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

Tickets for Soirée Noir are available below

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

Soiree Noir Gala Event Grand Rapids Ballet

Taking inspiration from the duality of Swan Lake’s Odile and Odette, Soirée Noir captures the essence of contrast: shadow and light, edge and elegance, innovation and tradition.

Your evening unfolds with a champagne welcome. Then comes an exclusive season preview repertoire performance in the historic Royce Auditorium that will delight the senses. A thrilling, high-energy live auction follows, before the velvet rope drops on Soirée Noir, the after-hours celebration where you will mix and mingle with Grand Rapids Ballet legendary company dancers as DJ AB (Adrian Butler) spins into the night. Enjoy a hosted bar, decadent desserts, and unexpected + unforgettable moments…

Dress the Part: Black tie, reimagined. Channel your inner White Swan. Elegant, graceful, timeless. Or embody the Black Swan. Bold, daring, and unapologetically edgy.

Need inspiration? Explore curated style suggestions from A.K. Rikk’s

Proceeds from the Gala will support the Grand Rapids Ballet, reinforcing our commitment to being a vibrant pillar of art, inclusion, 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.

Secure your tickets now and celebrate the art of dance and the enduring power of movement and imagination with Michigan’s only professional classical ballet company.

Live-Auction Item

Backstage Magic at The Nutcracker
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
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
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
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.

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.

Tickets

Order of Events

  • 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

    Champaign Welcome

  • 8:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

    Performance of Season Highlights

  • 8:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

    Fund-a-need & Auction

  • 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

    Drinks, Dancing, & Dessert

  • 11 P.M.

    Doors Close

Lead Sponsors

Hill Island Financial logo

Table Sponsors

AK Rikk’s

Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park

Margaret Idema

May Strategy Group

Carol Muth

Andrea and David Nemes

John Nienhuis

Paul and Amy Skentzos

Varnum LLC

Warner Norcross + Judd

In-Kind Support Provided By

Amyway Grand Plaza Hotel

Applause Catering

Green NV

Dale Schriemer

The Sovengard

© Copyright - Grand Rapids Ballet 2022