BALLET FOREVER

Grand Rapids Ballet's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' is a joyful celebration of dance

Two things come to mind when thinking of Grand Rapids Ballet – magic and joy. That is exactly what the company captured in their performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The show closed Grand Rapids Ballet’s 2021-22 Season last weekend and was a fitting celebration of the company’s 50th anniversary. The ballet company also performed "Serenade" with "A Midsummer Night's Dream" in the production. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and "Serenade" showcased the company’s exceptional talent and the beauty of dance.
Read More

Grand Rapids Ballet's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' is a joyful celebration of dance
Review: Grand Rapids Ballet's 'Jumpstart 2022' celebrates art and creativity

Grand Rapids Ballet's shows are known as both a celebration of dance art and an enjoyable experience. The company's recent performance of “Jumpstart 2022” is another example of the company's great talent. The annual show provides a platform for their company dancers and other emerging choreographers to explore new artistic ideas in choreography. This year Grand Rapids Ballet partnered with six community organizations to create performances that had special meaning to the West Michigan community and dance art. The show includes choreographies by eight company dancers as well as award-winning choreographers Penny Saunders and Jennifer Archibald. “Jumpstart 2022” proves once again that Grand Rapids Ballet is one of the nation’s leading dance art centers.
Read More

Review: Grand Rapids Ballet's 'Jumpstart 2022' celebrates art and creativity
Grand Rapids Ballet's 2021-2022 Season celebrates the joy and art of dance

Grand Rapids Ballet’s 2021-2022 Season is one that every West Michigan dance fan will want to see. The line up of shows promises to provide something for all ages and lovers of both classical ballet and contemporary movement. Two productions at DeVos Performance Hall with live Grand Rapids Symphony accompaniment, a selection of some of the field’s most talented choreographers from around the globe, and a talented cast of company dancers are features of the 2021-2022 Season. Both in-person and virtual subscription options are available. This is the Season to return to the ballet and celebrate the joy of dance, starting with “The Nutcracker” this weekend.
Read More

Grand Rapids Ballet's 2021-2022 Season celebrates the joy and art of dance
Why boys should enroll in dance class

Dance class benefits growing boys and may be one of the secrets to successful athletic performance in many sports. All children can get valuable exercise, flexibility, endurance and motor skill growth from dancing. Boys also need the lessons in fitness and discipline that are a part of dance. Discover how dancing can help young boys grow into strong young men.
Read More

Why boys should enroll in dance class

Ballet improves limited flexibility

Can you learn ballet if you are an adult with limited flexibility? Yes, you can learn ballet at any age and any level of flexibility. Ballet is a physically demanding art that requires a lot of athleticism and strength. However, you can learn ballet at any fitness level, and the ballet exercises will make you more flexible and stronger over time. It is also a physical activity that you can do for your entire life, even well into old age.

Help your child overcome stage fright

Stage fright or performance anxiety is common among children, especially young children who must perform in front of an audience of strangers for the first time. Performing can be scary for young children. Learn how to ease your child's anxiety and get her more comfortable with performance situations.

Adult Ballet: Begin ballet as an adult

Is it too late to begin ballet if you are an adult? It is never too late learn ballet. Adults of all ages and fitness levels are discovering the benefits of ballet exercise for overall health and fitness. Adult ballet classes are growing in popularity as an exercise option. Taking a ballet class can be a fun way to exercise and improve flexibility. Many people think there are age restrictions to starting ballet or that you need a certain level of physical fitness to pursue it. You can learn ballet at any age and fitness level. You don't need to be naturally flexible to participate either. The dance movements will improve your flexibility. Ballet can be a lifelong activity.

How to choose the right type of ballet class for your child

When you are searching for a ballet class for your young child between the ages of 3 and 7 years old, you will find that many studios offer opportunities to learn ballet through a ballet creative movement class or a combination ballet and tap class. All of these classes introduce dance in a way that helps develop motor skills, coordination and rhythm in fun combinations developed for younger children. Choosing between a combination ballet and tap dance class or a ballet class often depends on your child's individual interests and the classes available in your area.