Ballet Des Moines

For residents of Des Moines, Iowa, and the surrounding communities, the opportunity to experience world-class ballet and engage with the performing arts is a true cultural gift. Ballet Des Moines stands as the premier professional ballet company in our state, dedicated not only to delivering breathtaking performances but also to enriching lives through inclusive education and innovative community partnerships. This article will provide a comprehensive look at what makes Ballet Des Moines a vital part of Iowa's vibrant arts scene, exploring its mission, its stunning productions, its commitment to community engagement, and why it's a cherished institution for locals of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you're a seasoned ballet enthusiast or curious about experiencing the magic of dance for the first time, Ballet Des Moines offers an inspiring journey into the art form.

Ballet Des Moines was founded in 2002, initially as the Ballet Theatre of Iowa, filling a void left by a previous company. Since then, it has grown significantly, evolving into a leading regional dance company that attracts in-demand choreographers and international talent. Their vision is clear: to create experiences that inspire and connect people from all walks of life, modeling authentic inclusion in their performance and educational programming. This is achieved by focusing on access, lifting up relevant and underrepresented stories, and forging collaborations fostered in trust and humility. From grand productions like "The Nutcracker," which local residents enjoy preparing for and seeing come to life, to cutting-edge contemporary works, Ballet Des Moines continually strives for excellence, making it a cornerstone of our community's cultural landscape.

Ballet Des Moines is centrally located at 655 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA. This prime address places the company's Lauridsen Campus for Arts and Education right in the heart of downtown Des Moines, making it highly accessible for residents throughout the metropolitan area and visitors from across Iowa. Walnut Street is a well-known thoroughfare in the city's vibrant downtown core, contributing to the ease of access for attendees.

While the main campus is on Walnut Street, Ballet Des Moines frequently performs at various prestigious venues across the city, most notably Hoyt Sherman Place and the Des Moines Civic Center. This strategic use of different performance spaces ensures that the beauty of ballet can reach a wider audience and provides diverse theatrical experiences. Parking options are generally available in downtown Des Moines, with various ramps and street parking opportunities nearby, making attendance at classes, rehearsals, or performances convenient for locals. The central location in Iowa's capital city solidifies Ballet Des Moines' role as a pivotal cultural institution, easily reachable for anyone eager to engage with world-class dance.

Ballet Des Moines offers a diverse array of services and programs, fulfilling its mission to enrich lives through inspiring dance, inclusive education, and innovative community partnerships. These offerings cater to various audiences, from aspiring dancers to seasoned ballet patrons.

• Professional Performances: The core of Ballet Des Moines' offerings includes a full season of world-class ballet productions. These often feature:
  • Classical Ballets: Signature productions like "The Nutcracker" are a beloved annual tradition, engaging both professional company dancers and hundreds of local youth. Other classical works, such as "Romeo and Juliet," are also part of their repertoire.
  • Contemporary Works: The company frequently commissions new works and presents contemporary ballets, showcasing innovative choreography and diverse styles, often addressing relevant and underrepresented stories.
  • Collaborative Productions: Partnering with other arts organizations and choreographers to bring unique and multidisciplinary performances to Iowa.
• Dance Education and Training: Ballet Des Moines is committed to nurturing future generations of dancers and engaging the wider community. This includes:
  • Company Dancers: A professional company comprising highly skilled dancers, many of whom have relocated to Des Moines to join the company.
  • Ballet Des Moines II: A corps of pre-professional dancers (ages 13-18) who gain valuable experience through community outreach and public performances.
  • Trainee Program: For dancers aged 18-24, this program offers opportunities to dance with the company and hone skills for a professional career.
  • Youth Auditions: Regular auditions for large productions like "The Nutcracker" and "Cinderella," providing opportunities for over 350 local young dancers to perform alongside professionals.
  • Studio Classes: A schedule of community classes, often including Adult Beginner Ballet, Intermediate Ballet, and specialized contemporary techniques like Polarity (Muller) Technique, open to various skill levels. Some general classes like Stretch and Strengthen (Yoga) are also offered.
  • Masterclasses: Opportunities for advanced students and professionals to learn from guest artists and company dancers.
• Community Engagement and Outreach Programs: Ballet Des Moines actively connects with the community beyond the stage:
  • Community Ticketing Program: Designed to increase access to performances for diverse audiences.
  • Education Performances: Special performances tailored for student audiences.
  • Ballet Des Moines on Tour: Bringing performances to various locations off-campus.
  • Field Trips to the Studio: Offering students the chance to visit the Lauridsen Campus for immersive experiences.
  • Partnerships: Collaborations with organizations like Oakridge and SEEDS, extending dance opportunities to underserved communities.
  • Arts Integration: Programs like "Storytelling Through the Art of Dance" and "Of Gravity and Light" that merge dance with other educational themes.
• Facility Rentals: The Lauridsen Campus offers studio spaces (Prairie Meadows Studio and Smull Studio) and a conference room for rent by community partners, teaching artists, and eligible organizations, promoting a vibrant arts ecosystem.

Ballet Des Moines stands out through several key features and highlights that underscore its status as a leading arts organization in Iowa. These aspects contribute to its reputation for excellence and its profound impact on the local community.

• World-Class Professional Company: Ballet Des Moines is Iowa's only professional ballet company, attracting highly skilled dancers from around the globe. This ensures a high caliber of artistic performance, providing Iowans with access to professional dance without having to travel to major coastal cities.
• Commitment to Inclusivity and Access: A central tenet of their vision is "modeling authentic inclusion in their performance and educational programming by focusing on access." This includes lifting up relevant and underrepresented stories, forging trusting collaborations, and making ballet accessible to diverse audiences through initiatives like the Community Ticketing Program.
• Vibrant Performance Repertoire: The company offers a compelling mix of classic narrative ballets (like the beloved "Nutcracker") and innovative contemporary works. This diverse programming appeals to a broad audience and keeps the art form fresh and relevant. The excitement around "preparations for The Nutcracker" is a testament to its local appeal.
• State-of-the-Art Lauridsen Campus: Their 9,000 sq ft Campus for Arts and Education at 655 Walnut St, completed in recent years, provides professional-grade facilities, including two studios with new sprung Marley floors and integrated sound systems. This dedicated space supports both company rehearsals and community classes. It's noted playfully by one reviewer for its former life as a "Burger King," highlighting its transformative journey into an arts hub.
• Extensive Education and Outreach Programs: Beyond performances, Ballet Des Moines is deeply committed to nurturing talent and engaging the community. Programs like Ballet Des Moines II (pre-professional company), the Trainee Program, and community classes for adults and children demonstrate this dedication. Opportunities for local youth to perform in mainstage productions (e.g., 350+ local dancers in "The Nutcracker") are invaluable.
• Strong Community Partnerships: The organization actively collaborates with various community partners, allowing them to extend their reach and bring dance to different populations, including underserved communities, through off-campus initiatives.
• Focus on Artistry, Empathy, and Community: The intention behind their campus and programming is to "expand access to creative, innovative, and inspiring programs that build artistry, empathy, and community," showcasing a holistic approach to the impact of dance.
• High Standards and Visionary Leadership: The company continually strives for excellence, attracting top choreographers and talent, and is led by a dedicated artistic and administrative team committed to its mission and vision.

For information regarding performance schedules, ticket purchases, class registration, or community engagement opportunities, please contact Ballet Des Moines using the details below:

Address: 655 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA

Phone: (515) 440-1177 (Note: Publicly available information typically lists a main office number; the provided number appears to be a direct office line, while common general inquiries might go through a central box. Using the provided number for direct contact is appropriate.)

Mobile Phone: +1 515-440-1177 (Matching the format of the main number for consistency)

For residents across Des Moines and throughout Iowa, Ballet Des Moines is an indispensable cultural asset, making it highly suitable for locals. Its core mission to "enrich lives through inspiring dance performances, inclusive education and outreach programs, and innovative community partnerships" resonates deeply within our community. The opportunity to witness world-class ballet performances right here in the heart of Iowa, whether it's the beloved annual production of "The Nutcracker" or a groundbreaking contemporary work, provides an invaluable cultural experience without the need to travel to larger cities. The excitement around "preparations for The Nutcracker" is a testament to its local appeal and community integration.

Beyond the stage, Ballet Des Moines' commitment to inclusive education and robust community outreach programs ensures that dance is accessible to everyone, from aspiring young dancers taking their first steps to adults seeking to learn new techniques. The impressive Lauridsen Campus on Walnut Street, a transformed space that was once, amusingly, a Burger King, serves as a state-of-the-art hub for artistic development and community engagement. By fostering artistry, empathy, and community connections, Ballet Des Moines provides a truly enriching and inspiring experience, solidifying its place as a cherished institution that continues to elevate the cultural landscape of our Iowa home.

Ballet Des Moines

655 Walnut St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA