Founded in 1972, Grand Rapids Ballet (GRB) is Michigan's only professional ballet company. Under the artistic direction of former San Francisco Ballet dancer, James Sofranko, Grand Rapids Ballet has made an exciting transformation that has attracted world-class dancers, produced some of the most creative works in contemporary dance, and generated local, national, and international attention. Presenting numerous styles of dance from some of the finest choreographers of the 20th and 21st centuries. The Company, consisting of over 30 professional dancers from the United States and around the world, rehearses in its own Meijer-Royce Center for Dance and performs at Peter Martin Wege Theatre, located in the heart of Grand Rapids. The Company also consists of a ballet school with classes for ages 3 and up and Junior Company where students receive the highest quality dance instruction in a nurturing and encouraging environment while developing knowledge of technique, self-discipline, poise, grace, and a love of dance.