Ballet Des Moines made the tough decision this fall, in line with ballet companies around the world, that The Nutcracker could not appear safely on the stage this year. But with that decision came the determination to find a way to ensure the magic of the holiday season would live on for the hundreds of young children who are a part of our production each year.

This week, we announced the launch of seven Nutcracker Packages — experiences that include online ballet tutorials, take home tea parties, a wine dinner with fireside chat and more. The packages feature many community partners — from artists to bakers and wine makers, there is something for everyone this holiday season. Our collaborators include:

• An exclusive Mother Ginger cookie created by Iowa Cookie Co 

• Creme Cupcake + Dessert’s artisanal hot cocoa and marshmallows

• Tangerine’s tea party boxed lunches

• A tabletop arrangement by Wildflower

• Illustrated placemats by artist Laura Palmer

• A three course wine dinner collaboration with St. Kilda Collective and Winefest Des Moines

• A Tiny Dancer photoshoot package with Ballet Des Moines Creative Director Jami Milne

While virtual and in-home experiences cannot replace the necessary role of the arts in our community, Ballet Des Moines is committed to bringing the magic and joy of the holidays to both previous dancers and new fans of the ballet.

ASSEMBLÉ II: A WINEFEST COLLABORATION

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH

Introducing our second Assemble Wine Dinner partnership with Winefest. Please join us for a wine dinner and a behind the scenes ballet performance and discussion that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your home. 

For this dinner, Patrons will catch a glimpse of live rehearsal for Ballet Des Moines' Resilience season, which includes In Formation, a work by Ma Cong, and Padam Padam, an original work by Serkan Usta set to the music of Edith Piaf and Jacques Brel.

While you enjoy the performance, indulge in a delectable three course meal from Django with two perfectly paired French wines from Gateway Market. Nevres Sehic, Wine Director for Gateway, will describe the pairings.  

Details

• Tuesday, November 17th

• Dinner for Two and Two Bottles of Wine: $110

• Pickup between 5:00 – 6:00 pm at Django

• Zoom Wine Discussion + Ballet Performance at 7:00

Menu:

• Appetizer
  Local squash agnolotti, rainbow chard, cipollini onion, walnut-sage pesto, vin cotto 

• Entree
  Duck confit, potatoes Sarladaise, caramelized Napa cabbage, tarragon-mustard cream sauce

• Dessert
  Butterscotch pot de creme with salted caramel

*Vegetarian meal available upon request. Please email natasha@winefestdesmoines.com

Wine Pairings:

• 2017 Elisabeth & François Jourdan, Cinsault, Vieilles Vignes, Languedoc, France

• 2019 Domaine de Poix, Sauvignon Blanc, Touraine, France

We did it! But we couldn't have done it without you. Because of your generosity and courage, Ballet Des Moines' Peter and the Wolf, in partnership with Civic Music Association and Iowa PBS, will be broadcast this December throughout our region. Students across Iowa, from classrooms or living rooms, will have access to free arts programming and an opportunity to experience classical ballet, symphonic music, and creative and inspiring storytelling.

This work will impact thousands of young learners and support our artists, allowing them to continue creating and sharing art in unprecedented times. We are grateful for your leadership and bravery, investing in the future vitality of our community.

Watch for details regarding an Iowa PBS broadcast date and time in next month’s newsletter and on social media!

Ballet Des Moines was honored to partner with the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden for their upcoming Champagne & Chocolate event. Company dancers Amelia Grubb (shown below) and Logan Hillman were accompanied by the Roseman String Quartet as they danced throughout the gardens. Tickets can still be purchased here for the November 20 event.