The Joy of Dance!
CARE Ballet & CCB is committed to
delivering a total dancer experience!
Fairy Tales Story Time Video
Teachers, learn how to bring a CARE Ballet experience to your school!
Audition Open Call
We are seeking dancers for our 2021-22 performance season!
Dance this Spring & Summer
Check out our latest camps and class offerings for all ages!
Experience Excellence
Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble (CARE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting dance in West Michigan. CARE encourages young artists by providing performance opportunities, technical staging skills and a positive dance experience while concentrating on the dancer as a whole person.
To achieve our mission we have both a performing company, Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble (CARE), and a school, CARE Conservatory of Ballet (CCB).
CARE
Every year, CARE presents three public performances. We also participate in arts outreach through free school performances and community arts events.
Why dance with CARE Ballet?
Performance Opportunities
We offer the opportunity to learn all aspects of performance through participation in three unique ballet productions a year.
Ensemble Perks
Our Adjunct, Apprentice and Full Ensemble dancers receive shoe stipends. There are no audition fees for non-ensemble members.
Dance for the Community
CARE Ballet is committed to community outreach. In our twenty-six history, we have introduced over 58,000 at-risk elementary school students to classical ballet through our performances. Come be a part of something wonderful!
CCB
The CARE Conservatory of Ballet is a training school for students interested in pursuing classical ballet. We also offer jazz, lyrical, tap, yoga and more.
Why take classes at CCB?
Dance at your own pace
We offer 3 ten-week sessions a year, allowing dancers to progress at their own pace, rather than be locked into one class for a year.
Performance Opportunities
We offer the opportunity to learn all aspects of performance through participation in three unique ballet productions a year.
Caring Teachers
Our teaching staff meets regularly to consult on the total development of a dancer.
NEW FOR 2020-21 PERFORMANCE SEASON
LEARN TO DANCE TO THE CAMERA!
CARE launches video production as a safe performance venue for all students.
A unique experience is unfolding for CARE Conservatory students. Both auditions and performing will be conducted via video which now affords students the chance to learn specific skills to dance to the camera! A brand new skill set added to their dance training.
Short ballets, in full makeup and costumes, will include educational modules regarding the stories told through ballet and miming. Opportunities for CARE Conservatory students to take part in on-camera spots will also be provided.
Come be a part of this new adventure! Register for classes today to ensure an audition spot for “CARE VIDEO BALLET”
CARE Directors

Heather Liskiewitz
Artistic Director
Miss Heather debuted as CARE Ballet’s Artistic Director during the 2017-18 season with Cinderella. Previously Ballet Mistress and Costume Seamstress, Heather received her early training with Judy Genson and performed with the Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble. Graduating Magna Cum Laude, she received a BFA in dance from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. Heather has performed professionally with the Minnesota Ballet, Ballet San Antonio, Continental Ballet and the Illinois Ballet. She is also a freelance dancer and choreographer. Her choreography credits include works for Wright State University, Gem City Ballet, Young People’s Ballet Theatre, and the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre.

Judith VandenBosch
Stage Manager, Ballet Mistress, Head Costume Seamstress
Judith began stage managing during the 2017-17 performance of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. She brings an organized and direct element backstage while also emphasizing safety. During rehearsals, she assists the Artistic Director as Ballet Mistress. Additionally, she is Head Seamstress in charge of the beautiful costumes seen on stage.

Judy Genson-Wadsworth
Founder, Artistic Director Emeritus
After 25 years of inspiring young dancers on stage, Mrs. Genson-Wadsworth retired as Artistic Director of CARE during the 2017-18 season. She began her training locally with Florence Cassell, Zita Harris, and Sally Seven. She continued her studies in New York City with Vincenzo Celli, himself a student of Enrico Cecchetti. She also took instruction in the Russian technique from Richard Thomas and Barbara Fallis. Genson toured New York and New Jersey with the Young Ballet, an ensemble group which performed lecture demonstrations and classical variations from most of the white ballets. After her return to Grand Rapids, Judy joined Grand Rapids Civic Ballet in 1972 where she was principal dancer performing virtually all of the works in the Company’s repertoire. She was named the director of Grand Rapids Civic Ballet Junior Company at its inception in 1981 and assistant to the director of the main Company in 1982. After hanging up her toes shoes in 1987, Genson was the Acting Artistic Director until she became the Company’s Business Manager.


Trent Wadsworth
Technical Director
In addition to being Technical Director/Production Manager for CARE, Trent Wadsworth is the Manager and Technical Director for the East Grand Rapids Performing Arts Center and manages Pioneer Auditorium in East Grand Rapids. Trent works with Creative Mercenaries and has worked with Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, Circle Theatre, Grand Rapids Jewish Theatre, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids Ballet, Cornerstone College, West Michigan Jazz, and is a member of the United States Institute of Theatre Technology.


Anne King
Educational Outreach Coordinator
Anne has spent the last 44 years working with children and adults as a teacher, counselor, Principal and trainer. She has retired from the Grand Rapids Public Schools as their education and prevention specialist. She has presented to hundreds of classrooms on topics as varied as healthy highs, substance use and abuse, nutrition and wellness, harassment, bullying, self-esteem and more. She is a frequent speaker for parent nights and has conducted dozens of training for teachers and support staff. Anne is committed to the education of all children, particularly those living in poverty.
CARE Board of Directors
President Paul Rozeboom
Vice-President Gerri Rhein
Secretary Nicole Burdick
Treasurer Justin Foster
Karen Bezemek
Kate Cragwall
Judy Genson-Wadsworth
Dan Hielkema
Dawn Hodgkinson
Anne King
Beth Kromer
Penny Notter
Trent Wadsworth
Jenelle Wakefield
Make a Donation
Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble (CARE Ballet) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting dance in West Michigan by encouraging young artists to explore performance opportunities, technical staging skills and, enjoy a positive dance experience while concentrating on the dancer as a whole person.
For over 27 years, CARE has brought live ballet to numerous student populations in the Greater Grand Rapids area. This year Covid-19 required creative innovation so CARE Ballet adopted a virtual performance platform.
Through the development of an enchanting series of four entertaining and educational 30-minute video ballets our performance distribution to schools, libraries, and other organizations has been able to continue.
Your generous donation will keep Arts Education alive and well through the CARE Ballet Community Outreach program!
Thank you!
Major Granting Organizations Recognize Care Ballet’s Excellence
In the fiscal year, 2020-21 CARE received its third operational grant from the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. In addition, the Wege Foundation and the Meijer Family Foundation supported CARE’s community outreach efforts to underserved populations.
“It’s wonderful knowing the training of dancers and CARE productions are recognized at national, state, and local levels,” says Heather Liskewitz, artistic director.












Ballet Auditions for 2021–22 Season
May 21 & 22, 2021
CARE Ballet’s 2021-22 performance season to be announced shortly.
Audition format
Free
Performance Fee
Registration Required
History of Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble (CARE Ballet)
After recruiting six dancers (4 females and two males) CARE was off and running. That first season saw productions of Beauty of the Earth, Western USA and Life’s Journey all with original choreography by the Artistic Director. Over 1200 students from Greater Grand Rapids area schools attended the performances that first year. From 1993 to 1999 the repertoire grew to nine ballets, including what became a CARE signature holiday favorite, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Outside auditions for casting in productions soon became a hallmark of CARE and helped to grow the ballet Company and its reputation.
In 2006 the CARE Conservatory of Ballet was established with a permanent home with studios for students age 3 to adult to offer classes and provide rehearsal space. The Conservatory now offers all forms of dance training from classical ballet, yoga, pilates, musical theater, tap and many more. Approximately 175 students now study at the Conservatory. The performance repertoire has grown to 25 ballets all with original choreography. The Company Ensemble has grown to 32 members and CARE casts for public performances now put 60 to 70 students onto the stage in full costume, with professional sets, lighting and music. Over the last 26 years CARE has not lost sight of its core mission of creating a learning environment that fosters support and encouragement for its students while introducing young audiences to the joy of a classical ballet performance.
CARE Financials
We believe in being fiscally transparent and strive to put our donors’ dollars to good use.
990 Form
Community Report
CARE Conservatory of Ballet
The CARE Conservatory of Ballet is a training school for students interested in pursuing classical ballet. Classes are based on the Italian Cecchetti syllabus and are augmented with strengthening classes, pilates, yoga, jazz, tap and even musical theater. Classes emphasize technique, musicality and creativity. Students receive individual attention and discover that the joy of studying classical ballet is learning to accept challenges, take risks, achieve personal goals and improve day to day.
2021 Class Offerings, Online Enrollment and Tuition
CARE Conservatory of Ballet offers three 10-week sessions during the school year. To register, contact us at registration@careballet.org or (616) 464-3682.
Students can start anytime during the season.
2nd 10-Week Session
January 11, 2021 – March 19, 2021
3rd 10-Week Session
March 22, 2021 – June 4, 2021
(No classes April 2, 2021 – April 9, 2021)
2020-21 School Year Class Schedule
Our Spring schedule is now available. Download PDF below. Masks are required for all in-person classes.
2021-2022 Fall 1st 10-week Session begins Monday, September 13
Full schedule to come soon
Student Classes
1 Hour Class Tuition
- Call (616) 464-3682 to reserve a spot
- All class placement is determined by the director
- Class size is limited
1½ Hour Class Tuition
- Call (616) 464-3682 to reserve a spot
- All class placement is determined by the director
- Class size is limited
Pre-School Boys & Girls
Wee Can Dance
A 45-minute group class for ages 3 & 4- Wee Can Dance is a fun introduction to dance for boys and girls. Wee Dancers will explore dance and movement with music, fun props like scarves and hoops, and of course imagination. This class will help build flexibility, memory and motor skills, and encourage following directions, sharing, and cooperating with others. Children will jump, twirl, and discover how much fun it is to express themselves through dance.
Adults
Adult 12 Punch Card
1 Hour ClassesGood for any 1 hour adult class
12 Punches
One punch per class
Adult 12 Punch Card
1.5 Hour Classes- Good for any 1.5 hour adult class
12 Punches
One punch per class


Class Attire
Girls
For ballet classes, please wear pink tights, leotard (no neon please) and pink ballet shoes. Comfortable clothing and dance shoes for all other classes. No street shoes.
Boys
For ballet classes, please wear white t-shirt, black shorts or athletic pants and black ballet or jazz shoes. Comfortable clothing and dance shoes for all other classes. No street shoes.
Adults
Workout clothes with ballet or dance shoes. Please no street shoes.
Reserve a spot today
2021 Spring and Summer Programs
Spring Into Dance Camp
Saturday, April 17
9am-12pm
Ages 3-6
CARE Ballet’s new preschool day camps will put a Spring in your budding dancer’s step! Join us for a morning of creativity and wonder; full of music, dancing, crafts, games, and make-believe!
Call (616) 464-3682 to reserve a spot
Swan Lake Young Dance Camp
Saturday, April 17
1:30pm-4:30pm
Ages 7-11
CARE Ballet is excited to introduce a new camp for students ages 7-11! Swan Lake Camp offers your student dancer an introduction to one of the most iconic ballets of all time. Dancers will learn about the music & history behind Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece, create props & crafts, and dance some of the ballet’s classic choreography.
Call (616) 464-3682 to reserve a spot
Fairy Tale Preschool Camp
Saturday, May 15
9am-12pm
Ages 3-6
Call (616) 464-3682 to reserve a spot
Under the Sea Camp
June 22–24, 2021
9:30AM – 11:45AM
Princess & Knight Camp
July 20–22, 2021
9:30AM – 11:45AM
Call (616) 464-3682 to reserve a spot
Summer 7 Wednesdays of Dance at CARE Ballet
2021 Schedule
June 16, 23, 30; July 14, 21 & 28; August 4. Ages 6 and up.
9:00-10:30am Ballet 3/Ballet 4/Teen Ballet
9:45-10:45am Beginning Ballet
10:30-11:15am Beginning Pointe
11:00-12:00pm Young Jazz
11:30-12:30pm Yoga
1:00-2:30pm Intermediate/Advance Ballet
2:30-3:30pm Advanced Pointe
CARE Camp 2021
Summer Intensive August 9–13
Call (616) 464-3682 to reserve a spot


CCB Faculty



Judy Genson-Wadsworth
Founder, Business Manager, Instructor
Mrs. Genson-Wadsworth has been involved in the dance world for most of her life. She is a former ballerina with Grand Rapids Civic Ballet and The Young Ballet Company in New York City. A longtime teacher, she also is known for her choreography in many local productions. Mrs. Genson-Wadsworth co-founded Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble in 1992 and served as Artistic Director until 2017.


Heather Liskiewitz
Artistic Director and Instructor
Heather received her early training with Judy Genson and performed with the Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble. Graduating Magna Cum Laude, she received a BFA in dance from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. Heather has performed professionally with the Minnesota Ballet, Ballet San Antonio, Continental Ballet and the Illinois Ballet. She is also a freelance dancer and choreographer. Her choreography credits include works for Wright State University, Gem City Ballet, Young People’s Ballet Theatre, and the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre.


Melissa Tungl
Melissa started practicing yoga after the birth of her first child in 2006 as a means to nourish and nurture her body and spirit. As her life evolved by relocating to West Michigan and adding to her family, so has her yoga practice. Melissa is committed to a lifelong study of yoga on and off the mat. Since completing certification standards up to ERYT500 she now enjoys sharing this with others. Melissa appreciates many styles of yoga from meditation and breathing exercises to the more physical practices of posture. Her goal is for students to feel empowered in their bodies, calm in the mind, and light in the soul.


Judith VandenBosch
Judith has been teaching for 24 years. In 2014, she started to educate herself in injury prevention through Perfect Form Physiotherapy, online training courses based in Australia. She is knowledgeable in fascia release techniques and proper training to help prevent injuries. She took Teacher Training Level 1 Workshop with Lisa Howell, B.Phty to perfect all her knowledge. To help dancers progress faster, Judith teaches major key aspects of improving technique and perspective. Judith is trained in the Progressive Ballet Technique, a program developed by Marie Walton-Mahon in Australia. Teaching this conditioning class for ballet dancers helps students understand the depth of training muscle memory in achieving their personal best in classical ballet. She is also licensed to teach Zumba, Yoga, balance body barre and group fitness classes.


Sue Wilson
Sue danced professionally with the Grand Rapids Civic Ballet under Sally Sevens. She graduated from University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Additionally, Sue has been an American Council of Exercise certified group fitness Instructor for 26 years. She continues to share her love of dance being a Liturgical Dance Director at Fifth Reformed Church and teaching ballet and pilates at CARE Ballet.


Mikey Winslow
Mikey Winslow grew up dancing with CARE. He graduated from East Grand Rapids High School and went on to receive a BFA from Western Michigan University. He has been performing on Broadway for over a decade. His credits include West Side Story, American Idiot, Wicked, On The Town, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Hamilton! He is so very excited to work with the young artists of West Michigan!!!


Nathan Young
Nathan Young began dancing at the age of thirteen under the direction of Rebecca-Miller Stalcup, Melinda Tobian, and Mark Bush in Little Rock, AR. Nathan attended summer intensives such as Long Beach Ballet, Joffrey Midwest, Joffrey Chicago, and Ballet West. In 2013, Nathan graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Fine arts in Ballet Performance. After graduation, Nathan began dancing professionally with Nashville Ballet, working there for four seasons. He currently dances with the Grand Rapids Ballet in Michigan. Nathan has danced in works by George Balanchine, Christopher Wheeldon, Jiri Kylian, Jennifer Archibald, Trey McIntyre, Paul Vasterling, and Bronislava Nijinska.
Studio
CARE Conservatory of Ballet
2661 29th St. SE, Suite I
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512
(616) 464-3682
Our barrier-free studio is located behind Schuler Books & Music.
Performance Venue
East Grand Rapids Performing Arts Center
2211 Lake Dr. SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506
Performance venue is barrier-free.

