Ballet Excel Ohio Artistic Director Mia Klinger Receives 2023 Arts Alive Award

Ballet Excel Ohio and Nan Klinger Excellent in Dance Artistic Director Mia Klinger has been recognized with Summit Artspace’s IDEA Leader Award for 2023. The IDEA Leader  Award is given to an individual or group who has amplified the voices and vision of artists in the community or has strengthened inclusion, diversity, equity and access for and within the arts. Who give selflessly to the cause of advancing arts and culture in the community.

IDEA LEADER 2023

IDEA Leader: An individual or group who has amplified the voices and vision of artist in the community or has strengthened inclusion, diversity, equity and access for and within the arts.

“I am very humbled by this award,” says Klinger. “For over 34 years as a dance teacher, and for the past 20 years through my work as Artistic Director of Ballet Excel Ohio, It has been a privilege to share my dreams and the company’s work with people across Summit County. Dance has made and continues to make possible so many vital and memorable connections in the Akron area community and it means so much to know it has been valued. I am grateful on behalf of everyone who has helped realize the work for this recognition.”

Since 2002, Summit Artspace’s annual Arts Alive Awards have recognized gifted artists, talented arts educators, and change-making advocates who bring the arts to life and shape the Summit County community’s culture.