GRAND RAPIDS BALLET

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Dancers with the Grand Rapids Ballet took the stage Friday for a performance of the annual favorite, “Jumpstart 2022.”The ballet continues its 50th anniversary by collaborating with various local arts and education institutions to create eight world-premiere performances during Jumpstart 2022 this weekend at Peter Martin Wege Theatre. On Saturday, March 26 at 2 p.m., the Grand Rapids Ballet says it is “jumping into action to support the refugees in Ukraine” by hosting a special donation-based performance of Jumpstart 2022. Artistic Director Sofranko told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press that the ballet wanted to find a way to support Ukrainian refugees and decided to add today’s matinee performance. The Grand Rapids Ballet will accept cash or card donations, and the performance is first come, first served. Sofranko said the community partners for Jumpstart include: the Grand Rapids Art Museum, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra, Grand Valley State University, Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University and Opera Grand Rapids.

Getting through the COVID pandemic hasn’t been easy for anyone. One Michigan couple saw their dancing careers halted, but they managed to get through it together.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- The Grand Rapids Ballet will be returning to the stage Friday, after announcing in July 2020 it was halting in-person performances due the COVID-19 pandemic. Artistic Director James Sofranko said they are happy to be back on stage, noting the joy of the dancers is clear in rehearsals. “I can’t wait to see how they embody that energy when they return to performance,” Sofranko said. Ticket and program information is available at the Grand Rapids Ballet website. The event organizer is requiring proof of a negative test or COVID-19 vaccination to attend this event.

The coronavirus pandemic has put many cultural activities in jeopardy, including the art of theater. It has taken extraordinary and out-of-the-box thinking to keep the arts alive when people are reluctant to go out.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- In response to ongoing safety guidelines and concerns, Grand Rapids Ballet announced its 2020-21 season will be virtual. The professional ballet company will hold its upcoming season virtually and include four new programs, including a reimagination of The Nutcracker. The new programs during this season will give viewers an experience unlike any previously offered through the ballet company, he said. And the story wouldn’t be complete without the musical accompaniment of Grand Rapids Symphony. April 2021 Dates TBA -- “Jumpstart: on Film” – Choreographed by the dancers of Grand Rapids Ballet, this innovative program will also provide them the unique opportunity to explore a completely new layer of creativity and expression: filmmaking.