GRAND RAPIDS BALLET | 2025-26 SEASON
Grand Rapids Ballet is thrilled to present our highly anticipated 2025-26 season. This unique lineup features a blend of inspirational concepts, edgy contemporary works, and euphoric story ballets, programming for everyone to enjoy.
Kick-off the season with Sherlock, an exciting world-premiere from resident choreographer Penny Saunders, featuring the well-known characters and mysteries of the Sherlock Holmes tales. The ballet will also explore the life of the man behind the books, author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. We celebrate the holiday season with the 11th anniversary of The Nutcracker. It is Grand Rapids Ballet’s most beloved production, which has become a tradition for so many West Michigan families. This February, join us at DeVos Performance Hall for the world premiere of Swan Lake, featuring choreography by Artistic Director James Sofranko, in a stunning reimagining of one of the most iconic ballets of all time. In the spring, our dancers return to the role of choreographer as they create world-premiere pieces for their peers in the audience favorite, Jumpstart 2026. Finally, we close out our season with Justin Peck’s unforgettable work, In the Countenance of Kings. Created for 18 dancers, this high energy, musically focused work was created in collaboration with indie musician and Michigan native Sufjan Stevens.
BE HERE NOW
April 25-27 & May 2-4, 2025 at Peter Martin Wege Theatre
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. George Balanchine’s Italian inspired Tarantella is an exuberant pas de deux, full of personality, speed, and spirit. This program also features a new work choreographed by resident choreographer Penny Saunders. The program concludes with Be Here Now, choreographed by Trey 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.
SPRING BREAK FOR KIDS | RED RIDING HOOD
April 7-11, 2025 at Peter Martin Wege Theatre
Join us during spring break to experience the enchanting tale of Little Red Riding Hood, proudly sponsored by PNC Bank. Co-choreographed by Artistic Director James Sofranko and School & Junior Company Director Attila Mosolygo, Little Red Riding Hood tells the familiar tale of a young girl as she takes on the infamous Big Bad Wolf. Join us in the lobby at 10:15 a.m. for fun, kid-friendly activities before the show! Enjoy costume try-ons and meet & greets with GRB dancers. The performance, featuring apprentices and trainees of Grand Rapids Ballet, kicks off at 11:00 a.m. in the Peter Martin Wege Theatre.
SUMMER 2025 INTENSIVES
Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Summer 2025 Intensives offer a Ballet Intensive and Dance Camps for young dancers. In the Ballet program, students take daily classes with our esteemed faculty and engage in a well-rounded curriculum, including opportunities to work with GRB Company dancers and guest instructors. Our Dance Camps provide a fun and active way for children to stay engaged during the summer while learning the basics of ballet, making new friends along the way. We invite you to explore each of these exciting programs below!
Registration opens March 3, 2025!
GRAND RAPIDS BALLET SCHOOL | 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR
Train at Grand Rapids Ballet School, the educational branch of Michigan’s premiere professional ballet company. Grand Rapids Ballet School offers dance classes for all ages and experience levels, beginning with ballet training for students ages 3-19, plus adult and Adaptive Dance classes. GRBS offers classes with individual attention, personalized mentorship, choreographic and performance opportunities, live piano accompaniment, and a supportive community of dancers dedicated to achieving their goals. Visit our school page to learn more about classes.
