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: Opulent black & white. 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 Black & White Gala Collection
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.
Tickets
Order of Events
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. $3,500 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
$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.
$2,500 — Sponsor a Guest Choreographer’s Travel and Lodging
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.
$1,000 — 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.
$500 — One Week of Dance Immersion instruction
Serving about 800 students, 6 elementary schools in GRPS
$250 — Props for a Jr. Company production
$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.
Lead Sponsors
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
