Ballet Des Moines is committed to providing opportunities for education and outreach to the community.

Each year, we provide thousands of school children in the greater Des Moines area with the opportunity to attend special performances at Hoyt Sherman Place Theater. These performance opportunities are offered free of charge, including bus transportation and admission.

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If you would like to learn more about our education and outreach opportunities, or if you are interested in sponsoring these programs, please contact us.

Education and Outreach Programs

Project Unity: Celebrating Diversity Through Dance (2004-2005) focused on bringing children from different social and economic backgrounds together to share the energy and excitement of dance.

Project Unity was a collaboration between Ballet Des Moines, central Iowa's Taz Band, and several area dance groups. Children from different backgrounds came together on one stage to celebrate their differences and gain appreciation for other forms of dance. This production helped to increase awareness and understanding, breaking down barriers between children from different backgrounds.

In addition, these dancers performed on the same stage with professional dancers, giving them an opportunity gain inspiration from those who have taken dance to the highest level. Brian "Taz" Grant, inspired by his commitment to diversity for children in our community, composed and performed the original score for Project Unity.

The Nutcracker (2002-2004) is performed in special school shows by Ballet Des Moines each year. These popular school shows provide an opportunity for students to ask questions and learn about dance and the production from Ballet Des Moines's artistic director.