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Grand Rapids Ballet

4.4 ★★★★☆ 33 Google reviews · Ballet school in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Ballet school Free trial Adult classes Kids & teens Pre-professional

Plan your first class

  • Free trial / first class new students can usually try a class free or at a discount — call ahead or check their schedule to book your first one
  • Ages classes for ages 3–19 — check the schedule for the right level for your dancer
  • Adult classes classes for grown-ups, including absolute beginners — it's never too late to start at the barre
  • Pre-professional a serious, conservatory-style track for committed students aiming high
  • Recitals end-of-year performances and shows — ask about costume and performance fees when you enroll
  • Summer intensive holiday and summer intensive programs — these fill early, so ask about dates and auditions
  • Today see hours ·
  • Phone (616) 454-4771
  • Website & schedule grballet.com — enroll and see the live class schedule

Hours

Monday 11 AM–5 PM
Tuesday 11 AM–5 PM
Wednesday 11 AM–5 PM
Thursday 11 AM–5 PM
Friday 11 AM–5 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Studio hours shift for holidays, recitals, and term schedules — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The programs they offer

Ballet programs on the schedule at Grand Rapids Ballet, confirmed in families' own reviews and the studio's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🌸 Kids Ballet 4 mentions

“This school is the best, with helpful staff, amazing dedicated teachers providing performance opportunities for students that many kids dream of.”

All studios with kids ballet →

☀️ Summer Intensives

All studios with summer intensives →

What families & students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 33 Google reviews — with their own words as proof.

🩰 strong technique & training 2 mentions

“Corrections are given in a positive, professional way that promote growth, not only in technique, but also keeping in mind to take good care of the mind and heart of the child.”

💛 nurturing, non-competitive 6 mentions

“I appreciate knowing my child is encouraged, she is spoken to in uplifting kind ways.”

🎭 beautiful recitals & performances 7 mentions

“This school is the best, with helpful staff, amazing dedicated teachers providing performance opportunities for students that many kids dream of.”

🗓️ well-run & communicative 3 mentions

“Corrections are given in a positive, professional way that promote growth, not only in technique, but also keeping in mind to take good care of the mind and heart of the child.”

💪 builds confidence & discipline 2 mentions

“This style of teaching fosters an environment where the student feels safe and is able to grow in their best way with confidence.”

From the reviews

Grand Rapids Ballet School is a wonderful place. The teachers understand the value of high level classical ballet training. I appreciate knowing my child is encouraged, she is spoken to in uplifting kind ways.

★★★★★ — Connie, Aug 2025

Grand Rapids Ballet put on a great performance. A friend invited us and we very much enjoyed the show. The theater is fairly compact, so everyone is close to the action. The dancers appeared to be enjoying themselves immensely and lots of expression to engage the audience.

★★★★★ — Bill, May 2025

Love this place! This school is the best, with helpful staff, amazing dedicated teachers providing performance opportunities for students that many kids dream of.

★★★★★ — Mary, Sep 2024

Exceptionally talented professional dancers and choreographers present contemporary dance programs built on a foundation of classical ballet training.

★★★★★ — John, May 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 33 reviews →

Adult ballet at Grand Rapids Ballet

Grand Rapids Ballet runs classes for grown-ups — confirmed on their own site. If you've never taken ballet, or you're coming back to it after years away, this is for you — and a good studio genuinely welcomes a nervous first-timer. A few things worth asking before you go. First, which class to start in — look for one labeled "absolute beginner" or "adult beginner" rather than an open or "all levels" class, so you learn the fundamentals at the right pace. Second, drop-in or term — many adult programs let you pay per class to try it, then move to a term or monthly package once you're hooked. Third, what to wear — comfortable clothes you can move in, plus socks or bare feet, are plenty for a first class; you won't need a leotard or ballet shoes to walk in the door. It's never too late for first position.

Check adult classes on their site

Your first ballet class at Grand Rapids Ballet

Nervous about walking into your first class? Almost everyone is — and a good studio expects beginners, whether your dancer is five or you're returning at fifty. Here's what to know. What to wear: comfortable clothes you can move in, with socks or bare feet; a leotard and tights are nice if you have them, but not required, and pointe shoes are years down the road — never day one. What to expect: class usually starts at the barre with slow, simple movements to warm up, then moves to the center — follow along, copy the teacher, and don't worry about getting it "right" the first time. Arrive early: come 10–15 minutes ahead to change, find a spot, and let the teacher know it's a first class so they can keep an eye out. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

Ballet is for every age and every body. If you're returning from an injury or have a health concern, mention it to the teacher before class so they can offer modifications.

Where to find Grand Rapids Ballet

341 Ellsworth Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI49503

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and student reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this studio? Claim your listing — it's free.