Urban, classical artists join forces for Neos' dance.r.evolution April 22 at Goodyear Hall

Graffiti artists, hip-hop dancers, urban musicians and classical dancers will criss-cross in dance.r.evolution, a multimedia premiere by Neos Dance Theatre, Saturday, April 22, 7:30 p.m., in the newly renovated Goodyear Theater, 1201 Market St.

The April 22 performance launches Neos’ two-year education and outreach dance.r.evolution program supported, in part, by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation through its Knight Arts Challenge.

“We’re creating dance.r.evolution to explore relationships across classical and urban arts in ways that inspire and engage local youth,” explained Neos co-founder and artistic director Bobby Wesner. “Our audiences often appreciate the diverse range of programming we bring to the community. This project allows us to bring a diverse range of community into our programming and I’m thrilled about the impact it’s had on our creative process and product.”

Resident choreographer Mary-Elizabeth Fenn is placing Neos dancers into an on-stage urban environment created by DJ MisterBradleyP from Cleveland, hip-hop dancers from Oberlin College and the University of Akron, YouTube sensation and hip-hop dancer Ryan Rosinski, Courtney Cable from Curated Storefront and the Akron Art Museum, Chris Miller from Akronist.com, artists Kirsten Williams and Steve Ehret, murals by Akron’s Art Bomb Brigade and young dancers from ArtSparks.

Also on the program is the world premiere of “Tarry the Night” by guest choreographer Holly Handman-Lopez, created during Neos’ residency this spring at Oberlin College.

Penny Saunders’ Flight, a Neos audience favorite, will round out the program. Saunders is known for her work with Hubbard, MOMIX, Cedar Lake, Neos and other classical and contemporary dance companies around the country.

Seating will only be in the balcony because of the unique nature of the performance. Tickets are available at www.goodyeartheater.com for $20 for general admission and $35 for VIP front-row seating. Tickets may also be purchased at the door that evening for $10 for students and seniors with ID and at all price levels as long as seats are still available. The doors open at 6:45 p.m.