 alumni going on to join the main company. The series also introduces younger audiences to the art of ballet, helping to cultivate the next generation of dance enthusiasts.

Why it matters

The 'Family Series' is a crucial part of Cincinnati Ballet's community engagement and dancer development efforts. It provides CB2 members, who are training to potentially join the main company, the chance to take on featured roles and perform in front of audiences. This experience helps smooth their transition to the main company, where several former CB2 dancers now perform. Additionally, the accessible, family-friendly productions introduce ballet to young viewers, nurturing future ballet fans.

The details

Cincinnati Ballet's 'Family Series' features hourlong, abridged versions of classic children's stories performed by members of the company's Second Company (CB2) and students from the Otto M. Budig Academy. Unlike the main company's subscription performances, these shows are not part of the regular season and are designed to engage younger audiences. The dancers, who are training to potentially join the main Cincinnati Ballet company, gain valuable performance experience through these regional touring productions held in schools, community centers, and other non-traditional venues.

  • The 'Family Series' performances take place April 16-19, 2026.
  • Currently, four members of Cincinnati Ballet's main company are former CB2 dancers.
  • Next year, there will be a total of seven CB2 alumni in the main Cincinnati Ballet company.

The players

Cervilio Miguel Amador

The artistic director of Cincinnati Ballet, who oversees the company's Second Company (CB2) and the transition of dancers from CB2 to the main company.

Cincinnati Ballet Second Company (CB2)

A training ground for dancers aspiring to join Cincinnati Ballet's main company, similar to a minor league baseball team preparing players for the major leagues.

Otto M. Budig Academy

Cincinnati Ballet's official school, which provides training for students and supplements the dancers in the 'Family Series' productions.

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What they’re saying

“By the time they get to the main company, I have already worked with them for a year or two. They understand the company style and how we work. And the other dancers are already comfortable working with them. I can't emphasize how important they are to the future of the company.”

— Cervilio Miguel Amador, Artistic Director, Cincinnati Ballet

“We are not just developing dancers. We are developing audiences, too.”

— Cervilio Miguel Amador, Artistic Director, Cincinnati Ballet

“For these dancers, the importance of the 'Family Series' is that they get to do featured roles. And for me, I get to see them in roles that they would normally not get to perform with the main company. They have a chance to show off their talent. Remember, these dancers will become the superstars for new generations of ballet lovers.”

— Cervilio Miguel Amador, Artistic Director, Cincinnati Ballet

What’s next

The 'Family Series' performances of 'Pinocchio' will take place April 16-19, 2026 at the Procter & Gamble Hall in the Aronoff Center in downtown Cincinnati.

The takeaway

Cincinnati Ballet's 'Family Series' productions, like the upcoming 'Pinocchio,' play a vital role in developing the next generation of ballet dancers and audience members. The performances provide valuable stage experience for the company's Second Company members, many of whom go on to join the main company, while also introducing younger viewers to the art form.