For those who enjoy going to the ballet and for aspiring dancers as well, the following list of performing arts venues and studios are among the best Des Moines has to offer. If you have a kiddo that loves to dance and you would like to expose them to the art form, each studio offers you a chance to see and explore dance through performances, classes and events. Here’s where you can see ballet and dance performances in Des Moines.
Ballet Des Moines
121 S 11th Street #100 • West Des Moines, IA 50265 • (515) 243-1115 • http://balletdesmoines.org/
Under the Artistic Direction of Serkan Usta, Ballet Des Moines launched its first professional ballet company in 2012, offering additional training opportunities for young dancers and an expanded performance season. Ballet Des Moines exists to enrich lives in the greater Des Moines area by delivering excellence in the performing arts and striving to provide the highest level of dance education in the region.
Dance Without Limits, formerly Ballet Des Moines’ Dance Without Limits, is a dance program for children with special needs who may not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the joy of dance. In November 2015, Dance Without Limits became its own entity. Sessions are comprised of one-hour classes that are designed to suit each child’s individual needs. During classes held once a week, a period of professional dance instruction is provided by instructors and volunteers trained to work with children with disabilities.
Iowa Dance Theatre
Pioneer Columbus Community Center • 2100 SE 5th Street • Des Moines, IA 50315 • (515) 979-6622 • http://www.iowadancetheatre.org/
Iowa Dance Theatre is a not-for-profit organization formed in 1983. They are a unique blend of dancers, teachers, choreographers, and art enthusiasts who combine talents to produce high-quality, artistic dance productions. IDT is committed to bringing the talents of dancers in Iowa to the attention of the general public. Their innovative approach enables them to focus on individuals with multiple and varied talents in a theatrical setting.
IDT is committed to excellence in production and presentation. Their main goal is to produce high-quality performances, both artistically and technically. We give talented people in the area opportunities to expand and perfect their abilities in performing and mastering stage techniques. Local dancers can attend open auditions for each of the organization’s productions.
Gateway Dance Theatre
315 E 5th Street • Des Moines, IA 50309 • (515) 283-8383 • http://www.gatewaydance.org/
Since 1972, Gateway Dance Theatre (GDT) has been moving to the rhythms of the world, fusing African-American, Caribbean, Asian and Indian music and movement into a multimedia experience for people of all ages and backgrounds. GDT, is an urban arts multifaceted program to provide quality arts programming.
GDT is more than dance! GDT is a family friendly program based on the concept that training in the arts is essential to a complete education. The language of Arts is universal. Music, drama, visual and literary arts are presented with an emphasis on building self-esteem, discipline, awareness and confidence. Gateway Dance Theatre’s presence and active engagement in the community is a catalyst to reach diverse communities to build cultural, leadership and economic relationships.
Where does your family enjoy attending dance performances in Des Moines? Tell us in the comments sections below.
