Grand Rapids Ballet’s 2015-16 Season

The 2015-16 season is an exciting mix of world premieres, classic and significant contributions to the world of dance, and some of GRB’s old favorites. Performances include the return of Chris Van Allsburg’s Nutcracker production, the U.S. premiere of Annabelle Lopez-Ochoa’s Dangerous Liaisons and the full length classic Cinderella.

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Director’s Message

Over the past 5 years, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Grand Rapids Ballet grow as a cultural hub in the state of Michigan all while continuing its role as one of the great arts destinations in the city. Building a world class repertory with the most talented artists this country has to offer, we continue our dedication to developing dynamic productions for a diverse audience.

In October, the company tours to Seattle, WA, presenting Olivier Wevers’ full-length interpretation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Pacifica, a repertory evening with three of the most innovative and dynamic grouping of works in contemporary dance.

Pacifica will return with us to the Peter Martin Wege Theatre for a one-weekend-only encore. This mixed rep will showcase Annabelle’s humorous and thought provoking WRITTEN & FORGOTTEN, Penny’s brilliant and majestic look into the dynamic of light in Slight, and David Parsons’ modern masterpiece The Envelope. An evening not to miss!

The magical and enchanting story that is The Nutcracker, returns to DeVos Hall just in time for the holidays. This legendary ballet with magnificent artwork by Chris Van Allsburg brings to life a story full of sugar plum fairies and fighting mice. I’m pleased to announce that this beloved classic will make its debut at the historic Midland Center for the Arts in December.

We kick off the New Year with an original work by our 2014 Artist in Residence, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, with Dangerous Liaisons. Annabelle is one of the most sought after choreographers of our time and we could not be more excited that she has chosen Grand Rapids Ballet for the U.S. premiere of her seductive and thought-provoking full-length work. Annabelle tackles the theory of probability in a brilliant and accessible retelling of this masterpiece.

The Best of MOVEMEDIA in March brings us a look at the future of dance with the return of some audience favorites and exciting new works by today’s top choreographers.

Closing our season is the much-loved story of Cinderella, a world premiere by Bruce Wells. This timeless story is sure to delight audiences young and old. Come and embrace the beauty of dazzling princesses and handsome princes.

We hope to see you all for the 2015/2016 season, with a lineup that is artistically compelling, contemporary, and bold.

-Patricia Barker

Pacifica

October 16-18, 2015
Peter Martin Wege Theatre
An Encore of the Seattle Tour

Patricia Barker’s triumphant return to the Pacific Northwest culminates with a one weekend only encore of the pieces performed in Seattle on October 7-11. Pacifica will show pieces by Penny Saunders, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, and David Parsons.

The Nutcracker

Presented by Meijer
December 11-13 & 18-20, 2015
DeVos Performance Hall

West Michigan’s #1 holiday tradition
After a sold out world premiere, The Nutcracker, re-imagined by Polar Express author Chris Van Allsburg, returns for two weekends at DeVos Performance Hall. This magnificent production features choreography by Val Caniparoli and imaginative set design by Eugene Lee. Sugar plum fairies, fighting mice, and toy soldiers make this enchanting story the perfect tradition for the entire family. The Nutcracker will be performed in concert with the Grammy-nominated Grand Rapids Symphony.

Dangerous Liaisons

February 12-14 & 19-21, 2016
Peter Martin Wege Theatre
World Premiere

The never-ending quest for power and pleasure
In a world of make-believe where etiquette and status seem to overpower the value of love and empathy, Marquise de Merteuil and Vicomte de Valmont set themselves on a never-ending quest for power and pleasure. Ultimately this leads them into a web of lies and intrigue and lures them to a fatal collapse.

The Best of MOVEMEDIA

March 18-20, 2016
Peter Martin Wege Theatre

Celebrating five years
Now in its 5th season, MOVEMEDIA presents a stunning perspective into the world of internationally acclaimed dance makers. Over the past four years, this creative incubator has produced stunning new works by the most significant and celebrated contemporary choreographers from around the world.

Cinderella

May 6-8 & 13-15, 2016
Peter Martin Wege Theatre
World Premiere

A single glass slipper and the thrill of the chase
A single glass slipper secures Perrault’s classic fairy tale in the hearts and minds of children everywhere. Bruce Wells, former resident choreographer for Boston Ballet, brings to life a story full of magical pumpkin coaches, glamorous ball gowns, and enduring romance. Cinderella holds a pure, gracious heart in an otherwise dark and cruel world.

Season Ticket Information

There are several ways you can order your season tickets: by phone, email, mail, or in person. Packages range from $85 to $178.

BENEFITS OF BEING A SUBSCRIBER

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  • -Discounts on Adult Ballet Classes
Click here to download your order form

Special Events

Fall
Gala

September 15, 2015

Nutcracker Opening Night Party

December 11, 2015

Clara’s Nutcracker Party

December 13, 2015
Amway Ambassador Ballroom

Spring Break
for Kids

April 4-7, 2016
Peter Martin Wege Theatre

Junior Company

Dido And Aeneas

October 9-11, 2015
Peter Martin Wege Theatre

For love, time stands still. For honor, we march on.
Henry Purcell’s masterpiece is a seamless blend of operatic delight, graceful ballet, and creative staging. The tale of the beautiful Queen Dido and the young adventurer Aeneas is a love story that has been re-imagined for the 21st century. This baroque treasure is a large scale collaboration with GRBS Junior Company, Grand Valley State University’s Opera Theatre Department, the Chamber Choir of Grand Rapids, and Daredevil Circus Company.

Snow White

March 4-6, 2016
Peter Martin Wege Theatre

Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?
A magic mirror and a malicious queen makes Snow White one of the most famous stories of all time. Performed by Grand Rapids Ballet School Junior Company, this Brothers Grimm favorite is full of love, jealousy, and obsession with youthful beauty. This rich and immersive fantasy production is choreographed by Attila Mosolygo.

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