In 2023, the Steelcase Foundation awarded Grand Rapids Ballet a three-year $150,000 grant to support its Dance Immersion program. Dance Immersion is a year-long introduction to the art of dance that brings classroom instruction to Grand Rapids Public School students to teach them the basics of dance using ballet and hip-hop technique. Students attend a performance of the Grand Rapids Ballet and take a field trip to experience a day in the life of its dancers. Hear from Artistic Director James Sofranko and Teaching Artist Mark Evans as they share their insights into the program.