Grand Rapids Ballet is delighted to announce our 2023-2024 Season. The 23-24 season features an abundance of world-premiere choreography, an array of well-known, inspirational repertory, and beloved classical works, programming for everyone to enjoy!
Grand Rapids Ballet’s dancers are ready to welcome new generations of audiences to the art of dance under the direction of Artistic Director James Sofranko and Executive Director Glenn Del Vecchio. Our 2023-2024 season is packed full of contemporary-based, dynamic pieces in Contemporary Visions, Jumpstart 2024, and In The Upper Room, right in our very own Peter Martin Wege Theatre, allowing our patrons to fully diverge in the diversity of genres dance has to offer. Throughout our 23-24 season Grand Rapids Ballet continues to present beloved classical family-friendly ballets such as The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty on a grand scale at DeVos Performance Hall.
The 2023-24 season is not only thrilling for our GRB Company but also for Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Junior Company. The Jr. Company is pleased to present two spectacular productions, Carnival of the Animals and Snow White, at our Peter Martin Wege Theatre.
Our 2022-23 season subscriptions are open to current subscribers!
Summer Series | August 2023
Before our season officially launches in October, take advantage of the gorgeous Michigan summers by joining up for our outdoor performances at various venues. Grand Rapids Ballet is thrilled to bring back our second annual Summer Dance Festival right outside the Peter Martin Wege Theatre. Experience the diversity of art here in our hometown as we invite local dance groups to perform with us on our stage, cultivating a production unlike any other.
Later in August, join us at the amphitheater at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park on August 29 for an evening of ballet under the colorful summer skies. Featured works will include Elemental Brubeck with choreography by Lar Lubovitch and music by Dave Brubeck and Who Cares? Choreographed by the iconic George Balanchine and music by George Gershwin.
Contemporary Visions | October 6-8, 2023
At Peter Martin Wege Theatre
In October we kick off our season 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 is creating his first full 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, ABT, and Beyonce. We are elated to share that Contemporary Visions will feature world premiere choreography from veteran company dancer and up-in-coming choreographer Yuka Oba-Muschiana 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 all of its twists and turns as it falls forward through time. Spirit of Women, choreographed by Donald McKayle ____________.
The Nutcracker | December 8-10 & 15-17, 2023
At DeVos Performance Hall
Get into the holiday spirit as Grand Rapids Ballet dancers grace the stage at DeVos Performance Hall for our annual production of The Nutcracker! Enjoy captivating choreography by Val Caniparoli before a magical and immersive set, imagined by Grand Rapidian Chris Van Allsburg, designed by world-famous Eugene Lee. Join the elegant Sugar Plum Fairy and her gallant Cavalier as they guide Clara through the Land of the Sweets. Along the way, meet menacing mice and brave soldiers in an epic Battle Scene, and join festive celebrations as Clara is mesmerized with a fantastic waltz with live accompaniment from the Grand Rapids Symphony to Tchaikovsky’s magical score.
The Nutcracker is generously sponsored by Foster Swift and Meijer.
Sleeping Beauty | February 23-25, 2024
At DeVos Performance Hall
Experience a real-life fairytale as Grand Rapids Ballet presents Sleeping Beauty. Sleeping Beauty is one of the most beloved classical ballets ever, initially created in 1890 by Marius Petipa. Devon Carney has followed in the classical tradition for his production, which tells the tale of Princess Aurora, the curse placed on her and her kingdom by the evil fairy Carabosse, the benevolent Lilac Fairy, and Prince Desire who can awaken her from the spell only with true love’s kiss. With gorgeous costumes, sumptuous sets, breathtaking dancing, and Tchaikovsky’s famous score, this family-friendly performance is sure to 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.
Jumpstart 2024 | March 22-24, 2024
At Peter Martin Wege Theatre
Grand Rapids Ballet’s Company dancers push beyond the edge of choreographic exploration for our annual Jumpstart performance. Company dancers explore their creative energies, stepping into the role of choreographer, building experimental programs for other dancers. Jumpstart 2023 also will feature an excerpt of Three Offerings by Darrell Grand Moultrie. Jumpstart 2023 is a can’t miss event!
Jumpstart 2023 is generously sponsored by Dave Schmidt and Robert Oracz.
Ballet + Broadway | April 21-23 & 28-30, 2023
At Peter Martin Wege Theatre
In the Upper Room is one of renowned choreographer Twyla Tharp’s most celebrated works. Called “one of the greatest ballets of all time” by the New York Times (October 2022). The dancers push themselves to the edge of physical limits, propelled by the driving Philip Glass score. 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 iconic 1934 neo-classic masterpiece, one of his most famous ballets. Featuring sweeping choreography and stage patterns, a female corps in long tulle dresses, and a lush score by Tchaikovsky.
GRAND RAPIDS BALLET SCHOOL JUNIOR COMPANY 2023-24 SEASON
The 2023-24 season is not only thrilling for our GRB Company but also for Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Junior Company. The Jr. Company is pleased to present two spectacular productions, Carnival of the Animals and Snow White, both taking place at our Peter Martin Wege Theatre.
Carnival of The Animals | October 28-29, 2023
At Peter Martin Wege Theatre
Snow White | March 8-10 & 16-17, 2024
At Peter Martin Wege Theatre
DANCE EDUCATION
