GRAND RAPIDS BALLET 2023-24 SEASON

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!

Our 2023-2024 season is packed full of dynamic pieces in Contemporary Visions, Jumpstart 2024, and In The Upper Room, right in our very own Peter Martin Wege Theatre, showcasing a range of diverse styles and themes. 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 2023-24 season subscriptions are open to new and current subscribers! 

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2023-2024 SEASON | PRODUCTIONS

Summer Series | August 2023

Before our season officially launches in October, take advantage of the gorgeous Michigan summers by joining us for our outdoor performances at various venues. Grand Rapids Ballet is thrilled to bring back our second annual 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, all for free! 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. Featured works will include Elemental Brubeck with choreography by Lar Lubovitch and music by renowned jazz composer Dave Brubeck. We are also thrilled to bring back the piece Who Cares? choreographed by George Balanchine from our 2022-23 season. Exciting, high-energy choreography featuring the full company and romantic pas de deux set to Gershwin tunes such as “I’ve Got Rhythm” and “The Man I Love.”

Summer Dance Festival | August 25 & 26, 2023

Join Grand Rapids Ballet from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. outside of the Peter Martin Wege Theatre for two FREE evenings of dance, food, drinks, and more! Click Here to learn more.

Frederik Meijer Gardens | Tuesday, August 29, 2023

  • The performance begins at 7 p.m.
  • Tickets are free for Meijer Gardens members and included in admission for other guests.
  • Tickets are available on the day of the performance in the Meijer Gardens Welcome Center or Amphitheater Box Office beginning at 5 p.m.
  • Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, located at:
    1000 E Beltline Ave NE
    Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Chairs of all heights are welcome, and the permanent seats at the rear of the amphitheater are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Sponsored By:

Contemporary Visions | October 6-8, 2023

Peter Martin Wege Theatre

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. For the first time, 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.  

Friday, October 6, 2023

Evening performance at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 7, 2023

  • Matinee performance at 2:00 p.m.
  • Evening performance at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, October 8, 2023

Matinee performance at 2 p.m.

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The Nutcracker | December 8-10 & 15-17, 2023

DeVos Performance Hall

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 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 is all just a dream. 

The Nutcracker is generously sponsored by Foster Swift and Meijer. 

Friday, December 8, 2023

Evening performance at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 9, 2023

  • Matinee performance at 2:00 p.m.
  • Evening performance at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 10, 2023

Matinee performance at 2 p.m.

Clara’s Nutcracker Party | Sunday, December 10, 2023

Grand Rapids Ballet is thrilled to host a one-of-a-kind holiday celebration, made just for kids! Clara’s Nutcracker Party, taking place Sunday, December 11, 2023, is a joyous event where your child can meet their favorite characters from Grand Rapids Ballet’s The Nutcracker in a fun and festive fantasy land!

Friday, December 15, 2023

  • Evening performance at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 16, 2023

  • Matinee performance at 2 p.m.
  • Evening performance at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 17, 2023

  • Matinee performance at 2 p.m.
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Sponsored By:

Sleeping Beauty | February 23-25, 2024

DeVos Performance Hall

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 Desire 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.

Friday, February 23, 2024

Evening performance at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 24, 2024

  • Matinee performance at 2:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 25, 2024

Matinee performance at 2 p.m.

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Jumpstart 2024 | March 22-24, 2024

Peter Martin Wege Theatre

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 is generously sponsored by Dave Schmidt and Robert Oracz.

Friday, March 22, 2024

Evening performance at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 23, 2024

  • Evening performance at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 24, 2024

Matinee performance at 2 p.m.

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Sponsored By:

Dave Schmidt and Robert Oracz

In The Upper Room | April 26-28 & May 3-5, 2024

Peter Martin Wege Theatre

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!

Friday, April 26, 2024

Evening performance at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 27, 2024

  • Evening performance at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 28, 2024

Matinee performance at 2 p.m.

Friday, May 3, 2024

Evening performance at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 4, 2024

Evening performance at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 5, 2024

Matinee performance at 2 p.m.

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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 27-29, 2023

Peter Martin Wege Theatre

Friday, October 27, 2023

Evening performance at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 28, 2023

Matinee Performance at 2:00 p.m.

Evening Performance at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, October 29, 2023

Matinee Performance at 2:00 p.m.

Snow White | March 8-10 & 16-17, 2024

Peter Martin Wege Theatre

Friday, March 8, 2024

Evening performance at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 9, 2024

Matinee Performance at 2:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Matinee Performance at 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 16, 2024

  • Matinee Performance at 2:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 17, 2024

  • Matinee Performance at 2:00 p.m.
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