Ohio Contemporary Ballet is an action-oriented company that commissions and makes new dance works, preserves contemporary repertory, and builds community through performances and educational programs. Ohio Contemporary Ballet honors the deep roots of the ballet-based companies that preceded it in the Great Lakes region, including the all-female contemporary dance collective from which it draws its origin. Today, the company maintains its history of female leadership under the direction of Dr. Margaret Carlson and has sought to promote diversity among its dancers, staff, and board in terms of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and country of origin. The company strives to commission new works while maintaining dance virtuosity and production excellence on par with the historic leading companies of the region.