Michigan Ballet Academy is the premier ballet training school in West Michigan. Under the direction of international dancer and teacher, Irina Vassileni, MBA provides students the opportunity to train using the internationally recognized Vaganova method. MBA faculty and staff provide an atmosphere that is always supportive of all students. But even more importantly, the students support each other and create a bond based on their shared love of dance.
Nutcracker Tickets Now on Sale!
Tickets for MBA’s Annual production of the Nutcracker at the Jenison Center for the Arts are on sale now. The Michigan Ballet Academy proudly presents The Nutcracker! Featuring the Michigan Ballet Academy students, international dancer Francis Lawrence as the Nutcracker Prince, and the Grand Rapids girls’ choral academy, this unique and beautiful production will bring holiday cheer to the entire family. Join Clara in her enchanting adventure with feisty mice, dancing bonbons, the Sugar Plum Fairy and the brave Nutcracker prince!
Performances are Friday, November 30 at 7:30, Saturday, December 1 at 2:30 and 7:30 and Sunday December 2, at 2:30 PM.
Click HERE to purchase Performance tickets! (if you have a discount code, click on the ‘Special Passcode’ button before seat selection)
MBA will also be hosting the Nutcracker Tea Party Sunday, December 2 at 1PM. This event includes lunch and desserts, craft activity, story-telling, photographs with characters, party favors and door prizes.
Click HERE to purchase tickets for the Tea
NOTE: Performance tickets and tea tickets are purchased separately. Click on each of the above links to purchase both performance and tea tickets. We apologize for this extra step. There is no ‘convenience’ fee for the Tea ticket purchase.
World Class Training
MBA makes use of a consistent, graduated, ballet training program, based on the Vaganova technique of the Mariinski Theater in St. Petersburg, Russia. All Michigan Ballet Academy students benefit from this training program which can prepare students for professional careers or just provide each student, regardless of their career ambitions, with the best and most correct training possible. Male students at MBA benefit additionally from a Comprehensive Boys Training Program
Performance Opportunities
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 program introduces the children to basic ballet positions and prepares interested students for entry into the professional program.
