The Grand Rapids Ballet—Michigan’s only professional ballet company—is excited to announce its line-up for the 2019-20 season.

“The 2019-20 season is all about finding what moves you. We are presenting a fantastic line-up of ballets, ranging from contemporary and classic works to world-premieres and beloved favorites; there is truly something here for everyone,” said Artistic Director James Sofranko. “I am excited to further Grand Rapids Ballet’s reputation as a cornerstone of the arts in Michigan and as a leader of innovation and excellence. Some of the dance world’s most influential and in-demand choreographers will be coming to Grand Rapids to work with our talented dancers, presenting ballet that is truly of the present, yet rooted in tradition.”

Firebird | October 18-20, 2019 This powerful collection presents Firebird, San Francisco Ballet’s resident choreographer Yuri Possokhov’s transformation of Stravinsky’s captivating story of good and evil; Artistic Director James Sofranko’s elegantly wrought and intensely musical Mozart Symphony; Adam Hougland’s mesmerizing dark drama, Cold Virtues; and a world premiere by our choreographer-in-residence, Penny Saunders.

The Nutcracker| December 13-15 & 20-22, 2019 West Michigan’s favorite holiday tradition returns to the grandeur of DeVos Performance Hall with sets by famed children’s book author and illustrator Chris Van Allsburg (The Polar Express, Jumanji), Broadway-quality set design by Tony Award winner Eugene Lee (Wicked, Sweeney Todd, Saturday Night Live), choreography by Val Caniparoli, and the live music of your Grand Rapids Symphony. Don’t miss the magic!

Eternal Desire | February 14-16, 2020 The second exciting collection of the season is filled with passion and promise: Artistic Director James Sofranko’s Romeo & Juliet Pas de Deux; the triumphant return of Trey McIntyre’s Wild Sweet Love featuring the music of Queen, Roberta Flack, and The Partridge Family; and two world premieres from Sofranko and audience-favorite Danielle Rowe.

Jumpstart 2020 | March 6-8, 2020 Talent lives within all of us and must be nurtured to succeed. This new showcase will discover the next generation of great choreographers by providing the dance world’s emerging talent and the dancers of Grand Rapids Ballet a platform to explore their artistic vision and the inspiration to bring it to life.

A Midsummer's Night Dream | April 24-26 & May 1-3, 2020 The season ends on a wonderful comedic note with one of Shakespeare’s most popular and treasured works. Choreographed by associate artistic director of the National Ballet of Canada, Christopher Stowell, the story of four star-crossed Athenians whose love lives are turned upside down by a miscast spell proves “the course of true love never did run smooth.” The performance will also feature George Balanchine’s beloved and ethereal Serenade.

Season subscriptions will be available beginning February 25, 2019 and single tickets go on sale to the public on July 24, 2019. Call 616.454.4771 x10 or visit grballet.com/1920season for more details.