For specific information about programs or scheduling, call 616.454.4771 x 17 or email school@grballet.com
The positive impact of the arts in a child’s life and education has been well documented. As Michigan’s only professional ballet company, the Grand Rapids Ballet (GRB) remains committed to providing quality arts education throughout West Michigan. Our outreach programs give students the wonderful opportunity to witness and experience the art of dance up close and personal through a variety of exciting programs.
PROGRAMMING OPTIONS:
Escape to the Ballet
Piloted in 2001, this educational opportunity has quickly become our most popular program. Students come to our state-of-the-art facility for two hours. While here they experience all aspects of what it takes to run a professional ballet company.
The day includes:
- an exclusive chance to see and talk with the dancers and directors up close during a rehearsal in the new Peter Martin Wege Theatre.
- a movement class taught by a staff member of the School of the Grand Rapids Ballet Company
- a visit to the costume shop
This program allows for interactive participation between the students and the GRBC professionals.
Cost: $450 for 75 students, $10 per additional student, maximum of 100 students.
Lecture Demonstration
Our Associate Artistic Director and four to eight of our Company dancers will come to your school and perform excerpts from the Company’s repertoire. These performances are designed for larger audiences and may be held in an auditorium or gymnasium. Programs begin with a brief oral history of ballet and a short demonstration class explaining ballet technique. After the performance segments the dancers will answer a few questions from the audience. This program spans the K-12 range and is individually set for specific age groups and educational requests.
Additional option - Lecture demonstrations may also be scheduled in the Ballet’s new Peter Martin Wege Theatre at the Meijer-Royce Center for Dance which can accommodate up to 300.
60-minute session (limited dates available - see below)
Cost: At your school - $700 per performance or $1200 for two in one day
At the Ballet - $600 per performance
Meet A Dancer
One of GRB’s professional dancers will talk to your students about his or her experience in the world of dance. A short video of a performance may be shown, and a costume will be on hand for the students to see. This program includes a Q & A segment and is most suitable for a single class or small group in the K - 8 range - a great “Career Day” idea.
45-minute session
Cost: $100 per class
Master Dance Class
An instructor or professional dancer from GRB will come to your school. The class begins with a short oral history of ballet, then will focus on what dance can do for one’s concentration, coordination, discipline, and agility (especially in athletes) - ultimately increasing arts appreciation through audience participation.
45-90 minute session (based on grade level)
Cost: $100 per hour
Costumes of the Ballet
Our Costumer brings an assortment of ballet costumes and explains how they are designed and constructed, as well as describing the requirements for costumes that must withstand the rigors of dance. There will be opportunity for students to try on some of the costumes. This popular class may be set up in a library or other area where there is adequate space for groups of 20 - 25...plus the costumes!
60-minute session
Maximum 30 students per session
Cost: $150 per class
School Performances
The Grand Rapids Ballet is thrilled to offer a great opportunity for students to experience dance at a reduced rate! We invite you to join us at DeVos Performance Hall for a magical day your students won't soon forget.
The Nutcracker: December 13, 12:45 pm at DeVos Performance Hall
Since 2003, the Grand Rapids Ballet has welcomed over 30,000 students from across West Michigan to DeVos Hall to experience one of the most beloved ballets of all time. This year, we join Clara once more on her incredible journey where dreams do come true! This special, 45-minute performance shows great excerpts from this holiday classic.
Download a reservation form here. For more information call 616.454.4771 ext. 10!
Dance Immersion Program
In October 2010, the Grand Rapids Ballet created a new education program entitled "Dance Immersion." The Dance Immersion program is designed to provide multiple dance exposures to children as a part of their school day. Each child in a Dance Immersion partner school receives both dance training and opportunities to view professional dance performances as part of the program.
Every student in a partner school receives a one-hour ballet class once a week for an entire month. All students grades K - 5 gain an appreciation for its relevance in today's world.
This program is sponsored by Amway's One by One Campaign, an Anonymous donor, the Porter Foundation and the Dick & Betsy DeVos Foundation.