COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Grand Rapids Ballet is committed to enhancing the lives of those in their community by making the arts more widely accessible. The arts can transform lives, and we are passionate about sharing the joy of dance with as many people as possible. Being deeply involved in our community allows us to build relationships, identify needs, and connect with our West Michigan community to make a difference in their lives. Take a look at some of the community outreach programs below to see how you can get involved.
BOYS 1 PROGRAM
Boys 1 Program is a class that is free of charge, made possible through scholarship funding, that encourages and fosters a love of ballet for boys ages 5-8 years old. This introductory level class is tailored to learn the basics of dance movement and musicality. All classes are taught with accompaniment by a live pianist.
ESCAPE TO THE BALLET
Students come to our state-of-the-art facility for two hours. While here they experience all aspects of what it takes to run a professional ballet company.
The day includes:
- • an exclusive chance to see and talk with the dancers and directors up close during a rehearsal at Peter Martin Wege Theatre in Grand Rapids, Michigan
- • a movement class taught by a staff member of the School of the Grand Rapids Ballet
- • a visit to the costume shop
This program allows for interactive participation between the students and Grand Rapids Ballet professionals. Email info@grballet.com for more information.
FREE FAMILY MATINEE
Grand Rapids Ballet is proud to offer Family Matinee performances, offering an introduction to the art of ballet for families and children. The programs will be led by Artistic Director James Sofranko and will include a demonstration of ballet, including plenty of opportunities for audience interaction, a performance from the professional company, and a chance to meet the dancers.
In an effort to accommodate sensory-sensitive audience members, the Family Matinee performances will feature low-sensory adjustments, including lowered volume, elimination of strobe lighting, and a 45-60 minute runtime.
Dance Immersion Program
Grand Rapids Ballet is proud to partner with Mark Evans to bring ballet and hip-hop instruction to multiple schools and grade levels within the Grand Rapids Public School System. To find out how to bring Grand Rapids Ballet to your school, please contact Mark Evans at outreach@grballet.com.
GRBS DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP
The Grand Rapids Ballet School Diversity Scholarship encourages diversity within ballet education for Black, Latinx, Native North American, and Asian and Pacific Islander students. This scholarship was created and initially funded by James and Mary Nelson, to provide students in underrepresented communities in West Michigan access to quality ballet training and arts education.
Grand Rapids Ballet School supports the expansion of access to ballet training and works to create learning opportunities that exist for all students, focusing on marginalized and under-resourced community members.
Contributing to the GRBS Diversity Scholarship offers hope and the opportunity for success to present and future dancers who may not otherwise have the advantage. With the financial resources provided by the Diversity Scholarship, recipients benefit from nurturing instruction to develop a thorough knowledge of technique, the invaluable skill of self-discipline, and a lasting love of dance.
MOVING WITH PARKINSON’S
Moving with Parkinson’s is a dance therapy class made specifically for people with Parkinson’s Disease, geared towards mobility. GRBS is proud to continue to partner with the Parkinson’s Association of West Michigan to offer free weekly classes throughout the year for adults in the West Michigan community with Parkinson’s Disease. We offer classes at our Grand Rapids facilities as well as satellite classes in Holland. Moving with Parkinson’s dancers enjoy spending time in a supportive community, focusing on holistic and restorative movement.
FAME PROGRAM
The FAME Program (Fine Arts Music and Expression) provides satellite classes to Brookside Elementry students in 3rd – 5th grade three times a week during their typical school day. This unique ten-week program allows the students to explore arts and music and put on a showcase at the end of the program at the Kroc Center. Additionally, GRB Company dancers visit the students to put on two free performances throughout the program. The FAME program is free for students and currently has up to 100 active participants.
SUMMER DANCE FESTIVAL
Grand Rapids Ballet hosts a free outdoor Summer Dance Festival in August. With two evenings of world-class dance outside our Peter Martin Wege Theatre, GRB intentionally invites various dance groups and organizations from our West Side community, curating a program that showcases the diversity of dance while bringing people together.
