On The Heels of Annual Gala, Grand Rapids Ballet Unveils ‘Something Grand’
2026-27 season launches alongside five-year strategic plan.
Grand Rapids, Michigan – October 14, 2026
Hot on the heels of a goal-achieving gala held October 3, the recent appointment of CEO Leah Voigt, and opening of a second school campus in Ada, Grand Rapids Ballet announces a grand new campaign to highlight the world-class art created at Michigan’s home for professional ballet. Coinciding with its October 16th 2026-27 season opening and five-year strategic plan, the Ballet is excited to unveil ‘Something Grand,’ which includes a refreshed look for the organization and an updated, user-friendly website.
“The Grand Rapids Ballet has entered an exciting and pivotal chapter for both the organization and our audiences,” said Leah Voigt, CEO. “For over five decades, the Ballet has been West Michigan’s destination for grand inspiration and experiences. As we look to the next fifty years, our strategic vision centers on preserving, enhancing, and expanding artistic and educational opportunities. It’s time to spread the word of ‘Something Grand,’ happening right here at Grand Rapids Ballet.”
Paying homage to the city’s namesake, ‘Something Grand’ nods to the artistry on stage and in the Grand Rapids Ballet’s commitment to the surrounding community. This approach overlaps with the Ballet’s strategic vision, including a capital campaign that builds on 50 years of legacy and tradition to meet the needs of an evolving arts ecosystem.
Tickets are on sale now for the Ballet’s 2026-27 season, which opens Friday, October 16 with Broken Wings, a vibrant, powerful work inspired by the life and art of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo and choreographed by internationally acclaimed Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. The program will also include a revival of Artistic Director James Sofranko’s A Dreamer, inspired by the life and studies of theoretical astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, featuring a score by Philip Glass and Ludwig van Beethoven.
Additional season features include the beloved holiday classic The Nutcracker, performed at DeVos Performance Hall and on tour at Detroit Opera House; the enchanting Alice in Wonderland; Pinocchio; and one of the most famous works in American ballet, Fancy Free. The season also includes the Company’s beloved Jumpstart program with new works created by Company dancers.
About Grand Rapids Ballet
Grand Rapids Ballet is Michigan’s home for world-class ballet experiences that enrich, educate, and inspire. Celebrating over 50 years of artistic and educational excellence, the organization is committed to uplifting and engaging the human spirit through the art of dance. Headquartered at the Meijer-Royce Center for Dance in downtown Grand Rapids, the organization serves as a cultural cornerstone of the region, training the next generation of professional dancers and providing ballet classes for all ages and abilities.