Grand Rapids Ballet School

As the school year draws to a close, we're excited to spotlight our Class of 2026 Seniors. Today, we are celebrating Madelyn Bird!

Madelyn has been dancing at GRBS for 8 years. As she reflected on her time, she said it was hard to choose just one meaningful moment. "Dancing Belle in Beauty & the Beast stands out as especially memorable. It felt like a full-circle moment, bringing me back to my very first Junior Company performance. I also formed a strong connection to the role of Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. That role challenged me in ways I hadn’t experienced before and pushed me to grow not only technically, but emotionally as an artist." Throughout her time dancing at GRBS, Madelyn said she "has learned to trust others and, most importantly, to trust myself. Dance is a collaborative art, but it also requires you to be an individual."

Her advice for younger dancers: "Enjoy the process instead of focusing only on the end result. Appreciate every class and rehearsal, along with everything in between, and stay open to new challenges and mistakes. Be present in the moment and try to find fulfillment in the work itself. Learn to love the practice, not just the result."

Next year, Madelyn plans to continue dancing at Milwaukee Ballet's Pre-Professional Program along with taking online college courses. We're so proud of you, Madelyn, and can't wait to see all you accomplish in this next chapter!

As the school year draws to a close, we're excited to spotlight our Class of 2026 Seniors. Today, we are celebrating Kristela Rezhda!

Kristela has been dancing at GRBS for 2 years. Her favorite ballets to dance in were The Toymaker and Beauty & the Beast, with her favorite role being a Flower in A Butterfly Ballet. During her time at GRBS, Kristela said that "Ballet not only taught me discipline and technique but also how to use movement to express emotions and tell a story. It is more than just doing the steps- it's about feeling the music and transforming the experience into dance. This has made dancing to me more personal and it has shown me that ballet helps me grow both as a dancer and a person."

Her advice for younger dancers: "Have fun and be confident in your own dance style!" Next year, Kristela plans to study Business at Grand Rapids Community College.

We're so proud of you, Kristela, and can't wait to see all you accomplish in this next chapter!

As the school year draws to a close, we're excited to spotlight our Class of 2026 Seniors. Today, we are celebrating Hannah Jo TenElshof!

Hannah Jo has danced at GRBS for 11 years. Her favorite ballet to dance in was Bolero. During her time at GRBS, she has learned to be patient, not be too hard on herself if something doesn't go well right away and not compare her progress to everyone else's.

Her advice for younger students: "When classes feel difficult, remember your reasons for dancing and what you enjoy about it!"

Next year, Hannah Jo plans to study Elementary Education at Central Michigan University.

We're so proud of you, Hannah Jo, and can't wait to see all you accomplish in this next chapter!

As the school year draws to a close, we're excited to spotlight our Class of 2026 Seniors. Today, we are celebrating Audrey Curtis!

Audrey has danced at GRBS for 2 years. Her favorite role was an Ozian in Wizard of Oz because she got to experience learning how to character act in addition to dancing. A favorite memory is being a Rifle Soldier in The Nutcracker and dancing on the DeVos Performance Hall stage.

Her advice for younger students: "Every minute goes by anyway so just try, make mistakes, and just keep learning. Don't give up on what you want to do. When you need help, there is always an older dancer who has been in the same spot as you who will help you at every moment on stage or off."

Next year, Audrey plans to continue studying at GRBS as she works toward a professional career. She is excited to keep growing under the guidance and care of all the teachers next year.

We're so proud of you, Audrey, and can't wait to see all you accomplish in this next chapter!

Calling all young dancers: Grand Rapids Ballet School dance camps are coming to Ada, MI, this June and July!

For the first time ever, we’re bringing our professional ballet instruction out of GR and
into the community.

Our incredible faculty helps kids experience the artistry of ballet in a way that feels
playful and accessible, not intimidating. No dance experience required, classes are
tailored for ages 3-10.

Our first session starts June 15th at Ballroom Dance Ada in the GenAge Center.
Give your child the gift of dance this summer. Register today at grballet.com/ada-summer-2026-dance-camps

As the school year draws to a close, we're excited to spotlight our Class of 2026 Seniors. Today, we are celebrating Allison Skwarek!

Allison has danced at GRBS for 15 years. Her favorite roles were the Monarch Butterfly in Who Am I? A Butterfly Ballet and the Scarecrow in Wizard of Oz. During her time at GRBS, she said she learned discipline and teamwork. Her advice for younger students: "Enjoy the journey and don't forget to have fun!"

Next year, Allison plans to study Nursing at Loyola University, Chicago.

We're so proud of you, Allison, and can't wait to see all you accomplish in this next chapter!

As the school year draws to a close, we're excited to spotlight our Class of 2026 Seniors. Today, we are celebrating Adelina Berzins!

Adelina has danced at GRBS for 12 years. Her favorite role was the Tin Woodman in Wizard of Oz. After growing up at GRBS alongside her friends, she felt it was the perfect conclusion to her time on stage with them. Reflecting on her years at GRBS, Adelina said "Dancing at GRBS has taught me the dedication to do what I set my mind to, no matter if it's through laughter or through tears."

Her advice for younger students: "Don't be afraid to try something new. You might just learn something entirely new about yourself!"

Next year, Adelina plans to attend the School of the Art Institute of Chicago to study a range of artistic mediums.

We're so proud of you, Adelina, and can't wait to see all you accomplish in this next chapter!

🌟 Happy Teacher Appreciation Week 🌟

This week we celebrate the faculty of Grand Rapids Ballet School. What you bring to your students every day goes far beyond technique. Your passion, your patience, and your belief in the next generation of dancers make this school what it is. We are so grateful for all that you do! 💙🩰

As the school year draws to a close, we're excited to spotlight our Class of 2026 Seniors. Today, we are celebrating Grace DeJonge!

Grace has danced at GRBS for 13 years. Her favorite role she danced was Belle in Beauty & the Beast, but Clara in The Nutcracker is a close second. During her time at GRBS, Grace said she has gained strong time management skills. "As I progressed throughout the levels at GRBS, the program demanded more of my time, and I had to learn how to balance schoolwork, my job, my social life, and ballet classes and rehearsal. GRBS taught me how to manage my schedule so I wouldn't fall behind or feel overwhelmed. It really helped me develop a sense of organization, which is something I will carry with me through life."

Her advice for younger students is to remember to make time for yourself. Sometimes it’s better to take a break and listen to your body instead of pushing yourself too hard. When you take time to rest and reset, you come back way more focused and ready to handle everything.

Next year, Grace plans to attend Butler University to study political science, on a pre-law track.

We're so proud of you, Grace, and can't wait to see all you accomplish in this next chapter!