Grand Rapids Ballet’s ‘Jumpstart 2023’ Opens Today with 10 World-Premiere Works
By Adrienne Warber
Photo by Scott Rasmussen for Grand Rapids Ballet
Grand Rapids Ballet’s “Jumpstart” choreography series is back with 10 world premieres this weekend. Company dancers choreograph their original works on their fellow dancers in this annual program. The program will also feature an excerpt from highly sought-after choreographer Darrell Grand Moultrie’s “Three Offerings.” Grand Rapids Ballet will perform three performances of “Jumpstart 2023” on Friday, March 24-26 at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre in downtown Grand Rapids.
Photo by Scott Rasmussen for Grand Rapids Ballet
About ‘Jumpstart 2023’
Grand Rapids Ballet developed the “Jumpstart” series to give company dancers that opportunity to choreograph and feature works from today’s notable choreographers. The program allows dancers to choreograph works on their fellow company dancers to explore creative expression and enhance choreography skills. Pieces explore artistic expression of contemporary movement and classical ballet. Choreography has always been important to Grand Rapids Ballet Artistic Director James Sofranko, whose career has included numerous works of choreography, a number of them performed at Grand Rapids Ballet over various seasons. The “Jumpstart” program provides an opportunity for selected dancers to explore creative choreography on the 30-member cast of company dancers.
Photo by Scott Rasmussen for Grand Rapids Ballet
This year Grand Rapids Company dancers Isaac Aoki, James Cunningham, Anna Hughlett, Adrien Malof, Yuka Oba-Muschiana, Emily Reed, Nigel Tau, Alexandra Meister Upleger, Adriana Wagenveld, and Nathan Young will choreograph, and present world premiere works in the show. The production will also feature an excerpt from “Three Offerings,” by award-winning choreographer Darrell Grand Moultrie.
Photo by Scott Rasmussen for Grand Rapids Ballet
“Not knowing what to expect when you sit down at a Jumpstart performance is exactly what is so great about it. You can only prepare to be surprised and inspired! Our dancers are so talented, and they get to show a different side of themselves when they step into the role of choreographer,” said James Sofranko, Artistic Director at Grand Rapids Ballet.
Photo by Scott Rasmussen for Grand Rapids Ballet
‘Jumpstart 2023’ Show Times and Ticket Information
Grand Rapids Ballet will perform “Jumpstart 2023” at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 24, 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 25, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 26. Ticket prices start at $26. Tickets can be purchased online at TicketMaster or by phone by calling (616) 454-4771 ext. 110, or in-person at Grand Rapids Ballet’s Box Office.
“Jumpstart 2023” has a promising mix of creative expression and the talented Grand Rapids Ballet cast of dancers. Dance fans will want to get tickets fast while still available. It is also a good idea to start making April plans for Grand Rapids Ballet’s “Ballet + Broadway,” which will please both dance and musical theatre fans. For more information about “Jumpstart 2023” or their upcoming April show, “Ballet + Broadway,” please visit Grand Rapids Ballet’s website or Facebook page.