Dance Into Spring – A series of outdoor performances across the state celebrating the resilience of the Iowa Arts community in partnership with Hancher Auditiorium

In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, Ballet Des Moines and Hancher Auditorium at the University of Iowa have come together to create Dance Into Spring, a state-crossing collaboration featuring outdoor performances in Des Moines, Iowa City, and Muscatine. These free performances offer a safe opportunity for attendees to gather together for beautiful performances celebrating the spirit of renewal.

Each evening will include five works highlighting a diverse range of performers, all with ties to Iowa: the professional company dancers of Ballet Des Moines, performers from the University of Iowa’s Dance Company, and special guests from the acclaimed Miami City Ballet, Carlos Quenedit, a former Ballet Des Moines dancer, and Katia Carranza. Musicians from the Roseman String Quartet, featuring members of the Des Moines Symphony, will also be part of the tour, which features work by Brazilian choreographer Armando Duarte, Richmond Ballet's Associate Artistic Director Ma Cong, and the pas de deux from the beloved classical ballet Don Quixote.

Click below to learn more about dates, performances and guest dancers.

BALLET DES MOINES LAUNCHES TRAINEE PROGRAM AND ANNOUNCES COMPANY AUDITIONS

Ballet Des Moines has announced the launch of a trainee program: an exclusive opportunity for classically trained dancers from across the nation, ages 18-24, with a desire to pursue a career in ballet.

“The Ballet Des Moines Trainee Program is a rigorous preparation for a career as a dancer,” said Serkan Usta, Artistic Director for Ballet Des Moines. “Whether that is with Ballet Des Moines or another professional dance company across the globe, we wanted the opportunity to help young professionals train toward their next step.”

BDM Trainees take advantage of a full time schedule, including daily class with the company, weekly Trainee-only sessions with Usta, 1:1 mentorship with the company’s Associate Artistic Director, Arts Administration workshops, the chance to work with visiting choreographers, and the opportunity to appear in professional productions and outreach performances.

The Trainee Program is tuition-based with limited opportunities for scholarship. For additional details regarding the trainee program or to apply for a company dancer position, click here:

BALLET DES MOINES IN THE NEWS

Keep track of Ballet Des Moines by checking out the In The News section of our website. From press release to media mentions, we’re eager to share what’s in the works.

WHAT WE’RE WATCHING

PACIFICA QUARTET AND ANTHONY MCGILL, CLARINET, ONLINE ONLINE EVENT AVAILABLE THROUGH APRIL 7 | $5

This event is a collaboration with the University of Iowa’s String Quartet Residency Program. The residency is supported in part by funding from the Ida Cordelia Beam Visiting Professorships Program.

Renowned for its brilliant combination of virtuosity and exuberance, the Pacifica Quartet—Simin Ganatra (violin), Austin Hartman (violin), Mark Holloway (violist), Brandon Vamos (cello)—has a topflight musician in every chair. Joined by Anthony McGill, principal clarinet of the New York Philharmonic and an exceptional soloist in his own right, the quartet will perform a concert recorded specifically for the Hancher audience. These spectacular musicians will bring the beauty and depth of chamber music to your home. Click here for details.

ACTS OF RESILIENCE: SPIRIT

If you missed our premiere of the triple bill Acts of Resilience: Spirit you can catch it on Iowa PBS for a bit longer! Performances include:

●      In Formation — Featuring music by Philip Glass, choreographer Ma Cong created a striking contemporary ballet highlighting the strength and technique of classically trained dancers, with the flair of contemporary movement.

●      Classical Excerpts — Pieces from beloved ballets such as Sleeping Beauty and Le Corsaire highlight the strength and beauty of classical dance.

●      Padam Padam — The music of Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel provides a poignant backdrop for this romantic ballet featuring three couples dancing amid post-war Paris with choreography by Serkan Usta.

Like what you see? Want to contribute to our resilience?