New Canton Ballet directors Raub and Catazaro excited to present 'The Nutcracker'

CANTON − Joy L. Raub will come full circle at the Canton Ballet when it performs "The Nutcracker" this weekend.

A former student dancer in the ballet, the 33-year-old Raub learned under Cassandra Crowley, the retired executive director and artistic director.

She performed the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy, Dewdrop Fairy and Snow Queen in The Nutcracker on the stage of the Canton Palace Theatre.

Now the Stark County native is head administrator of the Canton Ballet as the new executive director, succeeding Crowley, who retired about a year ago following four decades with the organization. Raub was hired into the position in July while Jennifer Catazaro Hayward, another ballet alum, fills the role of artistic director, which she assumed in January.

Both Raub and Catazaro Hayward are considered co-leaders of the local ballet.

Cassandra Crowley says goodbye Longtime director retiring at end of year: 'I have treasured my time at Canton Ballet'

Raub said back when she danced in the ballet in the '90s and studied classical ballet in college, her thoughts would drift to one day leading a dance school.

Her career, however, took her into community nonprofits and higher education, although she stayed connected with the Canton Ballet over the years, including as a guest choreographer, volunteer, patron and parent of a student.

As executive director, Raub will focus on overseeing the business operations of the ballet, including marketing and public relations, strategy, fundraising, grant writing, fiscal management and human resources.

"I am humbled to now be able to return to Canton Ballet to lead it, alongside Jennifer, into this new exciting chapter," said Raub, who graduated with a bachelor's degree from the University of Mount Union and a master's degree from Walsh University.

Canton Ballet presents 'The Nutcracker'

Canton Ballet presents "The Nutcracker" on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Palace Theatre. Friday and Saturday both feature 7 p.m. shows. Saturday and Sunday have 2 p.m. performances.

Tickets can be purchased at https://cantonpalacetheatre.org/ or by calling the Palace Theatre box office at 330-454-8172. Box office hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at the theatre, 605 Market Ave. N. Tickets start at $24 for children and $30 for adults, varying by show time. Premium seats are $42 or $45, depending on the performance.

Crowley said the classic holiday production and the entire ballet are in good hands.

"Joy has always been a very thoughtful and creative person," she said. "During her time in Canton Ballet Company, she became an artist of the first order who excelled in both modern dance and classical ballet.

"A talented choreographer, Joy impressed me with her creativity from an early age, and in fact, recently created two ballets for the company," Crowley added.

"In addition, Joy has always displayed admirable leadership qualities and guided the members towards a strong work ethic, high moral standard, integrity and attention to the job at hand," she said. "I’m proud of both Joy and (Catazaro Hayward) and happy to have them carry on my legacy."

'The Nutcracker' features the Canton Symphony Orchestra

Catazaro Hayward has been with the Canton Ballet for about 40 years, including as a student, teacher and assistant artistic director before assuming her current position.

She was a student at Canton Ballet until her junior year of high school when she left for New York City to dance with the prestigious School of American Ballet. Past dance credits include the role of Sugar Plum Fairy upon returning to the Canton Ballet.

She's enthused about overseeing the artistic production of "The Nutcracker," which features the Canton Symphony Orchestra for the Friday and Saturday night performances.

"We are all very excited to be performing 'The Nutcracker,' especially with the addition of the Canton Symphony Orchestra," Catazaro Hayward said. "'The Nutcracker' is a very magical ballet for us, and I think the dancers look forward to this program most of all."

The local symphony has not collaborated with the ballet for "The Nutcracker" in 25 years.

"The orchestra ... will be the most noticeable and dramatic change in the theatre for both the dancers and the audience," Catazaro Hayward said. "Dancing to the live accompaniment is a multi-sensory experience for everyone involved and adds so much to the experience."

The symphony's Music Director Designate Matthew Jenkins Jaroszewicz will conduct Tchaikovsky’s score of music.

Melissa Chapski of Bayerisches Staatsballett (Bavarian State Ballet) in Munich, Germany will perform as the Sugar Plum Fairy. Her cavalier will be Zachary Catazaro, a Canton Ballet alumnus, former principal dancer of the New York City Ballet and son of Catazaro Hayward.

Dancing into the future of the Canton Ballet

As she co-leads the ballet, Raub said she will honor the organization's rich tradition "while also embracing new ideas and supporting Jennifer's artistic vision for the (ballet) school."

"One of the beautiful things about ballet is that it’s an art form that is passed from one artist to another and one generation to the next," the Louisville resident said. "Dance has a rich history and so does Canton Ballet.

"... We will remain focused on providing the highest artistic quality of instruction for our dancers and will also be working to expand our presence in the community."

Catazaro Hayward is taking a similar approach in her role overseeing the artistic vision of the ballet school and pre-professional company while leading dance instruction and artistic productions.

"I believe my leadership style is a bit of a mix," she said. "I try to be adaptable, compassionate, and a good role model. I strive to inspire creativity, passion and excellence in my team and my students. Ithink it’s essential to foster an environment where everyone feels valued.

"As far as new ideas and change, I feel very respectful of the past, but I also think it’s vital to embrace new concepts and vision," Catazaro Hayward added. "I think it’s important to grow and keep learning. This often means change. I want to carry on traditions, while at the same time finding new roads to travel."

Reach Ed at 330-580-8315 and ebalint@gannett.com

On X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram at ed_balint

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Canton Ballet directors Raub and Catazaro succeed Cassandra Crowley