Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022, the Grand Rapids Ballet remains committed to lifting the human spirit through the art of dance. A proud recipient of the ArtServe Michigan Governor’s Awards for Arts & Culture, Michigan’s only professional ballet company has a rich history marked by steady growth, a commitment to excellence, and strong community support.

In 1971, the Grand Rapids Civic Ballet began under founding Artistic Director Sally Seven. Summerfest School of Grand Rapids, a conservatory school for the development of professional dancers, began in 1983 and later merged with the Grand Rapids Civic Ballet. Subsequently, the two reorganized to form the Grand Rapids Ballet Company along with the School of the Grand Rapids Ballet Company (GRBC). Under the artistic direction of Charthel Arthur, GRBC moved into the regional status and joined the Midwest Regional Ballet Assoc./Regional Dance America. During the early 1990s, professional dancers were placed under contract for the first time.