The Summer Dance festival is named after the late choreographer Heinz Poll who started the Ohio Ballet. Deputy Mayor Dave Lieberth says the four dance troupes all have some connection to Poll and each will perform at least one of his dances.
Lieberth says the performances are free with the city, and three area foundations footing the bill. He says Akron is the only city in the country to offer such free ballet. The committee in charge is hoping the festival not only continues but grows in later years.
The four companies will dance at four parks, including Cascade Park where the tradition began in 1975.