Grand Rapids Ballet dances its way to ArtPrize Nine

Choreographed by Mario Radacovsky, the Grand Rapids Ballet is excited to enter its first time-based submission for ArtPrize Nine with four live performances of “Beethoven’s 5th Symphony.” During the first weekend of ArtPrize Nine, these dancers will depart from their familiar stage at the Peter Martin Wege Theatre and head out to the streets to perform at various locations around downtown.

On Friday, September 22nd, this free event begins at 7:00 p.m. on The Blue Bridge, and on Saturday, September 23rd, there will be two chances to see this performance, one at Rosa Parks Circle at 2:00 p.m. and the other at 6:00 p.m. in Ah-Nab-Awen Park. Sunday, September 24th will be the final showing at the Harris Building at 1:00 p.m. with each performance lasting fifteen minutes.

Not only will having these multiple iconic locations allow more of the community to attend each performance, but these nontraditional venues will also “completely change the aura and atmosphere of the performance and provide the dancers with a different form of energy,” Michael Erickson, Marketing Director for the Grand Rapids Ballet, explained. Because this will be a new and exciting presentation for the dancers as well as the audience, it will be “an experience that is not to be missed,” Erickson said.

Taken from the 2015 world premiere performance, this ArtPrize piece introduces the community with a special portion of Mario Radacovsky’s “Beethoven.” Through classical and contemporary ballet, these dedicated and talented dancers recreate and revitalize the famous classical composition and Erickson hopes audience members leave this experience amazed and “touched in some way by the beauty of ballet.”

Because people can be intimidated by ballet, the Grand Rapids Ballet wanted to create an engaging platform that could capture the community in an innovative and compelling way. They decided submitting a piece to ArtPrize with a “pop-up performance featuring a familiar topic” would be the perfect solution “to demonstrate the accessibility and the power of our art form,” Erickson added.

As Michigan’s only professional ballet company, the Grand Rapids Ballet is committed to showcasing artistic excellence and inspiring passion, appreciation, and joy for dance throughout the community. Kick off ArtPrize Nine by attending a performance of “Beethoven's 5th Symphony” this September 22nd to the 24th. To vote for this piece, use the code 66634 and visit ArtPrize’s “How to Vote” page on their website to learn more about voting during ArtPrize Nine.