A bathtub, a bed, lots of heavy leather suitcases — not necessarily props you expect to see onstage for a ballet, let alone for a ballet set to the high funereal seriousness of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's 'Requiem.' But that's just some of what audiences will experience at Adam Hougland's world premiere ballet, 'Mozart's Requiem,' Friday and Saturday at the Aronoff Center.  

This time of year casts a bright, if cold, light on the many traditions that converge in America. Our shopping sprees and hectic schedules are time trial races and affectations that keep our eyes off the meaning — if there is any such holy grail to be found — of the holidays.  

Dance is never better than when paired with live music. Starting its season, Cincinnati Ballet's 'New Works' opening-night Thursday marked the sole performance featuring live musical accompaniment from popular local artists for three of five local choreographers' works (plus one cool Italian native).   

Current times call for convergence: of collaborations, of community, especially local community. For the first time, Cincinnati Ballet's annual repertory showcase 'New Works' focuses on homegrown talent to provide fresh choreography and music. We're encouraged to buy local, so why not tap in-town talent?   

Even with President Obama's "stimulus" plan and package, there's still much to be desired in terms of arts funding. But there's some good news as well: The Contemporary Dance Theater has landed a respectable sum from the NEA Arts Recovery and Recruitment grant program. Meanwhile, Cincinnati Ballet gears up for a stellar and diversified season.  

Following last season's 'Baker's Dozen,' Cincinnati Ballet again presents a piece choreographed by Twyla Tharp and restaged by veteran Tharp company member Shelley Washington. This time it's 'Sinatra Suite' from 1984, a series of four duets and a solo set to well-known Sinatra standards. The program also features new works from the Ballet's Associate Artistic Director Devon Carney and New York City-based choreographer Jessica Lang alongside Balanchine's 'Tarantella.'