The Grand Rapids Ballet 2023-2024 season spans the classical ballet genre to neoclassical favorites and several innovative world premieres, including one by company dancer Yuka Oba-Muschiana.
Grand Rapids Ballet 2023-2024 Season Schedule
Contemporary Visions | October 6-8, 2023
Peter Martin Wege Theatre
- World Premiere by Darrell Grand-Moultrie
- World Premiere by Yuka Oba-Muschiana
- Berceuse by Penny Saunders
- Spirit of Women Donald McKayle
Contemporary Visions features world-premiere choreography from Darrell Grand-Moultrie as he creates his first complete work for Grand Rapids Ballet. Darrell previously created Three Offerings for the company during the virtual 20-21 season. He has an extensive resume, including creating works for Alvin Ailey, American Ballet Theater, and Beyonce.
For the first time, veteran company dancer and up-and-coming choreographer Yuka Oba-Muschiana will create a full company work, with music by Franz Schubert.
Berceuse, choreographed by resident choreographer Penny Saunders lends a sweeping and intricate duet set to Benjamin Godard’s gorgeous piece of the same name. Berceuse, meaning ‘lullaby’ in French, explores the nuanced line between classical and contemporary movement and zooms in on a relationship, amplifying its twists and turns as it falls through time.
Spirit of Women features three female solos excerpted from Donald McKayle’s repertoire that are placed together for their first collaborative presentation. As a massive figure in the modern dance world, McKayle is known for his socially conscious works expressing the human condition, specifically the African American experience.
The Nutcracker | December 8-17, 2023
DeVos Performance Hall
- The Nutcracker by Val Caniparoli
The Nutcracker,features choreography by Val Caniparoli and immersive sets imagined by Chris Van Allsburg and designed by world-famous Eugene Lee. Enjoy Tchaikovsky’s renowned score played by the Grand Rapids Symphony as you follow Clara as she receives a magical Nutcracker from her uncle, Herr Drosselmeier, which takes her on an adventure through the land of the sweets. Become mesmerized as Clara fights off impending mice in a battle alongside brave soldiers and explores the enchanting land with her gallant Cavalier.
After they enjoy a celebration with Spanish Chocolate, Chinese Tea, Arabian Spices, French Pastilles, and many more newfound friends, Clara awakens at home, questioning if the magic is real or if it is all just a dream.
The Sleeping Beauty | February 23-25, 2024
DeVos Performance Hall
- The Sleeping Beauty by Devon Carney
With elegant choreography created by Devon Carney, with sections after Marius Petipa and Tchaikovsky’s exceptional score performed live by the Grand Rapids Symphony, this timeless production of The Sleeping Beauty follows the traditional tale of Princess Aurora and the curse placed on her and her kingdom by the evil fairy Carabosse, the benevolent Lilac Fairy, and Prince Desire who can awaken her from the spell only with true love’s kiss.
With gorgeous costumes, sumptuous sets, and breathtaking dancing, this family-friendly performance will surely sweep you away in the beauty of classical ballet. This production will also feature Grand Rapids Ballet School students alongside the professional company’s dancers.
Jumpstart | March 22-24, 2024
Peter Martin Wege Theatre
- TBA
Grand Rapids Ballet’s dancers scrutinize movement and musicality by exerting new choreographic patterns and ideas as they create world-premiere works for our annual production of Jumpstart 2024. Become enthralled as you witness our dancers step into the role of the choreographer and create pieces for their peers.
In the Upper Room | April 26 – May 5, 2024
Peter Martin Wege Theatre
- Serenade by George Balanchine
- In the Upper Room by Twyla Tharp
This program features the return of Serenade, Balanchine’s memorable 1934 neo-classic masterpiece. Featuring sweeping choreography, exquisite stage patterns, and iconic long tulle dresses, all paired with a lush score by Tchaikovsky.
Be captivated as dancers push themselves to the edge of physical limits, propelled by the driving Philip Glass score in In The Upper Room by renowned choreographer Twyla Tharp. As the work is performed in both sneakers and pointe shoes, the choreography draws on elements of classical ballet, jazz, tap dance, yoga, and boxing to create a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience.
Featured Photo for the Grand Rapids Ballet 2023-2024 season of Yuko Horisawa and James Cunningham. Photo by Andy Terzes.
