GR World of Winter festival kicks off

On Jan. 7, World of Winter in Grand Rapids held a Circus Wonderland event with over 10,00 people engaging with the Facebook announcement.

Sponsored by Planet Fitness, the City of Grand Rapids arranged aerialists, stilt walkers, LED performers and fire breathers to perform near the international House of Cards installation at Calder Plaza. It is one of the six international art pieces Downtown Grand Rapids, Inc. has brought to Grand Rapids.

GVSU to attend a capella-off this weekend

Allendale High School has worked with the Mu Alpha chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota to organize a singing competition.

The a capella-off is to take place on Saturday, Jan. 14 at Allendale High School in the Allendale Ceglarek Fine Arts Center. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. A capella groups from GVSU, WMU and MSU as well as other area universities are coming to compete. 

‘Extremophilia: A G’NATural History’ exhibit opens at the UICA

The Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts is welcoming a new exhibit exploring the process of unearthing a story.

The exhibit is a science fiction autobiography by Natalie G’NAT Wetzel and Mark Andrus, told through various art mediums. Featuring sculptures, illustrations, photographs and a feature-length film, the project examines the characters’ psychological motivations.

The exhibit is a free event on display until Feb. 11.

Ailey School guest artist begins residency at GVSU Dance Department

Dance artist Ronaldo Maurice is beginning his week-long residency at the GVSU Dance Department.

Auditions take place on Monday, Jan. 10 for dance students on campus.

Maurice studied dance at The Ailey School as well as the Martha Graham School of Contemporary. He is an active member of the Ailey II dance company in New York City, as well as co-artistic director of Indiana’s South Shore Dance Alliance.

Maurice’s choreography for the GVSU Dance Department will be performed at the end-of-year Spring Dance Concert. 

GRPM holds Tuesday night swing dance event

Grand Rapids Swing Dance Inc. is working with the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) to bring indoor, east coast swing dance classes to the city.

The class will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 10 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at GRPM.

Open to dancers of all ages, classes will continue every Tuesday until March 28. Locations alternate between the GRPM and the Masonic Temple.

Those interested are encouraged to visit Grand Rapids Original Swing Society’s website for more information.