Contemporary ballet company announces lineup for fifth season

Art

Jun 24

Written By Staff

Photo courtesy of Deos Contemporary Ballet

Celebrating its fifth year-round performance season, Deos Contemporary Ballet is stepping into the milestone 2026–2027 season with a lineup that blends storytelling, contemporary works, family-friendly experiences, and debuts.

“This season feels like a celebration of everything Deos has become,” said Tess Sinke, Artistic Director, Deos Contemporary Ballet. “We are honoring classical ballet traditions while continuing to challenge ourselves artistically through contemporary storytelling, new works, and unexpected theatrical experiences. Each production asks audiences to feel something deeply... whether that’s wonder, heartbreak, laughter, or hope.”

The season opens with the return of COLLIDE Series 26, the company’s signature summer contemporary ballet series in Grand Rapids. Featuring a dynamic double bill by acclaimed female choreographers, the production brings together professional dancers from across the country, aspiring pre-professional artists, and Deos company dancers for an electrifying weekend of collaboration and movement innovation. COLLIDE Series 26 runs July 31 through August 1 at the Gezon Auditorium in Grand Rapids.

Later in the season, audiences will experience a new production of Giselle, the timeless romantic ballet reimagined through Deos’ cinematic and emotionally immersive lens. This performance will also mark the launch of Deos Ballet’s kid-friendly matinee programming with the Giselle Suite, sharing ballet with young audiences through an age-appropriate retelling, with fidget toys, sensory-friendly lighting, and a shortened matinee program fit for the whole family.

“This season reflects the emotional range that makes dance such a powerful art form,” said Isabelle Ramey, Marketing & Communications Manager, Deos Contemporary Ballet. “We wanted to create experiences that are accessible and exciting for longtime ballet lovers while also welcoming new audiences into the theater. Whether someone comes for the drama of a full-length ballet, the excitement of contemporary dance, or simply to laugh and have fun during a summer comedy, there’s truly something for everyone this season.”

The company’s holiday tradition also returns with Cracked Nuts in December, building upon the success of previous seasons with fresh surprises, humor, and imaginative storytelling designed for audiences of all ages.

In March, during Women’s History Month, Deos will present Dream Big! The Ada Lovelace Story, an interactive children’s ballet celebrating the life and achievements of Ada Lovelace, widely recognized as the world’s first computer programmer.

March will also see the return of Trojan Women. Inspired by Euripides’ devastating tragedy, the production dives deeper into themes of loss, survival, resilience, and the human cost of war through emotionally charged contemporary choreography.

Adding a new immersive experience to the season lineup is A Night at the Barre, an energetic evening combining original dance works with dinner, drinks, and social dancing.

The season concludes in Summer 2027 with the world premiere of Beach Balls, a comedic ballet bursting with vintage flair, eccentric personalities, and sunny chaos.

For more information, visit deosballet.com.

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