World Class Training
Photo credit: Dave Burgess
The mission of the Michigan Ballet Academy is to provide world class ballet training using a codified curriculum taught by professionally trained faculty in an atmosphere of creativity, challenge, encouragement, and integrity. MBA shares a collective aspiration to enrich the lives of children and adults through the beauty and discipline of classical ballet training and performance. The pedagogy of MBA combines elements of the Russian ballet’s rigor, the French ballet’s romantic lyricism, and the Italian ballet’s athleticism. MBA’s unique course offerings and systematized training approach draws students from all over West Michigan.
Performance Opportunities
Photo credit: Ray Nard Imagemaker
MBA students are encouraged to participate in two evening-length, professionally produced productions each year and many students also have the opportunity to take part in numerous other performance activities throughout the year. MBA's production of the Nutcracker draws more than 2,000 attendees each year and our recent full-length spring productions have included such classic ballets as Cinderella, Coppelia, and La Fille mal Gardee.
Classes for Young Dancers
In addition to the formally structured programs, Michigan Ballet Academy offers classes for students beginning at age 3. For the youngest students, the Creative Movement program teaches body awareness, musicality, flexibility, and coordination. For ages 5 - 8, MBA offers a Pre-Ballet program. This uniquely designed curriculum complements and strengthens academic concepts by combining movement and dance with math, reading, geography and history. Children will learn self-expression and collaborative skills and develop a love for learning and for the arts.
Youth America Grand Prix 2023
Congratulations to our YAGP students for their excellent performances at YAGP Chicago! A special congratulations to Rosabel Beaumont for placing top 12 in the pre-competitive contemporary and classical categories and Isabel Schautz in placing top 24 in the pre-competitive classical category.
Rosabel Beaumont
Isabel Schautz
Contact Us
Image Credit: Dave Burgess Studio 616 Photography
Upcoming Events
Photo credit: Dave Burgess
MBA presents Cinderella!
at East Grand Rapids Performing Arts Center
Join Michigan Ballet Academy at the East Grand Rapids High School Performing Arts Center this March 2024 for this classic fairytale ballet.
Master Class Weekend with Guest Instructor, Jillian Davis!
Coming up April 19-21, join us at Michigan Ballet Academy for a special 3-day workshop with professional dancer Jillian Davis! Jillian has been a company member with Complexions since 2014. Along with being a dancer with Complexions, Jillian is part of the core faculty for Complexions Dance Academy, teaching at intensives and master classes around the world. She also frequents as a guest teacher and choreographer with schools around the country, including SLK Ballet, Berks Ballet Theater, Princeton Dance and Theater Studio, Missouri Valley College, among other schools.
Master Class Weekend is for Intermediate - Advanced Level Dancers
MASTER CLASS SCHEDULE
Friday (4/19)
Saturday (4/20)
Sunday (4/21)
4:45 - 7:15 pm
Photo Credit: Rob Amend Photography
Photo credit: Ray Nard Imagemaker
Summer Dance Camps!
Join us at one of our dance camps this summer!
Fairy Tale Ballet Camp (July 29-August 1)
In Fairy Tale Ballet Camp, your little ones will gain confidence, coordination, and ignite their imaginations over four days featuring Story Time, interactive story exercises, free dance time and crafts! This camp is perfect for 3-5 year old students with little or no dance experience.
Dance Explorer Camp (Session I: August 5-8; Session II: August 12-15)
Choose from one of two sessions and get ready to explore the amazing world of dance in our Dance Explorer Camp! In this high energy class four-day class, 5–7-year-old students will be given an intro to hip hop, jazz, and ballet dancing. If your child wants to learn about different kinds of dance or would like to explore a type of dance they’ve never done before, then this camp is perfect for them.
Come Visit Us!
Our studio is located in the Grand Rapids-Ada-Forest Hills area, just off of Cascade Road and an easy distance from I-96.
Address:
1595 Galbraith Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Studio Hours:
Monday: 4:00-8:00 pm
Tuesday: 4:00-8:00 pm
Wednesday: 10:00-8:00 pm
Thursday: 4:00-8:00 pm
Friday: 4:00-8:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00-4:30 pm
Sunday: Closed
