After months of uncertainty, the Grand Rapids Ballet has plans for a unique and exciting 2020-2021 season.
Dancers are getting back to the stage, albeit in a different way than usual — All shows will be created specifically for viewing on a screen. The new performances will be filmed for viewing at home with the help of SALT Creative Production Studio.
These shows will include collaborations with other organizations and choreographers, as well as some behind-the-scenes interviews, rehearsals and more.
Here are the plans for the 2020-21 season, in the ballet’s words:
- NOVEMBER 13-15, 2020 | business as (un)usual – We present world-class ballet as usual—delivered in an unusual way—with this mix of new and existing works exemplifying our spirit, featuring a world premiere by Princess Grace Award winner and Beyoncé choreographer Darrell Grand Moultrie, a world premiere by Artistic Director James Sofranko featuring a collaboration with violinist Gene Hahn, a world premiere by Company dancer Yuka Oba-Muschiana, Christopher Stowell’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream pas de deux from the postponed 2019-20 season featuring the music of Felix Mendelssohn, works by Resident Choreographer Penny Saunders and Company dancers Gretchen Steimle and Matthew Wenckowski
- DECEMBER 18-27, 2020 | the nutcracker experience – The beloved holiday classic, with choreography by Val Caniparoli, as you’ve never seen it before! Enjoy many of your favorite on-stage moments, behind-the-scenes interviews and rehearsals, and more. And the story wouldn’t be complete without the musical accompaniment of Grand Rapids Symphony.
- MARCH 2021 DATES TBA | collective force – The world’s most celebrated and in-demand choreographers — Penny Saunders, Danielle Rowe, Adam Hougland, Jennifer Archibald, Amy Seiwert, Edwaard Liang, Katarzyna Skarpetowska, and Trey McIntyre — come together to stage their ballets and create new works, contributing to a performance that will truly be an immersive tour de force. In addition, Artistic Director James Sofranko will present an exciting new work featuring the music of Michigan-based cellist Jordan Hamilton.
- APRIL 2021 DATES TBA | jumpstart: on film – Choreographed by the dancers of Grand Rapids Ballet, this innovative program will also provide them the unique opportunity to explore a completely new layer of creativity and expression: filmmaking. We sincerely thank our season video partner, Salt Creative Production Studio, for their mentorship and guidance on this project.
You can buy tickets individually, or go for a season subscription — the $100 level gets you all four shows and pre-show artist talk videos. The $200 level gets you far more, and you can read about it on their website.
Check it all out at grballet.com.
