Ballet Reviews
Ballet Forever reviews take you inside a ballet production and analyzes how well all show elements came together. They also give you a glimpse of the creative process behind shows, the storyline and audience reaction. Find out which shows are too good to be missed.
Grand Rapids Ballet’s masterful ‘In The Upper Room’ performance shines with artistry
Grand Rapids Ballet ends their 2023-24 Season with an exceptional production of Twyla Tharp’s “In The Upper Room” and George Balanchine’s “Serenade.” Michigan’s only professional classical ballet company gave a performance that encompassed the legendary beauty of the clever choreographies by Balanchine and Tharp on their opening night last Friday, April 26. Grand Rapids Ballet’s “In The Upper Room” runs for two weekends, April 26-28 and May 3-5. The show provides a fitting end to their successful season and gives a glimpse of the high level of dance the West Michigan dance community can expect in the future…More>>
Review: Grand Rapids Ballet’s magical ‘Sleeping Beauty’ performance delights all ages
From the moment Grand Rapids Ballet opened the curtains on their production of “Sleeping Beauty,” there was magic in the air. Children and adults alike leaned forward in their seats to enter the world of the classic fairy tale as the Grand Rapids Symphony’s Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s music set the tone to a lush set with exquisite costumes, and gorgeous dancing by Grand Rapids Ballet. Michigan’s only professional classical ballet company presented three highly acclaimed performances of “Sleeping Beauty” at DeVos Performance Hall during the weekend of Feb. 23-25. The show highlighted the talents of Grand Rapids Ballet dancers and the company’s dedication…More>>
Amazing ‘Ballet + Broadway’ shows promising future for Grand Rapids Ballet
Grand Rapids Ballet continues to amaze audiences with their talented cast of dancers and ever-growing repertoire of classical ballet and contemporary movement productions. The West Michigan ballet company’s memorable performance of enjoyable dancing in the delightful “Ballet + Broadway” brought Grand Rapids Ballet’s 2022-23 Season to a close in May. Grand Rapids Ballet’s “Ballet + Broadway” blended the elements of classical ballet and Broadway-style dance together in a beautiful performance that moved hearts and uplifted spirits. The show brought a caliber of dance performance that can shine on any national or international ballet stage. This outstanding production is an example of why West Michigan dance fans should be excited about Grand Rapids Ballet’s 2023-24 Season and upcoming “Summer Series…More>>
Review: Grand Rapids Ballet’s talent shines in ‘Jumpstart 2023’
Grand Rapids Ballet has enjoyed a successful 2022-23 Season and “Jumpstart 2023” is one of its key highlights. West Michigan’s only professional ballet company held their annual “Jumpstart” choreography showcase in late March. It was a great lead-up to their exciting new production, “Ballet and Broadway,” which opened on April 21, and will hold three more shows on April 28-30. “Jumpstart 2023,” which features choreography created by company dancers, was a delightful…More>>
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…More>>
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…More>>
Review: Grand Rapids Ballet’s magical ‘The Nutcracker’ creates Christmas joy for West Michigan
Grand Rapids Ballet delivered a special Christmas gift to West Michigan by bringing their beautiful production of “The Nutcracker” back on stage this holiday season. It is easy to understand why this production of “The Nutcracker,” developed for the Grand Rapids Ballet and the West Michigan community, is a Christmas tradition for many families. Grand Rapids Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” captures both the magic and joy of the holiday season in a sumptuous feast of dance, music and art that delights all ages. Michigan’s only professional ballet company held eight well-attended and critically-acclaimed performances of “The Nutcracker from Dec. 10-19. Virtual tickets to see “The Nutcracker” online are still available now through January 2, 2022…More>>
Grand Rapids Ballet’s 2021-2022 Season celebrates the art and joy 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…More>>
Review: Grand Rapids Ballet’s ‘Jumpstart: on film’ celebrates dance art
Grand Rapids Ballet offers unique opportunities to explore dance art for the West Michigan community through their annual “Jumpstart” experimental dance series, which features a selection of company dancers’ original works. The dance series is always a delight and this year’s superb version, “Jumpstart: on film,” features nine world premieres in a film format. The company presented “Jumpstart: on film,” last weekend on video stream. Tickets are still available now for streaming “Jumpstart: on Film” through May 9…More>>
Grand Rapids Ballet’s virtual season inspires hope and a special ‘Nutcracker’ experience
We need the arts, and the arts need us. Art in many forms has been a source of hope during the challenge of the pandemic. Artists pour out their heart and soul in their masterpieces, and this special gift reaches us, the audience, like a lifeline. The lifeline is important for both the artist and the audience. This is so clear in Grand Rapids Ballet’s 2020-21 Season, which opened in November with an inspiring performance of “Business as (un)Usual,” and continues this weekend with “The Nutcracker Experience.” West Michigan families can still keep their annual “Nutcracker”…More>>
Review: Grand Rapids Ballet’s ‘Jumpstart 2020’ is a celebration of high dance art
Grand Rapids Ballet held a celebration of creativity and artistic expression with their new annual experimental dance showcase, “Jumpstart 2020,” last weekend. The show featured the choreographic works of Grand Rapids Ballet company dancers. Grand Rapids Ballet ran four shows of “Jumpstart 2020” on March 6-8 at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre. The “Jumpstart” program is an example of what a special place Grand Rapids Ballet is for both their dancers and the West Michigan dance community. Both the dancers and community get to explore the complexity of dance art in this annual program…More>>
Review: Grand Rapids Ballet is an inspiring masterpiece of love
There is a show in town that celebrates artistry, creativity and love, and it is Grand Rapids Ballet’s “Eternal Desire.” Each performance by Michigan’s only professional ballet company keeps reminding West Michigan why their shows can’t be missed. “Eternal Desire” is a classical ballet and contemporary dance showcase featuring the works of choreographers Penny Saunders, Danielle Rowe, Trey McIntyre and Grand Rapids Ballet’s Artistic Director, James Sofranko. Many of last weekend’s shows were sold out, but there is still one more chance to see it this Friday, February 21 at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre…More>>
Review: Grand Rapids Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’ is a masterpiece filled with Christmas spirit
Grand Rapids Ballet’s “Nutcracker” is a Christmas classic and an annual holiday tradition for many West Michigan families. The spectacular production was tailored specifically for West Michigan and ushers in the holiday season with a magical show that delights both child and adult alike. The festive set featuring the art of celebrated children’s author and illustrator Chris Van Allsburg and designed by Tony award-winning set designer Eugene Lee, the brilliant choreography of internationally renowned choreographer Val Caniparoli, and dancing by the talented Grand Rapids Ballet company all create an unforgettable Christmas experience…More>>
Review: Grand Rapids Ballet’s ‘Firebird’ soars with artistry and emotion
Grand Rapids Ballet began the 2019-20 Season with a powerful performance of “Firebird” last weekend. Michigan’s only professional ballet company stands out as an art leader that keeps redefining dance as an art form. The show features Yuri Possokhov’s beautiful version of the classic Russian tale of “Firebird,” along with three performances by talented choreographers Penny Saunders, Adam Hougland and Grand Rapids Ballet Artistic Director James Sofranko that explore the multifaceted creativity of dance. Grand Rapids Ballet’s “Firebird” opened last weekend with four performances on Oct. 18-20, and the company will present one more performance next weekend, Friday, Oct. 25 at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre in downtown Grand Rapids…More>>
Review: Michigan Ballet Academy performs delightful ‘Don Quixote’
Signs of a good ballet production include a happy audience, dancers who performed with enthusiasm and skill, and an overall impression of a story well-told. Michigan Ballet Academy’s performance of “Don Quixote” last weekend April 13-14 at the Jenison Center for the Arts included all of these elements and more. The West Michigan classical ballet school presented a professional quality show that showcased the talent and high quality training of their student dancers…More>>
Review: Grand Rapids Ballet’s ‘Extremely Close’ moves with stunning artistry
Grand Rapids Ballet’s “Extremely Close” is both a feast of the senses and a display of high dance art. Artistic Director James Sofranko, his talented cast of dancers and guest choreographers Val Caniparoli and Alejandro Cerrudo truly showed the many facets of ballet and dance expression in their production of “Extremely Close,” last weekend April 12-14. The production featured Val Caniparoli’s “Ibsen’s House,” James Sofranko’s world premiere of “The Sweet By and By,” and Alejandro Cerrudo’s “Extremely Close.” The three numbers complemented each other to create one visually lush and artistic show…More>>
Grand Rapids Ballet Junior Company performs delightful ‘Beauty and the Beast’
When the curtain rose at the beginning of the “Beauty of the Beast” ballet, children in the audience were already happily sitting on the edge of their seats in anticipation of the start of a beloved fairy tale. Grand Rapids Ballet School Junior Company performed “Beauty and the Beast” on March 15-17, and will hold two more performances this weekend, March 23-24. The ballet lived up to the magic of the classic story with the inventive choreography of Grand Rapids Ballet School Junior Company Director Attila Mosoylgo and the lovely dancing of the student dancers in the year’s production…More>>
Review: Grand Rapids Ballet’s ‘Movemedia: Handmade’ shines
The art of dance and the magic of creativity come together each year when Grand Rapids Ballet holds their annual contemporary dance series, “Movemedia.” It is a unique window into the visionary art that encompasses dance. This year’s series, “Movemedia: Handmade,” held at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre on Feb. 8-10, featured seven world premieres, and five of them were choreographed by current Grand Rapids Ballet company dancers as well as a stirring number by their Choreographer-in-Residence Penny Saunders. The show demonstrated that Grand Rapids Ballet Artistic Director James Sofranko is dedicated to showcasing the depth of talent of his dancers for both performance and choreography. It is exciting for West Michigan dance fans to witness their local dance company continue to grow, enjoy world class shows, and see their favorite dancers grow as performers…More>>
Grand Rapids Ballet’s exquisite ‘Nutcracker’ delivers Christmas Magic
Grand Rapids Ballet gifted West Michigan with a very special “Nutcracker” production. The 2018-19 Season shows a promising future for the talented dance company, which introduced new Artistic Director James Sofranko and delivered a strong cast of company dancers who have all played a significant role in creating a memorable “Nutcracker” show. The classic ballet tailored especially for Grand Rapids Ballet and West Michigan contains the same spellbinding beauty today that enchanted audiences at the 2014 world premiere…More>>
Review Grand Rapids Ballet delivers a fantastic performance of ‘Wild Sweet Love’
A full audience, standing ovations and excitement in the air are key signs of a successful performance. Grand Rapids Ballet’s stunning production of “Wild Sweet Love,” has opened their 2018-19 Season Grand Rapids Ballet with a bang. This is the first show under James Sofranko’s artistic direction and “Wild Sweet Love” beyond fulfilled the high expectations that West Michigan dance fans have come to expect from their ballet company. The performance enchanted the audience. The choreography and staging were engaging. The production showcased Sofranko’s creative artistic direction and Grand Rapids Ballet’s strong cast of dancers…More>>
Review: Grand Rapids Ballet School’s ‘The Wizard of Oz’ delivers fantastic family fun
The journey of Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Woodman and the Cowardly Lion to Oz is an iconic childhood tale beloved by many. Now fans of the classic story can see “The Wizard of Oz” ballet performed by Grand Rapids Ballet School Junior Company. The school company just completed a successful opening weekend on Feb. 23-25 of their world premiere of “The Wizard of Oz” ballet and will perform three more shows on March 3-4 at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre. Grand Rapids Ballet School Junior Company’s “The Wizard of Oz” features a talented cast of student dancers, inventive choreography by school director Attila Mosolygo and delivers a professional-level show that is truly fun for all ages…More>>
Review: Grand Rapids Ballet’s ‘Movemedia: Diversity I’ is a contemporary dance masterpiece
There are some shows that stay with you long after the curtain closes. Grand Rapids Ballet’s “Movemedia: Diversity I” is one of those memorable shows. The company’s annual contemporary dance showcase focused on the theme of diversity this year, and featured the works of emerging choreographers Norbert De La Cruz III, Jennifer Archibald and Loughlan Prior for the first part of the two-part series. Grand Rapids Ballet gave three outstanding performances of “Movemedia: Diversity I” over the weekend of Feb.7-11 at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre…More>>
Grand Rapids Ballet’s masterful ‘Christmas Carol’ production creates excitement for 2018
After ending the year with two highly successful productions last month, Grand Rapids Ballet begins 2018 with a promising future for the West Michigan dance community. It was a daring move to plan a world premiere ballet production of “A Christmas Carol” a mere two weeks after their performance of “The Nutcracker.” However, the number of sold-out shows and glowing reviews for both December productions is setting the stage for the type of high caliber and artistic shows audiences can experience during Grand Rapids Ballet’s remaining 2017-18 Season. The artistry of choreographer Brian Enos in “A Christmas Carol” and superb cast dancing provides a glimpse into the way Grand Rapids Ballet blends classical ballet with contemporary movement to retell classic stories. The show is a great example of how the company reimagines the art of dance for today’s audiences…More>>
Review: Grand Rapids Ballets gives outstanding 2017 ‘Nutcracker’ performance
A great ballet performance draws the audience into the production, stirring the senses while it entertains. Grand Rapids Ballet’s 2017 production of “The Nutcracker” delivered this and much more to West Michigan audiences. The company’s delightful performance captured the special magic of the classic E.T.A. Hoffmann story through the skillful dancing of the cast, the superb choreography by choreographer Val Caniparoli, and the beautiful set created by artist Chris Van Allsburg and set designer Eugene Lee…More>>
Grand Rapids Ballet gives an enchanting performance in ‘From Russia with Love’
When dancers perform on stage, they are sharing a part of themselves with the audience that is very personal and real. A great performance creates an emotional connection between performer and audience. Grand Rapids Ballet dancer Dawnell Dryja’s farewell performance in “From Russia with Love” on Friday, October 6, was all of that and more. Grand Rapids Ballet opened the 2017-18 Season on Friday with an outstanding classical ballet performance of “From Russia with Love,” led by Dryja’s exquisite dancing and supported by a strong cast of dancers…More>>
Grand Rapids Ballet School Junior Company’s ‘Mini-Tales and Bolero’ is fun for all
A great dance education shows in both the quality of a show performance and the enthusiasm of the dance students. Grand Rapids Ballet School (GRBS) Junior Company ended their 2016-17 Season with a delightful performance of “Mini-Tales and Bolero” on the weekend of May 19-21. The production and skillful choreography of Junior Company Artistic Director Attila Mosolygo showcased cast talent and provided a fun hour of entertainment for all ages…More>>
Grand Rapids Ballet’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’ is magical and delights all ages
A performance of Grand Rapids Ballet’s “Alice in Wonderland” transports you into a true artistic wonderland. The audience explores Lewis Carroll’s world of imagination along with Alice through the lush artwork of award-winning artist Luis Grané, visionary choreography of Brian Enos and the superb dancing of Grand Rapids Ballet. Grand Rapids Ballet’s world premiere of “Alice in Wonderland” is masterpiece that showcased cast talent in an entertaining reimagining of the classic childhood. The show opened last Friday, April 28, at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre in downtown Grand Rapids to a full house…More>>
Grand Rapids Ballet’s ‘Movemedia: World Premieres’ features cutting-edge dance art
Grand Rapids Ballet’s annual “Movemedia” production has a special magic that is obvious the moment you arrive at the theatre. There is an excitement among the audience and performers as they anticipate a show that explores new ideas in dance. The latest “Movemedia” production was filled with cutting edge ideas and artistic expression in dance. Grand Rapids Ballet’s “Movemedia: World Premieres,”…More>>
Grand Rapids Ballet’s ‘Black and White: Swan Lake’ is a masterpiece of artistry and emotion
“Swan Lake” means so many things to different people. It is one of the classic ballets, like “The Nutcracker” that many people see. The swan is one of the iconic images of a ballerina. It is one of those ballets that speaks to the heart of the audience. Grand Rapids Ballet’s contemporary “Black and White: Swan Lake” not only speaks to heart, it shows the many possible stories and new artistic expressions are possible within the classic ballet…More>>
Grand Rapids Ballet’s 2016 ‘Nutcracker’ is all about magic
Grand Rapids Ballet’s opening night performance of “The Nutcracker” reminded the audience just what makes the show one of the most loved ballets of all time. The story has magic, adventure, action and a love story. When paired with dancers of superb technique who exude both energy and love of their craft, and enhanced by the seamless storytelling of Val Caniparoli’s inventive choreography, “The Nutcracker” comes to life in a rare way that allows the audience to not only watch, but to live the story…More>>
Grand Rapids Ballet School Junior Company’s ‘Peter Pan’ is fun for the entire family
Grand Rapids Ballet School Junior Company brought to life a beloved children’s story, “Peter Pan,” in a delightful production last weekend. It was the type of show that demonstrated the professional quality of Grand Rapids Ballet School training and the enthusiasm of dance students who love ballet. The performance, choreography, set and staging captured the special childhood magic of the “Peter Pan” story. Grand Rapids Ballet School Junior Company held four performances on October 21-23…More>>
Grand Rapids Ballet showcases cast talent in ‘Movemedia: Made in America’
It was a night of standing ovations, tangible excitement from both the stage and audience, and moving performances that connected the performer and viewer. From the moment the curtain rose until the final bows of the evening, Grand Rapids Ballet gave a memorable tribute to American choreography in their production of “Movemedia: Made in America” on Friday, October 7. The production marked the start of Grand Rapids Ballet’s 2016-17 Season…More>>
Grand Rapids Ballet’s ‘Cinderella’ is all about love
Grand Rapids Ballet ends their 2015-16 Season on a high note with a stellar performance of “Cinderella,” with choreography by world renowned choreographer Bruce Wells. This production captures the special magic of the classic fairy tale through enchanting dance sequences, emotional choreography and a fluid storyline. Grand Rapids Ballet’s world premiere of “Cinderella” opened last, and will hold four more shows this weekend, starting tonight, May 13-15, at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre. Most shows are sold out, but limited tickets are still available …More>>
Grand Rapids Ballet School’s delightful ‘Snow White’
West Michigan ballet fans are discovering the great talent of the young dancers in Grand Rapids Ballet School Junior Company, who thrive under the direction of Junior Company Artistic Director Attila Mosolygo. Grand Rapids Ballet School Junior Company productions are starting to sell out almost as quickly as the professional company. The Junior Company’s production of “Snow White” was highly successful, with four sold out shows…More>>
Grand Rapids Ballet’s ‘The Best of Movemedia’ shines
Grand Rapids Ballet is known for their top notch performances, and last weekend’s production of “The Best of Movemedia” was one of their finest. This year’s annual contemporary dance series installment featured some of their most critically acclaimed works by leading choreographers. The production ran in three shows from March 18-20, and each show had a full theatre. “The Best of Movemedia” showcased the bright talent of the Grand Rapids Ballet dancers and the creativity of today’s contemporary choreographers….More>>
Grand Rapids Ballet’s ‘Dangerous Liaisons’ is daring and seductive
Grand Rapids Ballet’s production of “Dangerous Liaisons” is a powerful comment on humanity that both seduces and shocks the senses. The ballet is based on the Oscar-winning 1988 movie, “Dangerous Liaisons,” and classic book by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, which spins a web of deception that leads to many steamy love affairs and broken hearts…More>>
Grand Rapids Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’ gets better every year
When Grand Rapids Ballet created a new version of “The Nutcracker” last year, the world premiere was extremely successful with many sold out shows. This year is no different. “The Nutcracker” opened last weekend on Dec. 11-13 to a full house, and tickets are already selling out for next weekend’s shows on Dec. 18-20…More>>
Grand Rapids Ballet’s ‘Beethoven’ is a fitting tribute to the composer
Grand Rapids Ballet ended their successful 2014-15 Season with an outstanding performance of Mario Radacovsky’s “Beethoven.” The world premiere “Beethoven” production ran for two weekends on May 8-17, and was critically acclaimed. This high quality production, along with many of their recent shows, is proof that Michigan’s only professional ballet company can produce performances equal to the production of any national level dance company. The inventive choreography, flawless dancing, and selections of Beethoven’s music created a moving and engaging narrative…More>>