To create and perform innovative dance and movement theatre at a high level of artistry, speak creatively about human life issues, and bring about personal development in the lives of individuals through training and mentoring.
About the Artistic Director
Inlet’s unique ability to share dance with people of all ages and backgrounds comes from its founder, Bill Wade. Formerly, Wade worked as an artist in residence for the Cleveland School of the Arts (CSA) where he founded the nationally-recognized and awarded after school program YARD – Youth At Risk Dancing. He received the Coming Up Taller Award at the White House by the National Endowment for the Arts and the President’s Committee for the Arts and Humanities. Prior his eleven year CSA residency, Wade served as an Artistic Director and dancer with Footpath Dance Company. Wade’s work also includes collaborations with STOMP, Major League Baseball, Sea World of Ohio and the 1992 Winter Olympic Games and has been recognized both regionally and nationally on television, radio, magazines and newspapers.
Our Core Values
Commitment
Communication
Excellence
Growth
Hard Work
Honesty
Integrity
Outreach
Respect
History
Inlet Dance Theatre is one of the region’s most exciting professional contemporary dance companies. Founded in 2001 by Artistic Director Bill Wade, Inlet embodies his longstanding belief that dance viewing, training and performing experiences serve as tools to bring about personal growth and development. Inlet’s company members, apprentices, trainees, supplemental dancers, and guest artists build the company’s solid reputation for uplifting individuals and engaging new audiences via performances and education programming.
Inlet Dance Theatre’s impact has grown locally to internationally. The company’s concerts, special events, Inflow and Outflow programs began as local initiatives and now reach regional and international markets. Inlet’s diverse base of work includes concerts such as part of Cleveland Public Theatre’s DanceWorks series and international exchanges to Easter Island (a commonwealth of Chile). Inlet’s education programming includes teaching dance in our home studio, attracting students from as far away as Central America to our Summer Dance Intensive, and conducting residencies throughout Ohio as part of the Ohio Arts Council’s Artist in Residence Program.
In contrast to an industry where people are often used to further dance, Inlet Dance Theatre is committed to using dance to further people. Discover for yourself what makes Inlet unique.
Inlet Company Members
Justin Stentz, Company Member
Inlet Apprentice
Mackenzie Clevenger
Inlet Trainees
Demetrius Dowlen
Seanne Rodgers
Lauren Stonestreet
Board of Trustees
Steve Citerin, Chairperson Assistant Director of Marketing, PlayhouseSquare
Christine Elliott Ph.D., Secretary Clinical Psychologist, The Center for Effective Living and Renew Psychological Services
