A celebration of dance ranging from 1869 to 2024. Our program opens with Java Jive, a light-hearted piece choreographed by Artistic Director Emeritus; Cathleen Huling. The piece is set in the 1940’s complete with poodle skirts and café tables with music by The Manhattan Transfer. The first half of our program closes with a world premiere by guest choreographer; Jeff Wolfe from Chicago. The piece is titled Fallen and is a contemporary work which stretches our ballet dancers to explore more grounded and fragmented movements. This piece is sure to be a highlight on the program.

Our second half opens with two classical ballet pieces being co-created with several dancers from our ensemble. Allowing our dancers to help with choreography provides an opportunity for these aspiring young artists to research & explore the history and complexities of these classical works composed by famous musicians such as Pyotr IlyichTchaikovsky and Igor Stravinsky. These dancers will do their own research and expand the depth of their understanding as it relates to the art form of dance in a safe and comfortable environment, working with their peers in the ballet studio.

Our program concludes with the reinterpretation of Don Quixote Act III by current Artistic Director; Betty Kondo. Don Quixote is a ballet choreographed by Marius Petipas set to the passionate and exhilarating music of Ludwig Minkus. The complete pas de deux in the third act of Don Quixote will be performed by Alexandra Meister-Upleger and her partner, professional dancers from Grand Rapids Ballet. “Dance throughout the Years” is a program paying homage to the past and making way for the future of legendary dance.