Artelize - Dancing Through Time: A Celebration of Jazz, Revolution, and Mastery with Grand Rapids Ballet
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Dancing Through Time: A Celebration of Jazz, Revolution, and Mastery with Grand Rapids Ballet

Step into a world where the vibrant beats of jazz, the spirit of revolution, and the elegance of ballet converge in Grand Rapids Ballet's spectacular performances. From the dynamic 'Le Grand Jazz!' to the nostalgic 'Be Here Now', and the showcase of young talent in the End of the Year Program, this season promises to captivate audiences with its diverse offerings. Join us at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre to witness the artistry and dedication of the dancers, as they bring these powerful stories to life on stage.

May 1, 2025
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1. Be Here Now
We close out our 2024-25 season with Be Here Now, a compilation of four stand-alone works, showcasing the true diversity and versatility our company offers. The program features the return of Le Grand Jazz!, choreographed by Darrell Grand Moultrie for GRB in October 2023. Moultrie’s work features classic tunes as well as songs from contemporary jazz artists, including Duke Ellington & Count Basie, Michael Bublé, Chris Botti, Ella Fitzgerald, Samara Joy, and the Melton Mustafa Orchestra. Le Grand Jazz! shares an infectious energy with the audience as it highlights a community of dancers who are playful, sometimes introspective, and always full of life. Our resident choreographer Penny Saunders will also create an entirely new work to be featured in this performance, her 9th original work for the company. George Balanchine’s Italian Inspired Tarantella is an exuberant pas de deux, full of personality, speed, and spirit. Created in 1964 for New York City Ballet dancers Edward Villella and Patricia McBride, Tarantella is an exciting showcase of virtuosic dancing. The show concludes with Be Here Now, choreographed by Try McIntyre to a playlist of music by The Mamas and the Papas, Janis Joplin, Steve Miller Band, Sly and the Family Stone, The Hollies, Jefferson Airplane, and The Youngbloods. Created in honor of the 50th anniversary of the “Summer of Love,” Be Here Now transports us to 1967 San Francisco, during a time of cultural revolution and youthful expression, inviting us to delight in the present moment and revel in music, movement, and love.
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Apr 25 - May 4, 2025
Grand Rapids Ballet

Grand Rapids, MI · Peter Martin Wege Theatre

2. Grand Rapids Ballet: Be Here Now
Be Here Now features the return of Le Grand Jazz!, choreographed by Darrell Grand Moultrie. This piece features classic tunes as well as songs from contemporary jazz artists, including Duke Ellington & Count Basie, Michael Bublé, Chris Botti, Ella Fitzgerald, Samara Joy, and the Melton Mustafa Orchestra. Le Grand Jazz! shares an infectious energy with the audience as it highlights a community of dancers who are playful, introspective, and always full of life. Our resident choreographer Penny Saunders will also create a new work to be featured in this performance, her 9th original work for the company. George Balanchines Italian Inspired Tarantella is an exuberant pas de deux, full of personality, speed, and spirit. Finally, Be Here Now, choreographed by Try McIntyre which transports us to 1967 San Francisco, during a time of cultural revolution and youthful expression, inviting us to delight in the present moment and love.
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Apr 25 - May 4, 2025
Grand Rapids Ballet

Grand Rapids, MI · Peter Martin Wege Theatre

3. Grand Rapids Ballet School: End of the Year Program
Join us for an enchanting evening of dance at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre in Grand Rapids, USA, on May 30, 2025. The Grand Rapids Ballet, one of the premier ballet companies in the USA, will be showcasing their year-end performance. Witness the culmination of a year's worth of dedication, hard work, and passion from these talented dancers. The performance promises to be a mesmerizing blend of classical and contemporary dance styles. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the beauty and grace of ballet. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster. For more information, visit grballet.com or check out their YouTube channel.
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30 - 31 May, 2025
Grand Rapids Ballet

Grand Rapids, MI · Peter Martin Wege Theatre

Conclusion
In a season filled with vibrant performances, Grand Rapids Ballet invites you to embark on a journey through time and emotion. From the infectious energy of 'Le Grand Jazz!' to the evocative 'Be Here Now', each piece is a testament to the company's versatility and passion for dance. As the curtain falls on the End of the Year Program, the dedication and talent of the dancers linger, leaving an indelible mark on all who witness their artistry. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the magic of ballet in its many forms.
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