The Art of Activism

MSU students, faculty create climate project with international ballet company

MSU and the Bullfrogs Ballet from North Macedonia collaborated on "The Ripple Effect," a project using theater and dance to highlight the impact of climate change.

Funded in part by the U.S. Embassy, MSU’s Office of Research and Innovation’s Climate Justice and Environmental Ethics Award and the College of Arts & Letters, the initiative addressed environmental challenges in both countries using cross-cultural exchanges to develop an original performance.

Around 30 students worked with artists from the Bullfrogs Ballet who traveled to East Lansing, along with eco-activists from both Michigan and North Macedonia. The course culminated in a December 2024 performance.

“Culture and art are powerful tools for conveying a message,” said Aleksandra Nikiforovski, founder of the Bullfrogs Ballet School. “Our goal is for a large audience to notice this project, enjoy it, see the quality and artistry, and then take the message and ask themselves if they can make personal changes towards a better environment today and for future generations.”

Photos by Ryan Frederick/College of Arts & Letters

READ MORE about The Ripple Effect project here