When you work in the field of Ballet, the holidays tend to kick off a little earlier than you might be ready for, with the iconic music from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker permeating the air from October through to January. The first time I hear it, it brings tears to my eyes (the 358th time, not so much). This year is different in so many ways. I miss hearing young dancers bubbling excitement as they wait to rehearse with the professionals. I miss the beautiful costumes and sets. Most of all, I miss seeing families in their holiday finery, sharing and celebrating with beloved traditions.

While gatherings are off the table for this holiday season, at Ballet Des Moines we have plenty to be grateful for. It has been a privilege to partner with Iowa PBS on our virtual Resilience season, and we are delighted to announce the first broadcast is scheduled for the weekend of December 18. Peter and the Wolf was created specifically for school-aged audiences in collaboration with Civic Music Association, featuring Prokofiev's classic score performed by the Belin Quartet and woodwind musicians from the Des Moines Symphony.

We are thrilled that these performances will be broadcast and shared on multiple streaming platforms entirely for free, ensuring that this local, original, innovative work is accessible to the broadest possible audience. We do hope that you'll consider contributing what you may have spent on theater tickets through a tax-deductible gift to Ballet Des Moines. Every gift makes a difference!

We are keeping the magic alive with a menu of at-home Nutcracker experiences, including tutorials with company dancers, a festive tea party package, and a wine dinner with a fireside chat with the dancers.

Most of all, we are grateful for our friends, supporters, and community partners who truly made our season come to life: Winefest, Max Wellman, Oklahoma City Ballet Master Ryan Nye, the Roseman String Quartet, BRAVO, the Tangerine Food Co., Iowa PBS, The Fred Maytag Family Foundation, Iowa Cookie Co., Ma Cong Choreography, Wildflower, Civic Music Association, MidAmerican Energy, Crème Cupcake, Kemin, Laura Palmer, and the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, and to all our donors, volunteers, and friends. Thank you for dancing with us.

Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season.

Blaire Massa,

Executive Director | Ballet Des Moines