in Partnership

With Oakridge & Seeds

Since 2021, Ballet Des Moines and Oakridge Neighborhood have worked together, with, and for the youth they serve. From BDM Dance Clinics to field trips to the Drake Legal Clinic, we aim to develop authentic relationships that ensure everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Fueled by a long term vision of a more diverse representation on the stage and stewarded by our friends at Oakridge, our partnership grew to include SEEDS. Our three organizations partner to deliver:

Free dance classes for students enrolled at Oakridge or SEEDS

    • SEEDS and Ballet Des Moines collaborate to provide accessible and consistent dance instruction to SEEDS students

    • Classes occur at Ballet Des Moines Campus and at the SEEDS Studio

    • Oakridge and SEEDS youth directors/staff transport students to and observe rehearsals. They provide additional support during tech, dress, and performances. They also provide additional support for communication with families. 

Nutcracker Participation Program

    • Ballet Des Moines, SEEDS, and Oakridge collaborate to ensure their youth dancers receive access and wrap-around support to perform in The Nutcracker

    • Waived participation fee plus free cast t-shirt, shoes, dancewear, and unlimited tickets for friends and family of student performers in The Nutcracker

Complimentary Tickets

    • Our Community Ticketing Program offers complimentary tickets to community partners and students

Students from a SEEDS X BDM class perform at the Des Moines Water Works Park as part of the Ballet Des Moines Summer STEM Tour, 2025.

SEEDS fosters representation in the Des Moines arts community by integrating African American history with contemporary BIPOC culture across various artistic disciplines. Through strategic partnerships, including Ballet Des Moines, SEEDS cultivates the next generation of curators, artists, and community leaders while affirming the significance of Black creativity in shaping culture and history.

Oakridge Neighborhood is a housing and human services agency in Des Moines, Iowa, focused on providing affordable housing and support to families, particularly refugees and immigrants. It's known for its diverse community and comprehensive services, aiming to help residents achieve stability and self-sufficiency. Among their many offerings, Oakridge provides a robust and thoughtful arts programming for their youth.