From Boston to Bay Harbor: A Night at the Ballet

Ballet Coast to Coast is proud to announce the return of world-class dance to Northern Michigan with a one-night-only gala performance, “From Boston to Bay Harbor: A Night at the Ballet.” Led by Artistic Director and Boston Ballet Principal Dancer Paul Craig, the gala features an elite roster of leading dancers from the Boston Ballet performing a dynamic program that spans iconic classical pas de deux to cutting-edge contemporary works by world-renowned choreographers like George Balanchine and William Forsythe.

Unique to the Ballet Coast to Coast mission, the performance also showcases students from the Bay Harbor Ballet Intensive (held June 16–19). These local dancers will have the rare opportunity to share the stage with professional mentors, putting into practice the high-level training received during the week-long intensive. “Our mission is to expand access to the highest caliber of dance within rural communities,” says Paul Craig, a Manistee native who rose to the rank of Principal at Boston Ballet. “We want to inspire the next generation by showing them that the path from a local Michigan studio to the world stage is possible.”

Providing exposure to world-class dance is essential to the development of a student’s education, and nothing can compare to hands-on, in-person training. On the morning of Saturday, June 20th, 2026, prior to the gala performance, Boston Ballet dancers will teach master classes to the local community. These master classes are open to the public, and anyone is encouraged to take advantage of learning from world-class ballet dancers.

At 6:30 pm, all ticket holders are invited to a live talk onstage with Paul Craig to go behind the scenes of the evening’s repertoire. Following the curtain call, guests are invited to a reception in the lobby to meet the artists. (Cocktail attire recommended).

Visit btbhballet.com to register for masterclasses, buy tickets, and learn more about our mission.