'Tis the season of The Nutcracker

By: Brittney Schering

Grand Rapids Ballet Company presents The Nutcracker with live music by the Grand Rapids Symphony at DeVos Performance Hall starting tonight, Friday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

There is no greater way to get into the spirit of the season than to see The Nutcracker. Clara battles with mice to save her gallant Nutcracker while snowflakes dance in her head, and she journeys to a land where dreams come true.

The Grand Rapids Ballet and Grand Rapids Symphony unite for ten dazzling performances of this most beloved holiday tradition.

Shows are Dec. 3 - 5 and 10 - 12; times vary. Tickets can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com or at the ballet or DeVos Hall Box Office. Ticket prices range from $20 to $53.

Grand Rapids Ballet Company presents, "Who Cares?"

By: Brittney Schering

Grand Rapids Ballet Company is proud to present Who Cares?, a classic favorite that portrays a broadly American exuberance. The program is not only the season-opener, but also the blockbuster George Balanchine/George Gershwin collaboration's first time in Grand Rapids.

The evening will open with Raymonda's glorious Pas de Dix in grand tutus and tiaras. For this magnificent program, special guest stars have been invited from Japan, Cuba, and Seattle to perform.

Kyohei Giovanni Yoshida, Bronze medalist in the USA International Ballet Competition dances the award-winning contemporary piece, Compulsion, along with the classical solo from Le Corsaire. Karel Cruz and Lindsi Dec of Pacific Northwest Ballet perform the spellbinding, luminous Sense of Doubt by Paul Gibson.

Who Cares? will grant the DeVos Performance Hall with is presence on Oct. 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m., and on Oct. 24 at 2 p.m. Tickets run $20-45 and are available at the Ballet box office or through Ticketmaster. Visit www.grballet.com or call (616) 454-4771 for more information.

Experience the Grand Rapids Ballet for free Sept. 11

By: Brittney Schering

The Grand Rapids Ballet Company invites everyone to see what Michigan's only professional ballet company is all about, free of charge, on Saturday, Sept. 11 from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.

People of all ages are welcome at the Company's Community Open House, so it makes for a perfect family afternoon activity. Ever want to try out a class? Anyone can in one of four large dance studios. If you would rather watch others perform, feel free to observe an open rehearsal in the beautiful Peter Martin Wege Theatre.

The Open House will take place at the Meijer-Royce Center for Dance at 341 Ellsworth SW, Grand Rapids, just west of US-131 at the Wealthy St. exit.

For more information on the Community Open House or any of the Grand Rapids Ballet Company's programs, visit www.grballet.com, or call (616) 454-4771.