Grand Rapids Ballet

I took my 7 year old daughter who is a seasoned vampirologist to see Dracula by the Grand Rapids Ballet. She was not familiar with the original story so I had to fill her in. The dancing was beautiful and the dancers were excellent actors. Each performed well and made for a compelling story. Dracula and the vampire girls were devilish and vampy in a fun way that kept the suspense. The location is easy and the auditorium is comfortable with great sight lines. I would recommend the show to anyone, especially parents with preconscious daughters with a taste for the macarbe. We are lucky to have the Grand Rapids Ballet in town.

The choreography of this new ballet about Oscar Wilde was brilliant and poetic, intertwining his life story with three of his childrens stories. Fabulous dancing and Wilde himself was portrayed with heart- breaking tenderness by Isaac Aoki.

The show was wonderful. It was my first time ever going, I didn't even know what the story was about, but it was very nicely done, and entertaining. I would definitely go see it again.

I have taken my girls every year since they were 4 years old to this production and it's exceptional every year! This was our fifth year and we loved it as much this year as we did the first year!

The ballet dancers and costumes were good, but not great. The GR symphony was amazing.

Probably the best ballet I've seen! Outstanding! The arabian dancers were phenomenal!

The dancing was wonderful. I was disappointed in the sets and costumes. I figured attending a function at Devos Hall it would be a little higher quality.

Over priced for an amateur production. I expected more from a professional company. Very disappointing! Let me start with the small things, all of the backdrops were wrinkled and looked awful. It reflected how much they care about this production. Costuming was cheap looking and underwhelming. Choreography didn't work well with the music in some numbers. There was a huge amount of upstaging and background characters and dancers pulling attention, making it feel chaotic and unorganized. There were other dance and theater faux pas but I'll save those since most people wouldn't have noticed it unless the have a dance or theatrical background. The dancers are talented but the artistic choices of the show produced a sub par experience. Needless to say it was surprising that they charge what they do for the level of show received.

The performance of the Ballet, the Symphony and the amazing DeVos Hall ambiance made for an almost perfect night. First off I must say the Symphony was absolutely flawless. They were so good, several times I forgot they were in the pit and thought I was listening to a soundtrack. I would have been just as happy with them on stage, eyes closed and a martini. However, the Grand Rapids Ballet company blew me away. I was not prepared for the international quality of the dancers, especially the Nutcracker Prince and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Unbelievable talent. We gave this a 4 out of 5 stars and I'll tell you why. 1.There was an incredibly loud crackling microphone sound that must have lasted 3 seconds that was an unacceptable blunder in a production this professional. I must give the dancers credit, not one of them even flinched. 2. There were a few inconsistencies where the dancers, however amazing, were not all in sync with each other in moves like kick height, timing, smiles with and without teeth etc... and 3, most of all, the last scene seemed to end to abruptly. You felt as though as Dr. Drosselmeyer picks up Clara and something else was supposed to happen (i.e.: she wakes from the dream), but the curtain falls before she returns to her home and the reality of the dream can sink in. Too abrupt in my picky opinion. I think a lot of first time attendees were probably wondering if it was a dream or a magic event. I admit these are picky things, but if perfection is the goal, this was just slightly off. Close enough to go again though :)

They need to practice their moves more. They needed to change up some of their dances in the second act. I felt like the first act and second had to many of the same moves

I drove 4 1/2 hours through a snow storm last Saturday to watch the Grand Rapids Ballet's production of the Nutcracker - BEST Nutcracker Ever!! A must see!

I took my girlfriend as a birthday present. I have seen the performance in the past. This was very good and I enjoyed it very much.

Dracula was amazing!!! Never thought a ballet company could pull it off! Well done GRB!!

GR Ballet did NOT disappoint with this year's performance of "Dracula." We were excited to introduce our 17 yr old niece to ballet and chose this production on purpose. She thought it was awesome (just as we had hoped), we thought it was awesome and would eagerly see it again. Congrats to GR Ballet for such a wonderful effort!

The Ballet was amazing. The dancers were superb and a joy to watch. We truly enjoyed our nice out at the ballet!!

The performance made for an enjoyable visual display of grace, poetry in motion and skill; lending compliments to the dancing choreography. The story was told at a nice pace through several transitions of different dance numbers by skilled and accomplished dancers. And it made for a nice interpretation of Bram Stoker's Dracula.

The dancing was beautiful- however, the music was awful. I love this book, and could not wait to see the ballet, especially since it was supposed to follow the book closely. The music was bland, and unexciting which made me lose interest in the ballet.

This show was engaging and fun and really good ballet experience. There were a few "missed" marks and maybe a tighter cast might have been a boost, but all-in-all, I felt they did a very good job with this presentation. The event was fun, with costumes encouraged on Halloween night. However, very few came in costume and that did make it a bit awkward for those who did. But a fun idea, nonetheless.

We loved every minute of it. An outstanding job by an outstanding cast!!

The ballet was beautifully directed. It was great to see an evenly matched male to female dancers. Loved the dressed up rolling bodices! The ending was so emotional I cried. Great story... great performance!

While skeptical about how Shakespeare would translate, this was beyond what I could have imagined. The dancers expressed the emotion of the play, and the choreography was a perfect reflection of the original play. While it definitely would be easier to understand if you are extremely familiar with the play, it will still be a wonderful experience.

When it was done, I wanted to see it all over again!

The performance was absolutely gorgeous. I enjoyed the variety of each section of the performance and the dancers, as always, were fantastic-- skilled and lovely to watch.

I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. It was my first time to the ballet. The first 2 sets were spectacular, the third set was a bit off on timing, but still quite entertaining. Very engaging for the audience.

The Sofa - There was a message presented, but it was too complex for my simple mind. The dancing was very good though. It was an appropriate start to the evening. Amazed in Burning Dreams - A ballet equal to a pops orchestra presentation of the 1812 Overture! It showed the athleticism and stamina of the company! Those dancers are superbly conditioned and quite disciplined in that it was all done without a sound! We know because we were in the second row. I'm disappointed only because I know I may never see it again. Who Cares? - The costumes and the live Jazz Band morphed the live performance into a living performance. The dancers genuine smiles tell the whole story. They were having fun in the Balanchine style and so were we! It would have been nice to see the band positioned throughout the lanes of the dancers. Maybe just the saxophones though. A sudden elongation of another instrument would have been problematic. :)

More like a play than a ballet. I was bored alot of the time. My six year old guest liked it though. Didn't seem very professional.

Very entertaining .... enjoyable for the entire family. Grand Rapids is lucky to have such a wonderful and talented company.

Great ballet. My daughter and I went and had a wonderful time.

Two seniors and 4 kids ages 7 to 14 saw the performance. All thought it wonderful. The costumes were lovely, the sets beautiful and creative, and the casting was very good. We all enjoyed the sequences featuring the junior company very much. Bravo.

Traditionally, I love the Nutcracker. I was read the story every year as a child, but I have never been to the show. Up until last year I have never seen the show professionally done. I have been to school productions including Hope College's amazing production, but never been to a professional show with incredible dancers with professional training. I decided that I want my niece (7yrs) and little cousin (11yrs) should experience this amazing story as the dancers bring the story to life right in front of our faces. So, I took my niece, mother and little cousin to the Nutcracker this past Holiday season and it is all we can talk about. This is now a new tradition. I live in Georgia, but I fly back every year and this year I am flying to GR to take my mom and the kids to another production! WE CAN'T WAIT!

Had a great time. Nice story and beautiful dancing.

We have been to the nutcracker many times and there certainly have been some amazing performances and others that were not. I'd have to say the set design this year was beautiful but it seemed to me that some of the scenes were cut short or abreviated. Often, I felt that the passion between dancers was non-existant but technically very solid.

We have made this a family tradition for many years, this was an amazing performance.

Fabulous black Friday deal got us second row seats for a fantastic nutcracker performance!

The Grand Rapids Ballet proves once again that they are super talented and have a great heart to make people happy with outstanding performances! From the set, to the costumes, to the beautiful dancers, the Nutcracker delighted our hearts and the symphony delighted our ears! You must check out this ballet company!

Excellent in every way. The orchestra was perfection, and the dancers were breathtaking.

The Grand Rapids Ballet is amazing and the new Nutcracker does not disappoint. Beautiful new costumes and scenery but the level of their performance is only heightened by the talented dancers of the company. You don't need to travel to Chicago to see a great ballet. Grand Rapids Ballet does not disappoint.

Very well done by performers with great talent. The lead ballerina was the best I've seen in any G.R. performance.

This is an annual event for me. I always choose a matinee performance because it's so much fun to see all the little ballerinas twirling and leaping down the hall on the way out. Nice to see children being exposed to art of such high quality at an early age. The music, staging and performers are all first rate, a truly magical experience to begin the Holiday festivities!

The show was so beautiful. I sat in the center near the front and was able to see the expressions on the dancers' faces.

Amazing dancers, best artistic talent right here in West Michigan.

An amazing show. The facility catered to the family as well as the adults. We enjoyed wine with our show! The orchestra is fabulous, and we were treated very well by the staff. Made my mother /daughter date PERFECT!

Loved this!!! I hadn't been to a Nutcracker performance is many years and this did not disappoint! The dancer were top notch and the set design was beautiful. Almost as great as the show was watching the little girls around me enjoy it. :) Nothing better than seeing a Dad bring his daughter out to see the ballet - What a great Dad!!! Another little girl was twirling while standing in front of her seat. Great family event and also a great place to bring a date. Just loved it!!

The precision, technique, and energy the dancers exhibited was really incredible. Even though the pieces had no set story, each one conveyed emotions through movement that didn't require a story. I was thoroughly impressed. Each piece was different in its own way: Classical style, a somewhat modern piece, and some big band to leave on a swinging high note. It was a very well rounded evening. I will definitely be attending future performances from Grand Rapids Ballet.

The Cinderella ballet was breathtaking! The wicked step-sisters' facial expressions and actions were spot-on! I was honestly paying more attention to them that I was to Cinderella or the prince! It kept the undivided attention of all in the auditorium from age 3 to age 103! I would definitely go see this again, given the opportunity!

Very enjoyable. The theatre is perfect. Music exceptional. Performers talented and prepared.

The ballet was wonderful, with a story line most people are familiar with so they can easily follow. While I truly enjoyed the dancing, I also found the stepsisters comedy to be fantastic!

GR Ballet did a wonderful job with this kid friendly performance. Both my son and I enjoyed it immensely.

I had no idea what to expect, but it was such a fantastic event. They had all kinds of activities and crafts set up for the kids. Both my daughter and my son had tons of fun exploring the lobby. The show itself was a perfect length and wonderfully performed. My kids were enchanted and we have been humming and talking about Peter and the Wolf ever since. We can't wait to do it again next year and I can't wait to see what show they do next

I just love the GR Ballet's spring break. This is our second year and it has been a wonderful experience. The performances have captivated my toddler's attention. You can't beat the price. It is a great way to expose children to the ballet. It was a GR ballet's junior performance which sparked my daughter's love of ballet. My daughter still talks about the performance which was several days ago. She loved the cat.

The kids and I really enjoy this every year! I have sons and a daughter ranging 5-9 years old and they all still enjoy going!

My lovely fiance was a dancer her whole life and balet was very important to her. I was searching for years to find something to take her too and surprise her and to my amazment GR Ballet Company was right down the road the whole time! I was astonished at the level of difficulty and skill the performers had shown. They are very polished and make it a fun and exciting show! Lets just say, I earned major brownie points for this. Going to Cinderella and Riverdance next!

Great performance, choreography, and talent. Not a bad seat in the house. So fortunate to have this in GR!

The GR Ballet continues to amaze with such talent and interpretation of a story of deceit, betrayal and lust. The choreography was outstanding! Loved every minute of it!

First time attendee and I was very impressed with the company's ability to pull off this complex piece. The dancers brought the characters to life and you could feel the emotion. I'm from Seattle and Patricia has brought PNB style to GR.

We are so lucky to have such a talented group of dancers in Grand Rapids! I wish I could see every show they present.

Positively a wonderful ballet! The theater was beautiful and the performers were terrific.

A beautiful performance with great set design by GR local Chris Van Allsburg. Highly recommended!

This was a beautiful performance of The Nutcracker.

Ever since my daughter was two years old (she is now 31) we've enjoyed going to the Nutcracker as part of her birthday celebration. My five year old granddaughter now shares in the tradition. We have seen it in Buffalo, Pittsburgh, New York and London, but the Grand Rapids performance is by far our favorite! We like it that they still use live music (Pittsburgh went to taped music) The Grand Rapids dance company is phenomenal, as well and the new scenery and set introduced last year are beautiful. Highly recommend this as part of anyone's Christmas tradition.

I have taken my granddaughters to this production twice. They range in age from 5-8. They love the occasion. The music is becoming familiar. This is becoming a Christmas tradition for the family.

We were so impressed by the class and ability of the Grand Rapids ballet company

The Grand Rapids Ballet puts on a show that is quite good, and I recommend it. They utilize the younger dancers very effectively, which I find entertaining. You will have an enjoyable evening!

amazing dancers impressive special effects and costumes

We always enjoy our yearly trip to see the Nutcracker at DeVos. We particularly enjoyed it this year because the choreography was different. It was a little early this year and not as many choices for dates and times. But it was a beautiful start to the Christmas season!

A wonderful production! The best Nutcracker performance I ve seen!

It has been many years since we have last visited The Nutcracker. We were disappointed with this production. Years ago there were many props used now just some back drops. I was telling the kids everything they were going to see and it never happened. Additionally, I was disappointed with the GR Ballet. This summer they had a supposed sale on tickets 1/2 off, half off the expensive seats. Then a week before the event they were offering $20.00 seats. No need to go back anytime soon.

This was my first time going to the Grand Rapids Ballet, and they did not disappoint! The dancers were amazing, the musicians were great, and the venue was wonderful as always! I'm so glad that I went.

My granddaughters and I enjoyed every part of the Nutcracker. Bright, beautiful and amazing. People in our row? Or so much. Party of eight arrived after show started. Two left 30 minutes into show for the bathroom. All eight left at intermission and two came back in late. 30 minutes into show two left to use the bathroom. I was frowning when they came back and she was less than pleasant. Etiquette says come early, use bathroom before and during intermission. If you can t sit still for an hour don t come or pick an end seat. Other than that our time at the Devos Center was amazing and we will attend again.

We've seen the Nutcrakcer in other venues & this was the best one yet

Such a fantastic and magical evening. What a great way to start the holiday season!

This is the second time I have seen this. It's been about 12 years since I seen it the first time. Loved the dancing and the music. Just an awesome show.

While I feel my seats were too close to the orchestra pit, as we were in the first row, it was still an outstanding show.

wonderful little venue not a bad seat in the house right downtown enough parking everywhere can walk to founders and intersection, great performance, music sound was off other then that will come back here anytime great talent !!!!

The show was an upbeat, fun spectacle. The dancers did excellent job not only with the choreography but also entertaining the audience. Definitely recommend for the whole family: good clean fun. Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum were a highlight, nearly stealing the show.

The choreography and costumes were great and the dancers fantastic.

We were very close to the stage. Would recommend moving a few rows back to take in everything. The dancers and digital projections are perfect. Have seen GR ballet company perform the Nutcracker and Alice, will plan to see From Russia with Love this fall. One of the best ballet companies I've seen.

I thought this show was a little too trippy and the light show made me a little nauseous. I was expecting a more colorful event; so I felt the 60's-ish style was lackluster. Those colors do not appeal to me as much. That being said, the dancing was fun and many of the scenes in "Wonderland" were entertaining, especially the tea party scene. I also enjoyed the Queen of Hearts and her ridiculous king.

Me and my daughter enjoyed this a lot. Great show. Great visuals.

We were so impressed by the great dancing and completely entranced by the costumes and the set. It was the perfect family event.

The cast was really great. Alice was a great dancer and great actress. All the family loved the show. Both beautiful and fun!

We didn't know much about this performance. My daughter likes ballet and Alice in Wonderland so we thought we would go. We recently moved to GR so this was our first trip to the GR Ballet. We both loved it! She was literally on the edge of her seat and not blinking!

Loved this event. I have a 5 and almost 2 year old and their eyes were glued to the show the whole time. The activities before the show were a lot of fun as well.

My 13 year old daughter, can not stop talking about how much she loved it!!

Such talent and grace. Every seat is a great one!!!

Must comment. Program did not mention 2 intermissions. Helpful for bathroom plans. Anyone or family fighting cancer (literally) as Sigfreid should see this heart wrenching interpretation of the disease. Always present, stalking its victim, thwarting all hope for normalcy. Medicine and illness fighting for the patient. Perhaps another pas de doux? An extraordinary piece! Wow! Would see again if ran longer as I did with Prodigal Son. Thank you for this remarkable piece.

It was,shorter than I remember. But it was good. Wish there would have been a little more to it.

Gorgeous, exciting, vibrant! My three and six years olds loved it too!

This was my first time seeing this The Nutcracker! It was just beautiful!

The Grand Rapids production of the Nutcracker is spectacular, and this season did not disappoint!

I did not think I would ever attend the ballet but I did and now I am glad I did. It was very enjoyable.

So much talent in such a small space! The choreography was well done, and did an excellent job of telling the story. The leads exhibit such wonderful talent, as did the entire cast. We had seats in the front row, but I think next time I will sit a little farther back. I found myself wanting to see everything at once, but couldn't being as close as we were.

The ballet was wonderful. It was a beautiful production of Swan Lake.

What a great performance. It never ceases to amaze how each ballet we go to is better than the last. Love seeing the familiar faces of the dancers. LOVED IT!!

Swan Lake was excellent! A lovely evening with our daughter!

To enter the theater and see the huge Chris VanAllsburg caricature of Herr Drosselmeyer was thrilling. We loved the scenery and backdrops. The dancers were excellent, and the children talented and adorable. We sat in in the center of row R on the mezzanine, and could see perfectly and hear the orchestra perfectly as well.

The recent Chris Van Allsburg inspired Nutcracker was almost a trifecta. The sets and visuals were spectacular, the music was superb (Tchaikovsky is VERY difficult and the orchestra was up to the task), the dance was good but not at the same level. The costuming and the characters portrayed were excellent and clearly in the Van Allsburg mode. The choreography appeared, however, to be to the level of the skills of the dancers. Too bad, otherwise I would have ranked it an enthusiastic 5 stars. Nonetheless, worth seeing if it returns. The audience loved it giving multiple bravos!

The entire production was very well done. Everything was exceptional, from the set and costumes, to the choreography and music. We took our 6 year old daughter and she was on the edge of her seat the entire performance. She said her favorite part was the music which was performed by the Grand Rapids Symphony. Definitely will attend this performance again.

The show was spectacular! I wish I would have brought binoculars!! If you are in the balcony, you absolutely must have them, and really it wouldn't hurt to have them for any other seat as well!

My daughter loved it! It will be our annual event!