Grand Rapids Ballet Black and White Gala 2025

Grand Rapids Ballet Gala | October 10, 2025

You’re invited to an unforgettable evening at the Grand Rapids Ballet Gala!

Join us on October 10, 2025, at St. Cecilia Music Center.

Proceeds from the Gala will support the Grand Rapids Ballet, reinforcing our commitment to being a vibrant pillar of art, accessibility, and joy in the West Michigan community. Your attendance will help us continue to bring world-class dance to our beloved patrons.

Be part of this extraordinary event that seamlessly blends elegance, contemporary artistry, and philanthropy. Immerse yourself in the world of dance and support the Grand Rapids Ballet’s vision for the 25-26 season. Explore sponsorship options today to secure your place at the Gala!

Dinner tickets sold out

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Senior Director of Development at chrisj@grballet.com.

Know-Before-You-Go

Date
5:00pm, Friday, October 10, 2025
Where
St. Cecilia Music Center
Attire
Opulent Black Tie

Need inspiration? Explore curated style suggestions from A.K. Rikk’s Black & White Gala Collevtion
Parking
- Sponsor parking is available in the St Cecilia parking lot
- Additional FREE parking is available at the Park Congressional Church lot
- Here’s a link to SCMC parking webpage

Order of Events

5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
Arrival with Champagne
6:00 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.
Dinner Service Starts & Welcome Remarks
6:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Reverance Award
7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
“Mix and Mingle” downstairs with champagne & signature cocktails
7:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Theater doors open
8:00 p.m. - 8:40 p.m.
Performance of Season Highlights
8:40 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Paddle Raise & Auction
9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Drinks, Dancing, & Dessert
11 P.M.
Doors Close

Live-Auction Item

Backstage Magic at The Nutcracker – est. $2,000 value
Experience the holiday classic like never before—from the wings! Four exclusive backstage seats put you just steps from the action, where you’ll see the Grand Rapids Ballet’s Nutcracker come alive in an intimate, behind-the-scenes view.

Dinner with the Dancers at The Sovengard – est. $4,500 value
Indulge in a private, 5-course culinary journey at The Sovengard, where each course is inspired by a production from the Grand Rapids Ballet’s 2025–26 season. For 6–8 guests, this exclusive evening includes the company of four Ballet dancers, exquisite wine pairings, and conversation in an elegant private setting.

Swan Lake Opening Night Staycation – est. $1,000 value
Revel in an unforgettable evening with a luxurious stay at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and two premium seats to the opening night of Swan Lake at DeVos Performance Hall. Enjoy access to the post-performance opening night reception for a truly glamorous cultural escape.

Backyard Ballet — A Private Performance – est. $10,000 value
Bring the artistry of the Grand Rapids Ballet to your own home with a coveted Backyard Ballet performance for you and your invited guests. An extraordinary opportunity to experience world-class dance in the intimacy of your own setting – the ultimate garden party upgrade.

Pliés, Tendus, Rond de Jambes – est. $500 value

Pliés, Tendus, and Rond de Jambes—a series of acrylic on canvas created during ArtPrize 2024. Grand Rapids Ballet dancers brought movement to life in a unique way, using their feet as paintbrushes to craft these one-of-a-kind pieces. Each stroke captures the energy, grace, and creativity of the dancers themselves as they move through the motions of ballet’s most fundamental movements, making this artwork truly exceptional.

Fund-A-Need Paddle Raise

$100 — A Pair of Pointe Shoes
Help keep our dancers en pointe! The Ballet spends $50,000–$60,000 annually on pointe shoes, with each pair lasting just a few days.

$250 — Opening Night Presentation Bouquet
Honor our principal woman with the stunning bouquet she receives at the curtain call on opening night—a tradition that celebrates her artistry and dedication in the spotlight.

$750 — One Dancer for One Week
Cover the cost of keeping one Grand Rapids Ballet dancer on contract for a week. Your support helps ensure these exceptional artists can dedicate themselves fully to their craft.

$1,500 — A Handcrafted Tutu
Support the creation of a stunning, stage-worthy tutu, made entirely in-house by our expert costume staff. Your gift ensures our dancers shine under the spotlight in world-class style.

$3,000 — Sponsor a Guest Choreographer for One Week
Bring fresh creativity to our stage! Your gift covers one week of lodging and hospitality for a guest choreographer, helping to shape new works and inspire both dancers and audiences.

$5,000 — Live Music for One Act
Underwrite the Grand Rapids Symphony’s live accompaniment for one act of a performance at DeVos Performance Hall. Your generosity brings the power of live orchestral music to the stage, elevating the entire audience experience.