Bill Wade and his InLet Dance team never fail to inspire and impress with their work. Their commitment to excellence is unsurpassed and they never lose sight of finding ways to give back to their community. One cannot leave an InLet performance without being profoundly changed. Their impact is priceless.
At Cane Park event with the Young Students, I thought they did a wonderful job!!! To see all of the students that were there that night was so impressive what they had learned in just a short time. Keep up the great work your doing. I love watching the Inlet Dance company. I attend every time I can!
I have known Bill Wade for many years; since he performed briefly with my dance company several years ago. I have followed his work with Inlet Dance Theatre over the years, and have seen the wonderful work that he and his dancers are doing. Their work with young people is absolutely exemplary, and the artistry remains top-notch, as well. Many young lives have been transformed through their positive experience with Inlet. Kathryn Mihelick, former Dance Coordinator, Kent State University. Founder/Director, Leaven Dance Company
I am related to one of the company members and understand their philosophy of "using dance to further people". The kids who you see in their Summer Dance Intensive concert are just full of life and love the company members, and thrive on the respect and care they receive during this program. The focus is on building up the esteem, skill and character of each and every dancer involved. The themes of the dances are moving and thought provoking and examine our lives in our world today.
As a 54-year-old adult and non-professional dancer it was my privilege to participate in Inlet Dance Theatre's Summer Intensive Dance (SDI) Program for 2.5 weeks this past summer. The stretching, exercise, demonstrations, instructions and choreography add up to huge lessons in dance, and more importantly, in life. The commitment of and guidance from the troupe are outstanding. Inlet provides the opportunity to step into the daily routines of a dancer's life with the expectation that students of all ages commit and participate fully. Each troupe member readily answered questions on technique through personal conversation as well as classes taught. Having students dance in pubic arenas (Tower City, Cain Park) allows the summer program to be real while encouraging each to become a viable participant within the community. The dedication of each member of the troupe is exemplified by their multiple hours each day of practice and teaching; necessity demands that each also supplement their income with part-time work. The demands on the troupe are many, yet each focuses and strives to reach that next level of professionalism; their talents are huge. Inlet Dance Theatre stays connected to many of the arts and school organizations in the area, teaching about dance through community and individual participation. Performances by troupe members are coupled with encouraging audience members to share their feelings about the performance through a guided conversation with Bill Wade, artistic director; he explains and teaches so that the audience may broaden its curiosity, understanding and interest. As many arts organizations struggle to stay viable within communities through performances and public service, and as many schools are cutting their arts and music programs, it is important that funding become more readily available so that community members of all ages may enjoy and grow within the arts program provided by Inlet. I will dance again with Inlet in the 2010 SDI program, after which I have offered to volunteer in the office or as needed. Your financial support can allow Inlet Dance Theatre an avenue to continue its valuable community involvement.
Inlet is an incredible organization that provides outstanding programs for youth and the community at large. I have attended 3 summer performance by their youth camp attendees, and the results were amazing! The ability of Inlet to draw out the kids' creativity and energy and to teach them professional level performance skills is remarkable. The kids who participate develop not only performance skills but they also grow and mature as young human beings. This is an organization that is well worth one's investment of time and money. I highly recommend Inlet Dance Theater.
Inlet Dance Theatre is an company in Cleveland in which I feel does not get the credit it truly deserves. Having worked for Inlet as their lighting designer as both a Volunteer and as a contracted person, I have found that what they do transforms the people involved. Generally, dance is something in which the people involved are just a tool for the Choreographer. With Inlet, the choreography and the people transform together. I am in awe each time I see a group of new young people involved with Inlet. I see them grow as people as well as artists. The sense of discipline not only in their work ethic, but also in their personal ethic that is taught to them is something I wish that every young person could have the opportunity to learn. It is a joy to be able to help out the company and watch how it can take an individual and move them to a higher place through dance.
Inlet was one of the first creative organizations that i was exposed to here in Cleveland when i moved from Texas. They have been a consistent presence in the creative community i have been involved in and have been very inspirational to me in my own field.
I've known Bill Wade, the Founder and Artistic Director of Inlet, for 11 years and had the privilege of serving on Inlet's inaugural Board for 4 years. Serving on Inlet's Board was an amazing and rewarding experience. This organization truly works hard to follow Bill's credo, "Using Dance to Further People." I have personally seen amazing transformations in the lives of the youth - often underprivileged - who have worked with Inlet! Each member of this organization, most of whom are volunteers, give selflessly to help the students, interns and Company members alike to grow, deepen and develop both their character as well as their dance skills. There are very few organizations that I would give an unqualified endorsement to but Inlet is certainly one that I would wholeheartedly promote. Bill Wade is one of the finest and most creative artists I've ever known. His vision for Inlet has taken much personal sacrifice, I know, but it has produced an Arts Organization that is making a truly positive impact on every life they touch. I am proud to know and to have been associated with Inlet Dance Theatre!
When I heard about Bill Wade and Inlet Dance Theatre, I was 16 years old with no idea that I would be in the Trainee program two years later. Working with Inlet everyday for a year, has up to this point been the most influential and most memorable moment in my life to this point. I remember the family like environment, the commitment to excellence, and last but not least Bill's way to see someone for what they can be and not what they are that day, or what they were yesterday. There ability to transcend themselves and fully invest in the community is one of the most beautiful things I've ever encountered. Every single person from Bill to the newest company member of Inlet Dance Theatre are some the most hardworking and genuine individuals I've ever met. I refer to Bill as one of my Dads, and all the people that I met and worked with as a Trainee at Inlet, family.