Experience the enchanting allure of the classical ballet, Sleeping Beauty. Grand Rapids Ballet will perform the cherished tale at DeVos Performance Hall Feb. 23-25.
A traditional tale come to life
Sleeping Beauty shares the traditional tale of Princess Aurora.
From her birth, a curse by the evil fairy Carabosse foretells Aurora’s demise on her sixteenth birthday. Aurora enters a profound slumber, only to be awakened by true love’s kiss, as orchestrated by the benevolent Lilac Fairy.
(Courtesy, Kansas City Ballet / Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios)
With Devon Carney’s exquisite choreography that pays homage to Marius Petipa, the production will be accompanied by a live Grand Rapids Symphony performance of Tchaikovsky’s exceptional score.
Gorgeous costumes, sumptuous sets, and breathtaking dancing are a hallmark of this family-friendly classical ballet performance.
Come and celebrate!
In addition to the ballet, Sleeping Beauty’s Birthday Party will be held on Feb. 25 at DeVos Performance Hall.
(Courtesy, Kansas City Ballet / Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios)
The memorable royal gathering will be held from 12-1 p.m. Party guests can create enchanted crafts to take home, enjoy sweet treats, and meet Grand Rapids Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty.
Party wear, crowns and sparkles are encouraged to help celebrate Princess Aurora’s sweet sixteen.
Inspired by the ancient myth of Cupid and Psyche, choreographer Julianna Rubio Slager tells a female-driven, utterly compelling story of love, jealousy, and a case against the gods.
Rubio Slager’s choreography portrays the power of human connection and relationships (Courtesy, Ballet 5:8)
The dancers embody the complexities of human existence, peeling away societal expectations to confront their true selves. Through Rubio Slager’s innovative choreography, the journey of self-discovery unfolds on stage, inviting audiences to reflect on their own identities and the masks they wear.
The power of human connection and relationships takes center stage in BareFace. Just as Cupid and Psyche longed for each other, the dancers’ movements intertwine and interact, portraying the intricacies of love, longing, and the universal desire for connection.
“With technical precision and graceful beauty,” writes Kathy D. Hey from Third Coast Review, “the talented artists of Ballet 5:8’s dance company convey a range of emotions, from moments of grief and longing to lighter moments of comedy.”
A captivating story that embraces the transformative power of vulnerability and authenticity, BareFace challenges us to confront our own masks and delve into the rawness of our emotions. Set in the Grecian fairytale world of Glome, the production captivates with its cinematic storytelling, sweeping stage pictures, and gliding sets.
A lasting impact
BareFace showcases Rubio Slager’s choreography that, as described by D’onminique Boyd-Riley from See Chicago Dance, “Flows like chimes, leaving an enduring impact long after the wind has passed. The performance is nothing short of phenomenal.”
Dancers rehearse a previous Ballet 5:8 production. (Courtesy, Ballet 5:8)
The athletic prowess of Ballet 5:8’s dance artists, along with the work of costume designer Lorianne Robertson, scenic designers Sarah L. Freeman and Graham Louthan, and projections by Sarah L. Freeman and Julianna Rubio Slager, bring this full-length story ballet to life.
Artistic Director, Co-Founder and Chicano Resident Choreographer Julianna Rubio Slager co-founded Ballet 5:8 in 2012. She is known for engaging audiences in discussions of life and faith through exquisite choreography, and for empowering minority women to command space in the professional ballet scene.
Since its founding in 2012, Ballet 5:8 has presented more than 45 critically acclaimed ballets, engaging and captivating communities in Chicago, the Midwest and across the nation.
Tiered single tickets are available ranging from $15 to $45 based on seating and available online at: https://www.ballet58.org/calendar/bareface-gr. Specific children, student and senior ticket prices are available. For groups of 10 or more adults, patrons can use the code: B58GROUP to redeem $5 off each ticket.
GRB is delighted to welcome the West Michigan community to the Summer Dance Festival. Individuals can enjoy two evenings of world-class dance, tasty food and beer tents outside Peter Martin Wege Theatre.
“Last year, our Summer Dance Festival was such a success that we knew we wanted to bring it back again this year,” said James Sofranko, Artistic Director at Grand Rapids Ballet. “This community-focused event showcases the art and talent that lives right here in Michigan, on one stage, celebrating our dance community.”
Performances in a variety of styles
The Summer Dance Festival features a variety of dance styles (Courtesy, Grand Rapids Ballet)
Audiences will enjoy performances in several styles each evening. Dance styles range from classical to contemporary, and ballroom to hip-hop. This specially curated, one-of-a-kind event begins at 5:30 p.m.
In addition to Grand Rapids Ballet dancers and Grand Rapids Ballet School students, attendees can enjoy performances by professional companies and dance ensembles from across Michigan.
A dancer performs onstage during Summer Dance Festival (Courtesy, Grand Rapids Ballet)
“This event is so special to me because it brings together dance enthusiasts, art lovers and people from all over Michigan to celebrate dance together,” said Sofranko. “There’s nothing else like it.”
A new addition to GRB’s Festival this year is a children’s tent featuring games, crafts, face painting, and Gracie the Clown. Attendees are encouraged to bring friends, family and a chair, and enjoy an evening of outdoor performance.
Frederik Meijer Gardens Performance
On Aug. 29, Grand Rapids Ballet returns to the outside amphitheater at Frederik Meijer Gardens. Performance tickets are free for Meijer Gardens members and included in general admission on performance day for guests.
A large crowd gathers to watch an outdoor ballet performance (Courtesy, Grand Rapids Ballet)
Featured works at Frederik Meijer Gardens include Elemental Brubeck with choreography by Lar Lubovitch, music by renowned jazz composer Dave Brubeck, and the return of Who Cares? from their 2022-23 season. With choreography by George Balanchine featuring the entire company and romantic pas de deux set to Gershwin tunes such as “I’ve Got Rhythm” and “The Man I Love,” the performance will surely be entertaining for attendees of all ages.
“I love providing new and unique experiences for our audiences by stepping outside the traditional theater, hopefully reaching new audiences along the way,” said Sofranko. “These events present the perfect opportunity for any member of our community to experience the ballet, and dance, in a new light.”
For a complete list of dance festival performers, performance times, and more information about the ballet’s Summer Series, visit grballet.com.
Helanius J. Wilkins in a 2017 Kennedy Center performance. (Kennedy Center video)
Award-winning choreographer and 2021 RADicle Residency Artist Helanius J. Wilkins makes his debut in southwest Michigan as part of Kalamazoo’s signature Midwest RAD Fest with the performance of The Conversation Series: Stitching the Geopolitical Quilt to Re-Body Belonging — a multi-dimensional evening length dance production that confronts and celebrates heritage, residence, justice, and hope.
Taking place Friday, March 4, at 8 p.m. in the Wellspring Theatre at the Epic Center, this work features a male duet not only navigating but, through real time interactivity, converting a modular set design, through video projects, into multiple geographical and architectural landscapes and memory walls that create a vibrant video landscape that “stitches” the past, present and future.
Wellspring/Cori Terry and Dancers are presenting the 13th annual Midwest RADFest in a hybrid face-to-face and virtual format on March 4-6. The event will feature the works of more than 25 different choreographers and 20 screen dance makers from Russia, Barbados, France, New York City, Chicago, and many other U.S. locations including several cities in four different concerts, two different screen dance presentations, a movement installation, and a special show. Additional, RADFest will offer master classes, workshops, informational perofmrnaues, artist talks and a Movement Installation in the form of an immersive dance film. All in person events will take place at the Epic Center and the Kalamazoo Public Library.
Midwest RADFest Tickets start at $25 for youth and go up to $80 for an all access pass. For more information about the Midwest RADFest, visit midwestradfest.org.
The Grand Rapids Ballet’s 2020-21 virtual season begins this week with the all-too-appropriately titled program Business as (un)usual — which includes a world premiere by Princess Grace Award winner and Beyoncé choreographer Darrell Grand Moultrie.
Moultrie, in fact, offered a telling observation of dance in the time of COVID-19 via a Nov. 2 commentary on an Instagram photo posted by the Ballet, one it which you see the choreographer leading a Zoom rehearsal with he remote and company dancer Adriana Wagenveld on stage.
“I love and hate this photo by Scott Rasmussen,” Moultrie writes. “I love the shot because it is beautiful but the empty seats hit me with the reality of the present state. This is hard. Hold on and hold each other tight. Keep laughing. Keep hope. Keep dreaming.”
Certainly the Grand Rapids Ballet is keeping hope and dreaming — and exploring new means of artistic expression — with its new season.
A scene from a work by Grand Rapids Ballet dancer Yuka Oba-Muschiana (Supplied/Scott Rasmussen)
Starting this weekend, Nov. 13-15, with Business as (un)usual, available virtually either as part of a season subscription or, now, a single virtual program ticket, the Ballet will offer four programs including “a reimagined version of The Nutcracker,” produced in partnership with Grand Rapids own SALT Creative Production Studio.
The Nutcracker Experience will be available Dec. 18-27. In March 2021, Collective Force will be offered, and in April the program will be Jumpstart: on Film.
“I am proud to present a season unlike any other in our 49-year history,” James Sofranko, artistic director of the Grand Rapids Ballet, said in supplied material. “While we will miss the exhilaration of performing in a theater for a live audience, we are excited to present our art in a new way, delivered virtually to you in the comfort of your own home.”
While season subscriptions are no longer available, individual “tickets” are available for $15 for each show — and the ballet says they “kindly suggest you purchase one per person viewing.”
Each program is available to view as many times as desired for 72 hours from the time of online premiere. The Nutcracker Experience is the exception; it will be available to view as many times as desired Dec. 18-27.
The 2020-21 ballet season in brief
Violinist Gene Hahn (Supplied/Scott Rasmussen)
Business as (un)usual is a mix of new and existing works featuring the world premiere by Moultrie, a world premiere by Sofranko featuring a collaboration with violinist Gene Hahn, a world premiere by company dancer Yuka Oba-Muschiana, Christopher Stowell’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream pas de deux from the postponed 2019-20 season featuring the music of Felix Mendelssohn, works by resident choreographer Penny Saunders, and works by company dancers Gretchen Steimle and Matthew Wenckowski.
The Nutcracker Experience, a new version of the beloved holiday classic, has choreography by Val Caniparoli, with many of the “favorite on-stage moments, behind-the-scenes interviews and rehearsals” and musical accompaniment of Grand Rapids Symphony.
Collective Force will feature “the world’s most celebrated and in-demand choreographers” — Penny Saunders, Danielle Rowe, Adam Hougland, Jennifer Archibald, Amy Seiwert, Edwaard Liang, Katarzyna Skarpetowska, and Trey McIntyre — “contributing to a performance that will truly be an immersive tour de force.” In addition, Sofranko will present a new work featuring the music of Michigan-based cellist Jordan Hamilton.
Jumpstart: on Film will be choreographed by the dancers of Grand Rapids Ballet and offers an “innovative program (that) will also provide them the unique opportunity to explore a completely new layer of creativity and expression: filmmaking.
The beauty of nature and how water, especially, inspired artists of the Romantic Era is at the heart of the dance performance featured in Grand Valley State University’s Fall Arts Celebration.
“Water: A Vision in Dance” is a multimedia experience that will evoke the power of water through musical selections and the choreography of BODYART, a New Orleans-based dance theater company. The performance is Monday, Oct. 28, at 7:30 p.m. in the Haas Center for Performing Arts, Louis Armstrong Theatre.
The musical part of the performance features Bedřich Smetana’s “The Moldau” and Debussy’s “La Mer,” both of which are inspired by significant bodies of water.
“When Smetana wrote his monumental tone poem, ‘Má Vlast,’ which was the story of his native land, the principal movement was the ‘Moldau’ because that mighty river gave life and sustenance to his friends, family and compatriots,” said Danny Phipps, chair of the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance. “Debussy’s ‘La Mer’ is a brilliant evocation of the power and mystery of the oceans.”
BODYART will unite dance, video and the music of the Grand Valley orchestra to bring these pieces to life, said Carrie Brueck Morris, associate professor of dance.
“This timely focus on water explores its aesthetic qualities and our local water landscape as the dance weaves together live performance with video projection that constantly evolves with the action on stage,” Morris said.
All Fall Arts Celebration events are free and open to the public.
SMG-managed DeVos Performance Hall, DeVos Place®, and the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority (CAA) Community Inclusion Group (CIG) has announced “The Series: Creative Expressions of African-American Culture,” and its first event the Dance Theatre of Harlem, which brings their 50th Anniversary Tour to DeVos Performance Hall on Monday, Nov. 12, 2018 at 8pm. Additional events in The Series will be announced in the near future.
“We are pleased to announce the launch of The Series: Creative Expressions of African-American Culture,” said CIG Chairman Darius Quinn. “The Series is a program of the CAA and CIG that is designed to provide consistent, high-quality programming for members of the West Michigan region who have an interest in the various forms of arts and entertainment inspired by African-American culture. We are committed to ensuring that the series is entertaining, empowering, educational and inspiring.”
“We strive to guide the venues in bringing diverse and inclusive entertainment to West Michigan,” added Joe Jones, CIG Member and President/CEO of the Urban League of West Michigan. “The Series follows in line with this vision, and we are excited to bring a set of excellent events to Grand Rapids that both celebrate and reflect the rich and vibrant African-American culture.”
Photo supplied
Dance Theatre of Harlem is a leading dance institute of unparalleled global acclaim whose mission is to maintain a world-class school that trains young people in classical ballet and the allied arts. They provide arts education, community outreach programs and serve as positive role models for all. The Dance Theatre of Harlem presents a ballet company of African-American and other racially diverse artists who perform the most demanding repertory at the highest level of quality. Now a singular presence in the ballet world, the Dance Theatre of Harlem Company tours nationally and internationally, presenting a powerful vision for ballet in the 21st century.
The 16-member, multi-ethnic company performs a forward-thinking repertoire that includes treasured classics, neoclassical works by George Balanchine and resident choreographer Robert Garland, as well as innovative contemporary works that use the language of ballet to celebrate African-American culture. Through performances, community engagement and arts education, the Company carries forward Dance Theatre of Harlem’s message of empowerment through the arts for all.
Tickets for Dance Theatre of Harlem are on sale now. Tickets are available at the DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena® box offices, online at Ticketmaster.com, and charge by phone at 1-800-745-3000. See Ticketmaster.com for all current pricing and availability.
How do you know if you have what it takes to become a professional ballet dancer? Give it a try, says dancer Yuka Oba. Taking her own advice, this peripatetic ballerina has pursued her dream from Japan to the U.K. to Slovakia, and finally to Grand Rapids, Michigan where she is in her seventh season taking on challenging roles and new ways to embrace the diversity the world’s choreographers have to offer.
Austrian-born Michael Auer merges two careers into a new art form, and the Grand Rapids Ballet is ever the better for it. Join us for a look at the intersection of professional dance and technology.
He was the only boy in the local dance school, and in the Dominican Republic, that can leave you open to teasing. But Ednis Gomez fell in love with the self-expression of movement, practiced hard, and danced himself into a full-time career. After four years in Michigan’s only professional dance company, the American Midwest is starting to feel like home.
By Matthew Makowski, Grand Valley State University
Fall Arts Celebration will transcend the traditional dance floor and fly into the sky when Aerial Dance Chicago (ADC) presents a new world of athleticism coupled with an elegant showcase of dancing in the air.
A pioneer and an international leader in aerial dance, ADC is dedicated to presenting original choreography and performance in the field. The ensemble launches itself into the creative possibilities found in a vertical realm.
During the company’s Fall Arts Celebration performance, ADC will incorporate a variety of apparatus, including suspended fabrics, bungee cords, hoops, swings and ropes.
When: November 6, at 7:30pm
Where: Louis Armstrong Theatre, Thomas J. and Marcia J. Haas Center for Performing Arts, Allendale Campus
*Concert will be preceded by a carillon concert at 7:10pm featuring Julianne Vanden Wyngaard, university carilloneur, and followed by a reception.
HIS Dance Academy and The Salvation Army Kroc Center are proud to announce a new partnership to provide and expand Kroc Center dance programming beginning this fall.
HIS Dance Academy will send instructors to the Kroc Center to teach classes like beginning ballet and pre-ballet, plus a combined ballet/tap class and special “Mommy and Me” program that engages both parents and kids in learning basic dance concepts.
Classes will start with the Fall 1 session, which starts the week of Sept. 18. Registration for Fall 1 programs will be open from Aug. 1 through Sept. 12. Students who complete basic instruction at the Kroc Center will have the option of enrolling at the Academy’s new facility near the corner of 29th Street and Breton Avenue.
HIS Dance Academy is unique in the Grand Rapids area, combining excellence in dance instruction with Christian character development. Bible verses and lessons are incorporated into classes in ways that relate to the dance concepts being taught.
“Part of our mission is to use dance to reach the community for Christ.” said HIS Dance Academy co-founder Beth Huegli. “This partnership gives us a greater opportunity to meet our mission. We are very excited to work alongside the Kroc Center!”
Senior Kroc Officer, Lt. Bill Brutto, added, “Whether directly or indirectly, we try to infuse Christ’s love into all of our programs. Knowing that HIS Dance Academy shares that goal makes this an ideal partnership.”
The Kroc Center’s Fall 2017 program guide becomes available this week and includes all of the HIS Dance Academy offerings. Drop by the Kroc or visit GrKrocCenter.org to sign up or learn more.
Purpose of The Salvation Army Kroc Center: Sharing the love of Jesus Christ by providing life-changing spiritual, educational and wellness experiences. Visit GrKrocCenter.org, or call 616-588-7200 for more information about the Kroc Center.
About HIS Dance Academy: Developing Christian character through excellence in dance instruction while reaching the community for Christ. Visit hisdance.org, or call 616-245-9501 for information about HIS Dance Academy.
Music and Dance
For more information about all Music and Dance Department events, call (616) 331-3484. All events are free and open to the public.
Baum Series Recital: Boris Slutsky, piano
April 2, at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sherman Van Solkema Hall (room 1325), Performing Arts Center, Allendale Campus
Consistently acclaimed for his exquisite tonal beauty and superb artistry, Boris Slutsky emerged on the international music scene when he captured the First Prize along with every major prize, including the Audience Prize and Wihelm Backhaus Award, at the 1981 William Kapell International Piano Competition at the University of Maryland. His other accomplishments include first prizes at the Kosciuszko Chopin Competition and San Antonio International Keyboard Competition, and major prizes at the International Bach Competition in Memory of Glenn Gould, Gina Bachauer, Busoni, Rina Sala Gallo, and Ettore Pozzoli International Piano Competitions. Since his orchestral debut at Carnegie Hall with the New York Youth Symphony in 1980, Slutsky has appeared on nearly every continent as soloist and recitalist. He currently serves as the Piano Department chair at The Peabody Conservatory of Music.
GVSU Senior Dance Concert
April 7 and 8, at 7 p.m.
Dance Studio Theatre (room 1600), Performing Arts Center, Allendale Campus
Join GVSU Dance Program seniors as they showcase their choreography and performance in their Capstone concert. Original works will be presented by Delaney Dickens, Robin Hutchings, Amadeo Lopez-Keranen, Ashley Paradise and Kaye Suarez.
GVSU Early Music Ensemble Concert
April 8, at 5 p.m.
Sherman Van Solkema Hall (room 1325), Performing Arts Center, Allendale Campus
Under the direction of Pablo Mahave-Veglia, professor of cello at Grand Valley State University, the GVSU Early Music Ensemble will be joined by Gregory Crowell, professor of organ and music general education at Grand Valley, as well as guest artists Sarah Huebsch (oboe), Leighann Daihl (flute), and Keith Collins (bassoon). Repertoire for this performance will include works by Bach, Telemann, Monteverdi, and others. The GVSU Early Music Ensemble is dedicated to the performance of pre-classical repertoire utilizing period instruments, or faithful modern replicas, as well as historically informed performance practice.
GVSU University Arts Chorale and Cantate Chamber Ensemble Concert
April 9, at 5 p.m.
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (134 Division Ave. North, Grand Rapids)
A part of the Sacred Sounds Concert Series, the Grand Valley Cantate Chamber Ensemble and University Arts Chorale will present a varied concert of choral music including “Lobet den Herrn” by Johann Sebastian Bach, “Alleluia” by Paul Basler and works by Daniel Elder and Kim Arnessen.
GVSU Low Brass Chamber Music Concert
April 9, from 7:30-8:45 p.m.
Louis Armstrong Theatre, Performing Arts Center, Allendale Campus
Members of the GVSU Tuba and Euphonium Studio, and Trombone Studio will showcase their chamber music talents through a performance of classical, romantic and contemporary compositions.
