“ARK”, a contemporary ballet which is a biblical account of Noah’s Ark viewed through the perspective of the animals, is coming to the Richard and Helen DeVos Center for Arts and Worship at the Grand Rapids Christian High School. This will be presented by the 10-year-old Hearts In Step Christian Dance Academy on Saturday, March 8, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday, March 9, at 2:00 p.m.
The Bible story tells how the animals are separated from their families, end up in a strange place, and then are told to board an unknown vessel, which is actually an ark which was built by the Grand Rapids Community College Theater Department. A huge storm destroys everything familiar and loved in their world, but God then reveals Himself in a remarkable way. Local African drummer Jimmy Schultz, Detroit vocalist Kenny Watson, innovative choreography, costuming, special lighting, and the artistic efforts of directors Hannah Sullivan and Tassia Hooks-Johnson transform the Bible story into an amazing theatrical event.
The 1,200-seat performing arts auditorium’s highlights include a 5,045-square-foot stage, an internal bowl for smaller groups on the main floor, a hydraulic orchestra pit lift, a mezzanine, a double balcony and audio/visual capabilities. Professional amenities are a practice studio, a scene shop, a choir room, a band room and an orchestra practice room.
The state-of-the-art Center for Arts and Worship is intended not only to provide the 3,000 students of the Grand Rapids Christian Schools with a facility to express and develop artistic talents but also as a place for the students and community to come together for performances and worship.
The benefactors are Richard M. DeVos, Sr. and his wife Helen. He was the co-founder of Amway, a contraction of “American Way”, along with Jay Van Andel and is the owner of the NBA basketball team Orlando Magic. Forbes magazine listed him as the 205th richest person in the world and the 60th wealthiest in the United States in 2012. With a net worth estimated at $5 billion, he and Helen, along with their four children, have graciously given millions of dollars to their community of Grand Rapids, where both Richard and Helen were born, raised and attended Christian schools. Grand Rapids Christian Schools is a non-profit independent preschool through twelfth grade that is dedicated to education in an environment that is faith-based.