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 Company (GRBC) 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 three 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
- a behind-the-scenes look at the business of ballet
This program allows for interactive participation between the students and the GRBC professionals.
This program runs from 10:30am - 1:30pm (limited dates available)
Cost: $500 for 75 students, $10 per additional student, maximum of 100 students.
2011 - 2012 availability to be posted soon.
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
2011 - 2012 season availability to be posted soon.
Meet A Dancer
One of GRBC’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 GRBC 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 two opportunities this year for students to experience dance at a reduced rate! We invite you to join us at Forest Hills Fine Arts Center or DeVos Performance Hall for a magical day your students won't soon forget.
Peter & the Wolf and Fairy Doll: November 4 at Forest Hills Fine Arts Center
Join us for a fun introduction to ballet featuring two great works! Fairy Doll pas de trois is an enchanting look at the antics of toys after the shop is closed and the cutsomers have gone away. Peter and the Wolf will bring back memories of childhood and create new memories for your students as the beloved story comes to life through fun choreography and great music!
The Nutcracker: December 9 at DeVos Performance Hall
Since 2003, the Grand Rapids Ballet Company has welcomed over 20,000 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 School Performance Order Form here!
Dance Immersion Program
In October 2010, the Grand Rapids Ballet Company 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.