James Sofranko, Artistic Director
OFF THE CANVAS
Alexandra Meister-Upleger in Adam Hougland’s Cold Virtues Photo: Scott Rasmussen
VIRTUAL PROGRAM | PETER MARTIN WEGE THEATRE
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DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION Grand Rapids Ballet is dedicated to expanding the experience of world-class dance and artistic excellence. Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee, comprised of board members, staff, and dancers, is committed to examining our efforts, seeking out all voices in our community, and creating actions to be a more inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible cultural organization.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT As a first important step in our ongoing mission for social justice, Grand Rapids Ballet would like to recognize the People of the Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potowatomi peoples on whose land we are gathered. The Three Fires People are indigenous to this land which means that this is their ancestral territory. The Grand Rapids Ballet is built on native land. As such, we are guests on their land, and one way to practice Right Relations is to develop genuine ways to acknowledge the histories and traditions of the people who originated here first, who are still here, and who tend to the land always. As we take this step, we understand that there are many more ahead as we continuously advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in our community.
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THANK YOU, SEASON SUPPORTERS! SEASON SPONSORS | JAMES & MARY NELSON
OFF THE CANVAS SPONSOR | MARCUS AND HELLE HAW CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS | DAVE SCHMIDT AND ROBERT ORACZ, MARK GURNEY AND MARY YURKO, DAVID ARMBRECHT AND SALLY KOTANI, JOHN AND CHRISTINE WILLIG
Beusse & Porter Family Foundation
MEDIA PARTNERS
BE A PART OF THE ART Would you or your company like to support the arts in West Michigan? Contact Development and Engagement Coordinator Julie Lesniak at juliel@grballet.com or 616.454.4771 x10 to learn more today! 3
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR MESSAGE Welcome to Grand Rapids Ballet and the first program of the 2021-22 season, Off the Canvas! This production heralds our return to the Peter Martin Wege Theater, our first performance at home since March 2020, and it feels so good to be back! It’s hard to believe that it has been 19 long months since we have welcomed a live audience through our doors, but we have stayed focused and determined, which has rewarded us with a renewed passion and energy for our art, and we are eager to share it with you. I am so proud of this entire organization, dancers, staff, teachers, board members, donors, and volunteers, for persevering through the unknown. Not only did we present an entire virtual season last year, but we found creative ways to fulfill our mission of uplifting the human spirit through the art of dance. We have performed outside in Grand Rapids City parks, Frederick Meijer Gardens, Studio Park, countless backyards and driveways, most recently at ArtPrize, and our virtual Nutcracker Experience was seen throughout West Michigan on television (for which we were nominated for a Michigan Emmy.) Now, I am so excited to return to the theater with three ballets that showcase the exceptional energy and talent of our dancers. Off the Canvas, from Polish choreographer, Katarzyna Skarpetowska, originally created for BalletX in Philadelphia, draws inspiration from abstract painter Cy Twombly, and is literally “art in motion.” Katarzyna’s choreography was a part of our virtual season last year, where she worked with the dancers via zoom, and we were glad to welcome her here in person this year to stage the work. In-Frame, originally created by resident choreographer Penny Saunders in 2017, makes a well-deserved return to the stage, featuring artwork by Alice Klock which comes to life before our eyes. It is so wonderful to witness the maturing relationship between Penny and the dancers of Grand Rapids Ballet, as they align themselves more fully with her movement and push themselves to dig deeper physically and artistically. Finally, Cold Virtues by Adam Hougland was a hit when it premiered in 2019, and you can tell that the dancers are relishing the opportunity to revisit the movement and the story of a power-hungry couple, and their ultimate undoing. I am also happy for Off the Canvas to kick off our virtual season in collaboration with SALT Creative Studios, for those viewers who are unable to join us in person. We are presenting four programs, filmed in the theater and delivered virtually to audiences across the globe. To learn more about the virtual season, please visit grballet.com. In 2022, we will celebrate 50 years of Grand Rapids Ballet, and we kick it off February 25-27 with Cinderella by Ben Stevensen, at DeVos Hall with the Grand Rapids Symphony. Please join us for this exciting moment in our history as we celebrate the past and usher in an exciting future! Thank you again for being with us tonight, and for doing so in a manner that allows you and our artists to remain safe. We are so thankful to have you to dance for, something we will never take for granted. I look forward to welcoming you to many more performances of the Grand Rapids Ballet, this season and beyond. James Sofranko, Artistic Director 4
PROGRAM NOTES OFF THE CANVAS
Choreography: Katarzyna Skarpetowska Music: Antonio Vivaldi (Cello Concerto in A minor) Adrian Klumpes (Why, Cornered, Alone) Costumes: Fritz Masten Lighting: Mark Stanley Inspired by the ecstatic and mystery evoking vermilion loops of Cy Twombly’s Bacchus series painting. Originally commissioned by BalletX. First performed at The Wilma Theater, Philadelphia, PA: 2019 Sponsored by: Marcus and Helle Haw intermission
IN-FRAME
Choreography: Penny Saunders Music: Max Richter (Recomposition of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons) Original Art Work: Alice Klock Video Design: Sam Begich Costume Design: Patricia Barker Scenic Design: John Ferraro Staged by: Steven Houser
This work used Max Richter’s recomposition of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, while utilizing the skills of a beautiful visual artist, Alice Klock, to create an environment that connects the universal realities of love, life, and death to the beauty and vulnerability of the creative process. World premiere 2017 for Grand Rapids Ballet intermission
COLD VIRTUES
Choreography: Adam Hougland Music: Philip Glass (Violin Concerto) Costumes: Marion Williams Lighting: Michael T. Ford World premiere 2003 for Louisville Ballet Off the Canvas James Cunningham, Yuko Horisawa, Josué Justiz, Zach Manske, Sarah Marley, Yuka Oba-Muschiana, Gretchen Steimle, Adriana Wagenveld, Matthew Wenckowski, Nathan Young In-Frame Spring: Emily Reed & Isaac Aoki Summer: Gretchen Steimle & Nathan Young Autumn: Adriana Wagenveld & Matthew Wenckowski Winter: Yuka Oba-Muschiana & Steven Houser Cold Virtues James Cunningham, Steven Houser, Alexandra Meister-Upleger, Emily Reed Isaac Aaoki, Ednis Gomez, Ingrid Lewis, Zach Manske, Sarah Marley, Madison Massara, Branden Reiners, 5 Gretchen Steimle, Adriana Wagenveld, Nathan Young
OFF THE CANVAS
Emily Reed and James Cunningham in Adam Hougland’s Cold Virtues 6 Photo: Scott Rasmussen
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En Pointe En Pointe ON POINT
Whether it’s the ballet or integrated marketing communications, it’s all about the performance.
ON POINT
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DANCERS COMPANY
Isaac Aoki
James Cunningham
Ednis Gomez
Yuko Horisawa
Steven Houser
Josué Justiz
Zach Manske
Sarah Marley
Alexandra Meister-Upleger
Yuka Oba-Muschiana
Gretchen Steimle
Nigel Tau
Madison Massara
Branden Reiners
12 Adriana Wagenveld
Matthew Wenckowski
Nathan Young
Emily Reed
Julia Turner
APPRENTICES
Haley Baker
Talia Lebowitz
Ingrid Lewis
Claudia Rhett
Spencer Waldeck
Learn more about Grand Rapids Ballet’s dancers at grballet.com/dancers. Dancer headshots by Isaac Aoki and Jessica Meldrum.
TRAINEES
Katie Aaberg
Mackenzie Davis
Todd Lani
Sofia Striegl
Fiona Dorr
Avery Held
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WHERE CURIOSITY BECOMES CONFIDENCE Deep in the woods of northern Michigan, disciplines merge and unbreakable bonds form. Interlochen Arts Camp won’t just help your students grow into better artists – it will transform the course of their future. Summer programs for every young artist GRADES 3-12 | BEGINNER TO ADVANCED | 1-6 WEEKS
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interlochen.org/camp
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2 0 2 1 –2 0 2 2
SEASON
January 11 – 16, 2022
March 29 – April 3, 2022
May 3 – 8, 2022
June 21 – 26, 2022
MAKE IT A 6-SHOW PACKAGE
November 8 – 13, 2022
February 8 – 20, 2022
For more information, visit BroadwayGrandRapids.com
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ADULT BALLET CLASSES Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings Visit grballet.com/adult for more information.
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2021/22 SEASON operagr.org
DON GIOVANNI October 22 & 24, 2021
February 25 & 27, 2022
TURANDOT April 22 & 23, 2022 18
Gretchen Steimle, photo by Ray Nard Imagemaker
STINNEY: AN AMERICAN EXECUTION
GRAND RAPIDS BALLET STAFF COMPANY Artistic Director James Sofranko Executive Director Glenn Del Vecchio Marketing Director Jessica Meldrum Dev. & Engagement Coordinator Julie Lesniak Production Stage Manager Megan Marie Thompson Costume Shop Manager Ronald Altman Company/Facilities Manager John Ferraro Artistic Coordinator/Ballet Master Dawnell Dryja Black Asst. Ballet Master Steven Houser Guest Services Manager Errol Shewman Pianists Ryan Blok, Justin Gray, Margi Peterson
Pianists Ryan Blok, Idalmira Lopez, Mark Moran Receptionists Mary-Ann Carpenter, Audrey Walker, Arianna Wisniewski PRODUCTION CREW Assistant Stage Manager Molly Bea Goodman Production Electrician Marc Savage Production Properties Ben Knudstrup Production Audio Dansir McCullough Lighting Designer Matt Taylor Carpenter Andrew Steers Production Projection Stephen Dowhan
SCHOOL Director & Junior Company Artistic Director Attila Mosolygo Curriculum Coordinator Mindy Mosolygo Administrator SarahJean Bos Faculty Melanie Anderson Brossiet, James Cunningham, Steven Houser, Jillian Gasper, Nicholas Gray, Katherine Koning, Sarah Marley, Kate Matlack, Yuka Oba-Muschiana, Gretchen Steimle, Taryn OrtegaFurgeson, Nigel Tau, Jessica Winter-Troutwine
Grand Rapids Ballet’s Virtual Season, in partnership with SALT Creative Production Studio, offers a unique perspective to our performances, streaming digitally from anywhere. You are invited to tune in and enjoy Grand Rapids Ballet’s Virtual Season when it fits your schedule. Explore the other benefits below: - Stream our virtual programs multiple times while available. - Enjoy the complete Virtual Season Subscription for only $68. - Subscribers will receive access to performances for *two weeks. - Individual virtual programs will be available for $18. - The Nutcracker will be available for $25. - The complete Virtual Season Subscription reflects 15% off!
scan to learn more!
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THANK YOU, SUPPORTERS! Arabesque | $25,000+ Upleger De Priest Family County of Kent Leah Voigt and Jim Shafer Foundation Rosemary and David Warner Norcross + Judd Robert and Lois DeBoer Good Family Foundation LLP James P. Delapa James E. and Mary Nelson Jerome Winslow Leslie Dickinson Wege Foundation Abby Dilley Mark Gurney and Mary Plié | $1,000+ Azlan Ezaddin Yurko Thomas and Melissa Kristine Fox Aaberg Marilyn Goodson Rond de Jambe Mary M. Appelt Frank T. and Linda Griggs $10,000.00 + James and Donna Brooks Catherine Haney Beusse & Porter Family Donald J. Bruggink Rod Hathaway Foundation James Burr Deane Horne Michigan Council for Arts Phillip and Julie Croll Asuka Horrigan & Cultural Affairs Darcy J. Dye Paul Howland RDV Corporation Meredith Ervine Margaret Idema John and Christine Willig Dean and Sheri Estes Suzanne K. Jones Donna Ferraro Laura Kozminski Dégagé | $5,000+ Mary L. Forman Jerry Kraisinger Frey Foundation Laurie A. Griffith Susan Lani Wes Harpold J.C. Huizenga Susan Larson David Armbrecht and Mira and Teri Jourdan Melissa Lichtenwalter Sally Kotani Junior League of Grand Tamie Maehara Patrick M. McConeghy Rapids Henry Matthews Meijer, Inc. Keller Foundation Daniel Miller Sue Murphy Rob and Kelly Knecht Thomas Moore and Jan Carol Muth Jack Korff Winters John and Lynn O’Donnell Kathleen M. Laidlaw James Owens John and Kathy Pleune Brian and Susan Lennon Bradley Parks Dave Schmidt and Robert Richard and Lisa Lewis Gary and Karen Paul Oracz Arend and Nancy Lubbers Jim and Carol Pike Brent and Sonia Admir and Brooke Robert Schwartz Sundberg Lugonjic Scott and Rebekah Marilyn Titche John and Kate McGarry Wierenga John Mitchell and Gina Thomas A. Wysocki Tendu | $2,500.00 + Ang Ellen Arlinsky Norm Palm Sauté | $250+ Dana and MaryNell Richard and Mary Panek John and Nancy Bailey Baldwin Till Peters Joanne Bent Robert Beasecker Scott and Kate Thomas and Alexis Marcella B. Beck Rasmussen Boyden Karl and Patti Betz Tom and Lisa Reehorst Janet Brockway Joy DeBoer Tamara Reeves Amber Buys Joan DuBois Dale Schriemer Joan K. Chee David and Nancy Field Piroska Szabo Brad Choate Mary Caroline Frey The Korff Foundation Gary Crispin Steve Frykholm Elizabeth Tinney Donley Elizabeth J. Crosby Kathy Golinski Doug and Colleen Van Carol Dawe Jeff and Xuesi Li Gurney Doren Sue DeJonge Marcus and Helle Haw Karlis and Anda Vizulis Joan Dykstra John Hunting John and Angela Pauline Eade-Sheppard Earle and Kyle Irwin Wagenveld Stephen J. Ebrom Wallson and Rebecca Kirk Wiley Anna Ellerbroek Knack Steve and Cheryl Wonch Tom Genson Michael and Melissa Lojek Susan Hall-Balduf Mary Loupee Jeté | $500+ Randall and Carol Patricia Nevala Jeff and Anita Avery Hoekstra John Nienhuis and Jerry Tod Babick Grace Johnston Nardin Marc and Patricia Baer Nils Kessler Jonathan and Kelly Baird Foundation, Inc. Michael and Michele Opdyke Anthony Barnes Kopinski John Petrovich and Eric Bouwens Frank Kwiatek Lorraine Miles Roy Brown Geoffrey Lam Milton and Barbara James Carr Thomas Macholan Rohwer John and Penelope CollinsMelissa Massara Kevin Toler Douglas and Pamela Norma Jean McCormick Kenneth and Sandra Coulter Kim McCoy
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Diane Mills Andrea Montgomery Ken and Kathleen Nelson Eileen Newman Aaron Nienhuis Sean Patterson Susan Rehrer Lori Reineke Gregory Sanial James Scarlett Eric Schellenberger Anthony Schmuker Danella Schroeder Mark Siegrist Steve and Mary Sumners Matthew Tau Randoulph L. Teegardin Michael Tresh Peter M. Turner John Varineau Kris Vydareny Annette Weaver Tom Webber Michael Wojciakowski Jim Wojczynski
Ronald Ehlert Heather Erickson Kim Ervine Deirdre Fagan Maurice Fetty Marilyn Field Odmar Filho Chuck Fisk Jens Forsberg Carolyn Frank Kathy Freeman Paula Gaylord Brad Geal Clarice Geels Harvey M. and PhyllisGendler David Giese Ryan Goosen Robert Guldi Jane Hazle Robert Heidenreich Marilyn E. Heiss Dennis Hess Stephen and Martha Holmgren James Houser Relevé | $100+ Laurie Iciek David Abbott Katherine Ireland Bonnie M. Altman Lori Jacobs Mercedes and Marisa Sarah Jacques Alvarado Judy Jongsma Mark Amenta Lora Keller Artists Creating Together Susan Kendall Jenny Ashbay Bruce Klein-Wassin Luis Avila Sean Lemon John Bailey Steven Lesniak James Bakeman Karen Maehara James Baldwin Marla Marsala Janet Barclay Melissa Marsh Leslie Bellavance John R. Martino Rosemary Bennett Kristin Mayer Jerry Bentley Shawn McCabe Michael and Carol Betz Ralph McCarty Kelly Bishop Paula McPhee Eric and Carol Bogerd Douglas Meijer Betsy Borre Peter Meijer Robert Burgess Diane Meister Anthony Burns Richard Merrill Linda Campbell Caroline Mitchell Thompson Theresa Mond Greg Carnevale Jennifer Montgomery Joel Carpenter Deborah Moore Joe Chamberlin Stephanie Naito John Chapin Lynn Needle Amy L. Charles Richard Neidhard Haijin Choi Mark Newberry Amy Clement Chad Niederhuth Megan Coakley Katherine M. Northrup Cynthia Conway Mike Norton Richard and Nancy Court Sheila O’Brien Katherine Cox Jim O’Connor Jonathan Damon Cameron O’Keefe Kathleen DeBruyn Andrea N. Oosterhouse Ron DeWaard Julie Otterbein Michael and Nancy Judith D. Palmer Dodge Heather Pavletic Matisen Douglas Carl Plantinga
Sue Popma Daniel Powers Doug Pretty James Rekucki Robyn Richardson George Roberts Maggie Rolicheck Kim Rook Rebecca Ruppert James H. Schindler Lisa Schumacher Annette Severson Bettegail Shively Anne Shonk Marc Sinykin Janice Slotten Grant Snider Janice R. Snyder Meredith Soddy Catherine Southwick Peter Spring Tamara Steil Eric Stone Timothy Streb Matthew Taylor John Throop Luis Tomatis Jeffrey Tornblom Nancy Turner Hanna Tuzzolino Joy Uddin Karl Van Harn Katherine Van Soest Edward P. Van Wesep Marian Vanderwall Diane VanWesep Kristy VanWingerden Darryl J. Varda Pat Waring Mark D. Warner Rick Watson Andrew Weller Kaylen Williams Lizzie Williams Joan Wilson Susan O. Wold Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Wonder Ann J. Wuerthele Gloria Yff Betty Zylstra Friend | $100 Eric Adams Garrett Anderson Lisa Andersson Paula Aoki Michael Apple Sarkozy Ardith Jenny Armour Joel Armstrong Lynn Armstrong Elizabeth Baker Michael Baker Mayumi Balfour Carlee Barton Denny Beck Anne M. Benson
Jane Ann Benson Nik Henderson Alison Bernstein Misty Hendricks Kevin and Pamela BeswickNathan Hickman Dennis Bierlein Melisa Hubka Don Bippes Rhonda Huismann Laura Bird Nicole Ippel Laurie Bird Natalie Jackson Amy Bohner Susan Jackson Meagan Brandt Michelle Jeffries Laurence Bratschie Shellie Jeffries Janelle Burden Hill Jeff Johnson Carol Carlson Marley Jolly Susan Carlson Vinnie Jones Amanda Carton Julian Joseph Karen Castleman Joanna Kaniewski Jane Ellen Chamberlin Liz Kattner Katherine Chappell Judith Kemph Laurie Clary Thomas Kent Lexi Clements Shelby Kibler Jamie Colen Robin Kieft Jason Conat Ashley Kimble Kay Courtney Raymond King Cameron Cramer Marty Klar Roxanne Cullen Douglas Klein Mary Abbott Cumming Nancy Knauss Sarah Daily Bonnie Knopf Jennifer Daly Elliott Kolacki Donald Damuth Juliet Kraal Emily Davis Ghislaine Kruit Mackenzie Davis Wendy Lappenga Phoebe Davis Terrel Lefferts Briana Dean Keverne Lehman Steven DePolo Carol Lewis Kathryn Dobrezelewski Diane Lindberg Mary Donovan Bonnie Lipan Alexis Drabek Kay Losey Corey Drake Terry Madden Joshua Duggan Stephanie Martinez Ryan Duncan Edgar Marty John Edison Wendy Mask Sydney Edlund Yvette McClain Lisa Ehlert Marla McDonald Julie Eilenberg Haley Meijer Michael Erickson Michael Merk Rachel Evans Rebecca Metelonis Marissa Fellows Melissa Mitchell Kayne Ferrier Sarah Mitchell Cynthia Fertenbaugh Edith Mitko Matt Flak John Mogor Brad Foxen Kayla J. Morrish Jeffrey Frank Anne Mueller Dianne Garone Carole MuellerElizabeth Gatesy Brumbaugh Carolina Gil-Ortegan Lisa Nadziejka Liz Goldberg Christine Nawrocki Rick Gossett Anneliese Neff Beth Graalman Linda Nelson Karen Grace Network for Good Tom Graham Francois Nguyen Jamie Greco Nancy M. Noel Suzanne Haag Ken Norris Worth Hages Leah Parman Teresa Haggerty Jacqueline Peacock Kate Hanley Susana Peralta Paula Harris Moses Perez Shirley Harris MaeLeigh Perry Carolyn Heines James Phelps
Tim and Pamela Pietryga Jeralyn Pinsky Lisa Poole-Woldring Kathryn Pospisek LuAnn Price Melody Reed Harriett Reehorst Jill Reider Patricia Reiter Mary Jo Richard Ramona Rogers Lori Ross Elizabeth Rossi Kerry Rowe Alan Ryan Mary Savage Sandra Scheuber Harley Schwartz Valerie Shavell David Simmer Katie Slattery Jack Smith Julie Smith Mary Lou Smith Susan Smith Justin Sobecki Judy Sopeland Ron Stacilauskas Elizabeth Staggs Christine Stahl Laura Stahl Regina Steimle Robert Steimle Richel Stocker James L. Stokes Amber L. Stout Kathleen Striegl Patty Sumners Jeffrey Sweers Joy Swidwa Angela Tallon Charissa Talsma Julie Tasker Tammy Teachout Paige Thomas Walter Tomaszewski Maggie Tracey Linda Turrentine James Van Buren Meghan Varner Susanne Veeneman Diane Veneklasen Amy Viergutz Patricia Villanueva Arjana Vizulis David Waalkes Gary Wakenhut Christopher Walters Kathleen Welch Barbara Wepman Judy Whipps John R. White Debra Wierenga Nancy Wilson Melike Winkworth Wendy Withrow Robert Wolford
Amy Wolfret Catherine Wootten Yeasol Yang Michael Yoak Amy Young Noel Young IN MEMORIAM Stephanie Burr Carilon Carr Molly Irwin Charles Dianne Hillman Garone Len Robinson Cyndi Ruffer Daniel N. Sheppard Sally Seven John Tully Robert Wepman Joe Wojczynski Rebecca Woods Be a part of the art! To make a gift, please contact Dev. & Engagement Coordinator Julie Lesniak at 616.454.4771 ext. 10 or juliel@grballet.com.
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CHOREOGRAPHER PROFILES ADAM HOUGLAND grew up in Dallas, Texas and studied visual arts and acting from an early age. At 14 he began his dance training at the Dallas Conservatory of Ballet and the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. In 1999 he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance from The Juilliard School and then went on to perform with The Limon Dance Company, Toronto Dance Theatre and The Lar Lubovitch Dance Company. While at Juilliard Adam choreographed his first group dance, Beyond, which won the Hector Zaraspe Prize for Choreography. This piece set his choreographic career in motion and was quickly taken into the repertoires of Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal, Cincinnati Ballet, Ballet Met Columbus and The Louisville Ballet. Adam has gone on to create original works for Morphoses/The Wheeldon Company, The American Ballet Theatre Studio Company, Introdans in the Netherlands, The Limon Dance Company, Cedar Lake Ensemble, The Washington Ballet, Ballet Memphis, Ballet X and The New York Choreographic Institute at New York CIty Ballet. He has created works for internationally recognised dancers such as Sofiane Sylve (San Francisco Ballet), Marcelo Gomes (American Ballet Theater) and Wendy Whelan. In 2006 he created a world premiere for Juilliard’s Centennial Celebration that toured to Chicago and Los Angeles and was broadcast on the PBS ‘Live from Lincoln Center’ series. He has won The Princess Grace Award for Choreography, The Choo-San Goh Award for Choreography, was one of Pointe Magazines’ 10 VIP’s of 2006 and one Dance Magazine’s 25 to watch for 2011.
KATARZYNA SKARPETOWSKA is a native of Warsaw, Poland. She is an alumna of the NYC High School of Performing Arts and received a BFA from The Juilliard School in 1999 under Artistic Director Benjamin Harkarvy. In 1992, at age 15, she was the youngest cast member of the Broadway show, METRO, directed and choreographed by Janusz Jozefowicz. Kate was a member of Parsons Dance from 1999 until 2006 where she performed lead roles in the company’s repertory including the iconic CAUGHT. From 2007 until 2014, she danced for The Lar Lubovitch Dance Company performing at many reputable venues such as New York City’s City Center, Washington DC’s Kennedy Center, and Moscow’s Bolshoi Theater. Skarpetowska has worked as a repetiteur and assistant choreographer to Lar Lubovitch, David Parsons, and Robert Battle setting works on Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Introdans, Oldenburgisches Staatstheater, Ballet Austin, Atlanta Ballet, Martha Graham Dance Company, Repertory Dance Theatre, and Mikhailovsky Theater in Saint Petersburg, Russia. As a choreographer, she has been commissioned by BalletX, Richmond Ballet, Rochester City Ballet, Grand Rapids Ballet, Parsons Dance, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater II, Lar Lubovitch Dance Company, Buglisi Dance Theater, Big Muddy Dance Company, Owen/Cox Dance Group, Bruce Wood Dance, The Juilliard School, and National Choreographers Initiative. For her choreographic achievements, Kate was named Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch” in 2016 and was nominated for a NY Dance and Performance Award, The Bessie, in the emerging choreographer category in 2017.
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PENNY SAUNDERS, originally from West Palm Beach, Florida, graduated from the Harid Conservatory in 1995, and began her professional career with The American Repertory Ballet under the direction of Septime Webre. She went on to dance with Ballet Arizona, MOMIX Dance Theater, Cedar Lake Ensemble and in 2004 she joined Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. In 2011, Saunders won the International Commissioning Project which launched her choreographic career, creating pieces for Hubbard Streets’ main and second company, Cincinnati Ballet, Whim W’Him, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Oklahoma City Ballet, BalletX, Sacramento Ballet, The Royal New Zealand Ballet, Tulsa Ballet, Diablo Ballet, Dayton Ballet, among others. Saunders is honored to be the Resident Choreographer at The Grand Rapids Ballet, to have received support from The New York City Ballet Choreographic Commissions Initiative, to have participated in The Guggenheim Works & Process, and The National Choreographers Initiative, and to be the recipient of the 2016 Princess Grace Choreographic Fellowship. In 2020, Saunders created a range of new dance films with Whim W’Him, BalletX, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Seattle Dance Collective, Grand Rapids Ballet, Ballet Idaho and ArtEmotion. She is looking forward to upcoming residencies with USC Kaufman School of Dance, Point Park University, and Western Michigan University, as well as collaborations with Art Emotion/ Ballet West, Nashville Ballet, Diablo Ballet, Eugene Ballet, Dayton Ballet, Grand Rapids Ballet, Dance Aspen, and Ballet Idaho. Saunders is also currently an Adjunct Assistant Professor at The University of Utah School of Dance. Photo by Amitava Sarkar, courtesy of Texas Ballet Theater
Cinderella grballet.com/adult
FEBRUARY 25-27, 2022 AT DEVOS PERFORMANCE HALL CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF GRAND RAPIDS BALLET IN 2022!
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DECEMBER 10-12 & 17-19, 2021 AT DEVOS PERFORMANCE HALL
The
Nutcracker GRBS studnets, photo: Jessica Meldrum
SUMMER 2022 BALLET INTENSIVES
PROGRAM DATES: June 27-July 29, 2022 Throughout this 5-week summer program, students enjoy studying with guest and Grand Rapids Ballet School faculty, refining their skills in technique and artistry. Students receive training in ballet, contemporary, pointe, and variations. Students also gain valuable tools through seminars and specialized classes inphoto: nutrition, cardio training, and more. Yuko Horisawa and James Cunningham, Scott Rasmussen Students will also perform in a virtual showcase at the end of ACCOMPANIED BY THE GRAND RAPIDS SYMPHONY! the summer!
TICKETS AND AVAILABLE NOW GRBALLET.COM/SCHOOL AT GRBALLET.COM PROGRAM DETAILS:
24 AUDITION
Orchestra Sponsor
Tickets as low as
Student Tickets
$18 $12
Series Sponsor Richard and Helen DeVos
Guest Artist Sponsor Edith I. Blodgett Guest Artist Fund
ORDER YOUR TICKETS TODAY
GRSymphony.org | 616.454.9451 x 4
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Attila Mosolygo, Director
SUMMER 2022 BALLET INTENSIVES
GRBS students, photo: Jessica Meldrum
PROGRAM DATES: June 27-July 29, 2022 Throughout the 5-week summer program, students enjoy studying with guest and Grand Rapids Ballet School faculty, refining their skills in technique and artistry. Students receive training in ballet, contemporary, pointe, repertoire, and variations. Students also gain valuable tools through specialized classes in Progressing Ballet Technique ® , jazz, cardio training, and more. Students will have the opportunity to perform in a showcase at the end of the summer! AUDITION AND PROGRAM DETAILS: GRBALLET.COM/SCHOOL
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ADAPTIVE DANCE GRAND RAPIDS BALLET SCHOOL ANNOUNCES EXPANDED EXPLORER DANCE PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES Explorer Dance Program Now Offers Availability to Children Living in GR and Holland Grand Rapids Ballet School, the educational branch of Grand Rapids Ballet, today announced an expansion of its Explorer Dance Program, a 45-minute beginning-level ballet class that emphasizes balance, coordination, and creative expression for children with disabilities. GRBS is continuing its Explorer Dance Program at the Meijer Royce Center for Dance in downtown Grand Rapids and is announcing a return to the Holland community with classes being held at Hope College’s DeVos Fieldhouse after a 16-month hiatus due to the pandemic. Explorer Dance is part of Grand Rapids Ballet School’s Adaptive Dance Program, which boasts the therapeutic power of dance for participants of all abilities to experience the joy of dance. “I feel fortunate that we can once again offer the Explorer Dance classes,” said Junior Company Artistic Director and School Director Attila Mosolygo. “There’s a need for this type of class and we take great pride in being able to fill that need because these kids benefit from it.” Among the many benefits of participation in Explorer Dance, students enjoy interacting with the other children in their class and building a sense of community and belonging. Mosolygo explained that in addition to the camaraderie students feel, ballet also offers many therapeutic qualities. “It’s great for people to recognize that dance can be part of everyday life. It’s very calming,” he said. “Our students feel great coming out of the class.” Explorer Dance students in Grand Rapids look forward to returning to in-person classes for the fall semester after following a year of virtual learning the previous school year. The Holland Explorer Dance classes are re-launching after more than a one-year break, aiming to offer the opportunity to more children who can reap its benefits. “There has always been overwhelming positivity in the Explorer Dance class,” said Taryn OrtegaFurgeson, GRBS faculty member. “All they wanted was to be back in person and see each other again.” The Explorer Dance classes at both locations offer students the chance to interact one-on-one with the teacher in a hands-on environment that provides an opportunity to focus on learning. Students are able to discover their abilities and strengths while working to improve balance and hand-eye coordination. “The students love being able to move and dance together,” said Ortega-Furgeson. “They build each other up and they help each other by encouraging one another.” The fall semester begins this week and runs through January 22, 2022. Enrollment is available online with classes taking place Monday evenings in Grand Rapids and Tuesday evenings in Holland. By: Jessica Meldrum 28
Learn more at grballet.com/grand-rapids-ballet-school/adaptive-dance
2021–2022 SEASON
THEATRE AT GRAND VALLEY GVSU.EDU/THEATRE GVSU Opera Theatre presents
SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM
OCTOBER 8, 9, 15, 16 AT 7:30 PM OCTOBER 10 & 17 AT 2 PM LOUIS ARMSTRONG THEATRE, HAAS CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Grand Valley Shakespeare Festival presents
MAC BETH
NOVEMBER 5, 6, 11, 12, 13 AT 7:30 PM NOVEMBER 14 AT 2 PM
Grand Valley Shakespeare Festival presents
ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD JANUARY 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 AT 7:30 PM JANUARY 23, 30 AT 2 PM LINN MAXWELL KELLER BLACK BOX THEATRE, HAAS CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
Theatre at Grand Valley presents
MR. BURNS: A POST-ELECTRIC PLAY APRIL 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 AT 7:30 PM APRIL 3 AND 10 AT 2 PM LINN MAXWELL KELLER BLACK BOX THEATRE, HAAS CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
TICKETS AND INFORMATION
(616) 331-2300 // GVSU.EDU/THEATRE
LINN MAXWELL KELLER BLACK BOX THEATRE, HAAS CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
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Our 96th Season
ALL TICKETS on sale now! grct.org/season96 2021 - 2022 SEASON Once
Sept. 17th - Oct. 3rd, 2021
Black, Bold, & Beautiful
Oct. 15th - Oct. 17th, 2021
The Sound of Music
Nov. 19th - Dec. 19th, 2021
New Musical Original Concert Holiday Musical
Shakespeare In Love
New Comedy with Music
Dragons Love Tacos
New Youth Play
Ten For All
Playwriting Festival
Kinky Boots
New Musical 30 GRAND
RAPIDS CIVIC THEATRE
Jan. 21st - Feb. 6th, 2022
Mar. 4th - Mar. 13th, 2022
Mar. 18th - Mar. 20th, 2022
Apr. 29th - May 22nd, 2022
30 N DIVISION
GRAND RAPIDS MI 49503
31
YOU ARE NEVER THE SAME
STARTS TUE OCT 26 9PM
for additional content visit wgvu.org/veterans 32