ASHLAND — Ashland native and co-founder of Neos Dance Theatre, Bobby Wesner announced Thursday that he has accepted a position as senior instructor of dance and resident choreographer for the dance department at Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi.
Wesner will begin his new role next fall and will ultimately re-locate to Mississippi with his family, but he and his wife, Brooke are committed to continuing all programming scheduled from now through all of 2020. This includes a special project or two that haven’t yet been announced.
“My family and I have now come to a life-changing decision, and I am sharing the news now because of our deep gratitude and admiration for you,” he said in a newsletter. “I’m thrilled by this opportunity, but I will miss the artistic environment of our Neos world: the fervor and tenacity of our artists and the big and small projects that brought so many people together in very special ways.”
Reflecting on the past two decades, Wesner says he and his wife could have anticipated its impact the impact of the Neos Dance Theatre.
The couple had moved back to Ashland after spending time in Arizona and Connecticut. They co-founded Neos Dance Theatre in the mid-2000’s, then spent four years under the umbrella of the Mansfield Renaissance Theatre before launching independently in December 2012.
Since its inception, the theatre has expanded its reach into Akron, Mansfield, Oberlin, Cleveland, Findlay and Ashland. The troupe of eight or so dancers has always proved willing to experiment. They looked to introduce dance to a wider audience through their “Ballet in the Brickyard” series in downtown Mansfield, and once they took to dancing at red lights along Park Avenue. And in Ashland, Neos Dance Theatre would often partner with Ashland University.
“Neos Dance Theatre has created enthralling and powerful art with wonderful collection of partners, collaborators, artists, organizations, benefactors and educational facilities,” Wesner said. “Together, we’ve made an impact I could have never imagined when we launched our independence in December 2012 after a wonderfully productive four-year residency under the umbrella of Mansfield’s Renaissance Theatre.”
Now, as the Wesners are looking towards their next chapter, they remain hopeful about the future of Neos Dance Theatre.
“While this is new territory for us, it doesn’t eliminate the possibility for continued Neos programming,” Wesner said.
When he moves to Mississippi in fall 2020, his wife and family will stay behind to maintain their residence in Ashland through the following year. One of the Wesner’s four daughters is graduating high school in spring 2021, and the couple doesn’t want to uproot her during her senior year.
This also works to facilitate a smooth transition for the theatre. Wesner will remain in his role as executive director, while Brooke Wesner leads classes and fulfills local responsibilities like face-to-face meetings.
“As for 2021, the extent of what is possible is great, but it is too soon to make public,” Wesner said. “The Board of Directors and I are discussing ideas and options, and soon will present a clearer picture of how we’ll proceed. In the meantime, we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming performances.”
Wesner will move in 2020, and his wife Brooke and family will follow in spring 2021.
“We are fortunate to have time to implement change, to make choices, fix problems,” Wesner said.
His future employer, Belhaven University issued a press release about his new role.
“We are thrilled that Bobby Wesner is joining us at Belhaven,” said chair and associate professor of dance Krista Bower. “Mr. Wesner brings significant experience as a professional dancer with Ballet Arizona and as co-founder and artistic director of Neos Dance Theatre. His expertise in ballet, men’s technique, pas de deux, jazz, contemporary dance, non-traditional partnering, choreography, and dance management will benefit our students and program. As a Christian dance artist and educator, he is eager to teach and mentor Belhaven Dance students as they prepare for their careers. I know he will make a meaningful impact in our department for years to come.”
The release went on to highlight how Wesner has taught master classes and workshops as an instructor of dance at Oberlin College, adjunct professor at the University of Akron and as a guest artist at Belhaven University. As a collaborator, he has worked with diverse artists and musicians at venues including the Akron Art Museum, symphonies, and school districts.
He began his career as a professional dancer with Ballet Arizona, under the direction of Michael Uthoff. During his stay in Phoenix, Wesner worked with American Classics such as Fredric Franklin, Daniel Ezralow, Moses Pendlelton of Momix, the Artistic Directors of Pilobolus, Kevin O’Day, Jowali Willa Jo Zolar of Urban Bush Woman and also his wife Brooke.
Independently, Wesner has traveled and performed with various companies all over the northeast region of the U.S. and in Italy.
“I just feel like we’ve been fortune to find support from such a wide array of community members. I want to let people know how thankful we are,” Wesner said.
