Formation and Emergence
With the aim to provide the local community with some of the best entertainment facilities, the first artistic director, Sally Seven established the company as Grand Rapids Civic Ballet in 1971. With just few resources, it began performing in the neighborhood. With the passing years, the company steadily emerged as one of the popular ballet houses of the city. In the early 80s, under the supervision of the new artistic director, Charthel Arthur, the company collaborated with the Summerfest School and expanded its setup.
Grand Rapids Ballet- Chronology
With the early expansion in the infrastructure, Grand Rapids Ballet presented some of its early known shows and earned a respectable status. The start of the 90s marked a new chapter in the history of the company as a number of professional dancers were contracted to perform with the company. This benefited the company as their standards of performing improved to a great extent and also they crafted some more sophisticated works with the help of those professionals.
Gordon Peirce Schmidt took over the company as the new artistic director. Together with his associate Laura Berman, he helped in boosting the image of the company. Their determination and hard work led the company to introduce fifty new acclaimed ballets. Their collaboration with the art supportive organizations helped the company to increase their facilities and in 2000, Grand Rapids Ballet found its permanent space for rehearsals, performing and school. This development opened new opportunities for the company and it earned prominence on a national level.
By the mid of 2000, Grand Rapids Ballet was ranked among the most important ballet houses of the US. This fame and repute drew many professional dancers to join the company. This influx led the company to make a major expansion in its facilities in 2006 and it introduced a new 300-seat and LEED certified, Peter Martin Wege Theatre and Meijer-Royce Center for Dance. These two venues are tremendously important for the company as they accommodate most of the performances by the school students besides company’s regular seasons.
The Company Today
Currently, Grand Rapids Ballet consists of 24 world-renowned professionals that are guided by the ingenious ballet master Patricia Barker. Through its outstanding educational and entertainment facilities, it continues to nurture the bond between education and performing arts. The company also collaborates with some of the leading orchestra houses and tours around the States for their shows. With its remarkable ballet and contemporary works, Grand Rapids Ballet keeps on raising the bar of modern dance.
2013-14 Season Celebrations
Grand Rapids Ballet celebrates their 42nd anniversary this season. The company has included a number of exciting shows during the Halloween as well as the holiday season. Among these flawless presentations, Dracula and The Nutcracker are two of the most beloved ballets that the company will present during their 2013-14 season. Grand Rapids Ballet tickets are bought by those who look forward for some quality entertainment during this Halloween and holiday season. Enjoy breathtaking ballet sequences coupled with live orchestration in one of their new productions.