Join Wagner College for an enchanting evening of performing arts at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre in Grand Rapids, US on July 25, 2025. Immerse yourself in the world of dance as students showcase their skills honed over a summer of intensive training. This event promises to be a testament to the power of dedication and passion, with performances that will captivate and inspire. Don't miss out on this extraordinary display of talent. For more information, visit the official Wagner College website or their YouTube channel. Secure your tickets now through the primary event link. See you at the theatre!

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Grand Rapids Ballet School: Summer Intensive Showcase

Peter Martin Wege Theatre

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.

Grand Rapids Ballet School: End of the Year Program

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.

Grand Rapids Ballet: 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.

Be Here Now

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Grand Rapids Ballet is proud to host our annual Spring Break for Kids! This event is tailored specifically for children and families. We welcome you to join us in our lobby at 10:15 a.m. before the show for kid-friendly activities, including the chance to try on costumes, meet & greet with GRB dancers, and photo ops - remember your camera! Spring Break for Kids will begin in the Peter Martin Wege Theatre at 11:00 am and will be performed by the apprentices and trainees of Grand Rapids Ballet.

Grand Rapids Ballet: Spring Break For Kids: Little Red Riding Hood

Join us once again for the audience-favorite, Jumpstart 2025. Grand Rapids Ballet dancers seize the choreographic spotlight, crafting short world-premiere works for their fellow performers. Indulge in a program brimming with entirely new creations, as the thrill of Jumpstart lies in the excitement of innovation. Show your support for your beloved dancers as they step into the role of choreographer, resulting in a truly distinctive and diverse program that promises a fresh perspective on the art of dance.

Jumpstart

Grand Rapids Ballet: Jumpstart 2025

Experience the heartfelt story of Beauty & The Beast with Grand Rapids Ballets Junior Company, with choreography by School and Junior Company Director, Attila Mosolygo. This timeless classic follows the journey of Belle, a bright and beautiful young woman as she is trapped in the castle by a mysterious beast. Despite her fears, Belle befriends the castles enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beasts hideous exterior, allowing her to recognize the kind heart and soul of the true prince that hides on the inside. Dont miss this captivating fairytale that is perfect for audiences of all ages!

Grand Rapids Ballet Junior Company: Beauty & The Beast

Take flight with Grand Rapids Ballet as we present Peter Pan February 21-23, 2025, at DeVos Performance Hall. Embark on a magical journey to enchanting realms with this captivating full-length ballet choreographed by Septime Webre, inspired by J.M. Barrie’s renowned tale about the boy who won’t grow up. Immerse yourself in the nostalgic narrative brimming with pixie dust, the spirited Lost Boys, the notorious Captain Hook, daring pirates, a voracious crocodile, and the fearless Peter Pan flying high above the stage! With live accompaniment from the Grand Rapids Symphony playing a score by Carmon DeLeone, Peter Pan is a humorous, family-friendly ballet that seamlessly blends classical ballet technique with a timeless story.

Peter Pan

DeVos Performance Hall

In our 2024-25 Season we ring in the holidays with the 10th anniversary of The Nutcracker. Celebrate a decade of Grand Rapids Ballet’s beloved Nutcracker at DeVos Performance Hall with live accompaniment from the Grand Rapids Symphony to Tchaikovsky’s renowned score. Enjoy your favorite holiday performance with immersive sets imagined by Chris Van Allsburg and designed by Eugene Lee, gorgeous choreography by Val Caniparoli, and memorable dancing by Grand Rapids Ballet’s company dancers. Follow Clara’s as she receives a magical nutcracker doll from her mysterious godfather, Herr Drosselmeyer. At night, the nutcracker comes to life and leads Clara into a grand battle against an army of mice. After helping the Nutcracker defeat the Mouse King, Clara is guided on a magical adventure by the elegant Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier through the Land of the Sweets where she befriends confections and enjoys a festive celebration.

The Nutcracker

We are proud to kick off our 2024-25 season in October with Symphony of Movement, a dynamic first-ever collaboration between GRB and the Grand Rapids Symphony at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre. Conducted by GRSO’s music director Marcelo Lehninger, the symphony shares the stage with the dancers, featuring three acclaimed works and one world-premiere.

Symphony of Movement

Experience “one of the greatest ballets of all time” (New York Times, October 2022) right here in Grand Rapids in our Peter Martin Wege Theatre as Grand Rapids Ballet presents In The Upper Room by renowned choreographer Twyla Tharp. Be captivated as our dancers push themselves to the edge of physical limits, propelled by the driving Philip Glass score. As the work is performed in both sneakers and pointe shoes, the choreography draws on elements of classical ballet, jazz, tap dance, yoga, and boxing to create a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience. This program also features the return of Serenade, Balanchine’s memorable 1934 neo-classic masterpiece, featuring sweeping choreography, exquisite stage patterns, and iconic long tulle dresses, all paired with a lush score by Tchaikovsky. Two of ballet’s most celebrated works in one unforgettable program makes this a performance you do not want to miss.

In the Upper Room

Join us for the audience favorite “Jumpstart” as Grand Rapids Ballet dancers take the choreographic reins and create short world-premiere works for their peers. In a program made up of entirely new works, the excitement of Jumpstart lies in the fresh and new.  Support your favorite dancers as they step into the role of choreographer, making for a truly unique and diverse program.

Jumpstart 2024

Snow White

Be whisked away by one of the most beloved classical ballets as this fairytale commands the stage at DeVos Performance Hall. With elegant choreography created by Devon Carney, with sections after Marius Petipa and Tchaikovsky’s exceptional score performed live by the Grand Rapids Symphony, this timeless production follows the traditional tale of Princess Aurora and the curse placed on her and her kingdom by the evil fairy Carabosse, the benevolent Lilac Fairy, and Prince Désiré who can awaken her from the spell only with true love’s kiss. With gorgeous costumes, sumptuous sets, and breathtaking dancing, this family-friendly performance will surely sweep you away in the beauty of classical ballet. This production will also feature Grand Rapids Ballet School students alongside the professional company’s dancers.

Sleeping Beauty

Share in the classic holiday tradition with Grand Rapids Ballet as we present The Nutcracker at DeVos Performance Hall! Become a part of the magic as Grand Rapids Ballet Company Dancers grace the stage performing choreography by Val Caniparoli before an immersive set imagined by Chris Van Allsburg and designed by world-famous Eugene Lee. Enjoy Tchaikovsky’s renowned score played by the Grand Rapids Symphony as you follow Clara as she receives a magical Nutcracker from her uncle, Herr Drosselmeier, which takes her on an adventure through the land of the sweets. Become mesmerized as Clara fights off impending mice in a battle alongside brave soldiers and explores the enchanting land with the Sugar Plum Fairy and her gallant Cavalier. After they enjoy a celebration with Spanish Chocolate, Chinese Tea, Arabian Spices, French Pastilles, and many more newfound friends, Clara awakens at home, questioning if the magic is real or if it was all just a dream.

Carnival of the Animals

We kick off our season in October with our first in-theatre performance, Contemporary Visions. This production features four stand-alone works created by explorative and dynamic choreographers sharing stories through movement. Contemporary Visions features world-premiere choreography from Darrell Grand-Moultrie as he creates his first complete work for Grand Rapids Ballet. Darrell previously created Three Offerings for us during the virtual 20-21 season. He has an extensive resume, including creating works for Alvin Ailey, American Ballet Theater, and Beyonce. Veteran company dancer and up-and-coming choreographer Yuka Oba-Muschiana will create a full company work, with music by Franz Schubert. Berceuse, choreographed by resident choreographer Penny Saunders lends a sweeping and intricate duet in Berceuse, set to Benjamin Godard’s gorgeous piece of the same name. Berceuse, meaning ‘lullaby’ in French, explores the nuanced line between classical and contemporary movement and zooms in on a relationship, amplifying its twists and turns as it falls through time. Spirit of Women features three female solos excerpted from Donald McKayle’s repertoire that are placed together for their first collaborative presentation. As a massive figure in the modern dance world, McKayle is known for his socially conscious works expressing the human condition, specifically the African American experience. You will want to make sure you get to see this brand-new compilation of works as Grand Rapids Ballet presents Contemporary Visions.

Contemporary Visions

Before our season officially launches in October, take advantage of the gorgeous Michigan summers by joining us for outdoor performances at two unique venues. Grand Rapids Ballet is thrilled to bring back our second annual FREE Summer Dance Festival outside the Peter Martin Wege Theatre. Experience the diversity of art here in our hometown as Grand Rapids Ballet and other local dance groups representing a multitude of genres perform in a festive atmosphere, complete with food trucks, beer and wine! Then join us at the amphitheater at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park on August 29 for an evening of ballet under the colorful summer skies.

Summer Series

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Fall in love with Shakespeare’s classic story, Romeo and Juliet, as Grand Rapids Ballet presents World Premiere choreography by Artistic Director James Sofranko, set in Renaissance Verona on the stage at DeVos Performance Hall. Be captivated by the romantic tragedy featuring the famous feuding families, the Montagues and Capulets. The Grand Rapids Symphony performs Prokofiev’s ravishing score as the timeless story comes to life with enthralling sword fighting, and the excitement of young love, all leading toward an emotional end.

Ballet & Dance events in Grand Rapids, MI

Grand Rapids Ballet Schoo...

Wagner College

Grand Rapids Ballet Schoo...

Grand Rapids Ballet

Grand Rapids Ballet: Be H...

Grand Rapids Ballet

Be Here Now

Grand Rapids Ballet

The Artelize Podcast and ...

Artelize

The Artelize Podcast - A ...

Artelize

The Artelize Podcast: A l...

Artelize

The Artelize Podcast and ...

Artelize

Grand Rapids Ballet: Spri...

Grand Rapids Ballet

Jumpstart

Grand Rapids Ballet

Grand Rapids Ballet: Jump...

Grand Rapids Ballet

Grand Rapids Ballet Junio...

Grand Rapids Ballet

Peter Pan

Grand Rapids Ballet

The Nutcracker

Grand Rapids Ballet

Symphony of Movement

Grand Rapids Ballet

In the Upper Room

Grand Rapids Ballet

Jumpstart 2024

Grand Rapids Ballet

Snow White

Grand Rapids Ballet

Sleeping Beauty

Grand Rapids Ballet

The Nutcracker

Grand Rapids Ballet

Carnival of the Animals

Grand Rapids Ballet

Contemporary Visions

Grand Rapids Ballet

Summer Series

Grand Rapids Ballet

Romeo & Juliet

Grand Rapids Symphony