Ballet Des Moines

Fan Reviews

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Anonymous
Ballet Des Moines Nutcracker was Amazing!!! Very professional! Beautiful costuming and backgrounds. You could tell the directors of the show put a lot of time in with the dancers. Best Nutcracker in the area!
Des Moines Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Feb 19, 2011
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Lyke
Three generations loved this performance! It was magical for all ages and very professional. We loved it!
Des Moines Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Feb 19, 2011
★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
AshleyBxx
The Nutcracker was fantastic. The venue was absolutely terrible. There were more negatives than positives so overall we had a negative experience. Pretty disappointed.
Des Moines Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Feb 19, 2011
Parking: Disney On Ice :: Brad Garrett :: Replay: Symphony of Heroes :: Nicole Pesce :: Singing In the Rain
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Merriel
The ballet was a inspiration to all the young people interested in ballet. Wonderful dancers. A joy to Christmas.
Des Moines Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Feb 19, 2011
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Mike2017
I think the show and the performance was Great. They all did a wonderful job. Its pretty amazing what they can do. There were really young kids all the way up to older adults. I'm not much of a ballet person, but my Girlfriend is, and she LOVED it. I had a tough time following the act and know what they were doing. I think if someone would have explained to me what was going on, it would have been more interesting.
Des Moines Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Feb 19, 2011
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
adlpal
This was my first time going to a ballet. I did not know what to expect. It was a beautiul performance by h andthe professionals. becaus I expected that it was going to beat that it was going to beat all professionals.
Des Moines Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Feb 19, 2011
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
ReedReviews
Everyone complained how hot it was. You could see overall discomfort in the heat of the place, which made the ballet less enjoyable. The 2nd act of the nutcracker was good. Not the best, but decent. Sadly, still, just not worth the price.
Des Moines Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Feb 19, 2011
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Notatotalwaste
This wasn't the best performance I've seen of the Nutcracker. And we go every year. The children were better than the "professional" dancers. Lots of errors. The entire place smelled pretty bad as well. I still enjoyed it and maybe we just caught a poor showing. I brought a friend that had never seen the Nutcracker, and it wasn't the show I wanted her to see. Maybe next year.
Des Moines Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Feb 19, 2011
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
CHEOL
I didn't see much ballet. Instead, it feels like some kind of a pantomime. Overall, it wasnot quite exciting. The story line wasn't quite organized either. Casting could be better, especially for the rabbit. Why couldn't they use the King for the rabbit instead of the young skinny ballerina.
Des Moines Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Feb 19, 2011
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
CyHwk
It was spectacular. I hope Des Moines has more Ballet events like this one!
Des Moines Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Feb 19, 2011
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
barnSwallow
The ballet was wonderful. I've been to the Nutcracker several times and it was great to see something different. The live orchestra enhanced the performance tremendously. It's especially fun to see the children of various ages perfom so well.
HOYT SHERMAN PLACE - Des Moines, IA - Fri, Dec 12, 2014
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Anonymous
All the Alice's were great and I was enthralled! Edge of my seat almost the show show. I felt amazing through the whole thing and elated when I left!!
HOYT SHERMAN PLACE - Des Moines, IA - Fri, Dec 12, 2014
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
chaseryan2
I took my daughter and have wanted to see it for a long time. Even though the stage was smaller, it was still incredible! I watched a performance on t.v. which had more dancers that were professionals. The age range, ability, personalities, and overall presentation was great. No flaws, all moved smoothly and those lil kiddos were so cute and added to the fun! The main character dancers were GREAT and so pretty. The music itself always does wonders and adds to it all!!!
HOYT SHERMAN PLACE - Des Moines, IA - Fri, Dec 12, 2014
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
learningaboutart
I was very impressed in the Ballet Des Moines presentation of The Nutcracker! They did a great job in telling the story through dance. The dancers were incredible and so fun.
HOYT SHERMAN PLACE - Des Moines, IA - Fri, Dec 12, 2014
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Shopper1313
Each year, it has become a tradition that my husband and I buy front row seats at Ballet Des Moines to view The Nutcracker. The show is always wonderful and gets better with each passing year. This year's show was no exception. Recommend everyone to take time out during the busy holiday season and view this presentation at Hoyt Sherman Place. The architecture and timeliness of this place lends a nostalgic feeling to the overall performance. Cannot imagine seeing it anywhere else. And.....I simply cannot leave without purchasing a souvenir.
HOYT SHERMAN PLACE - Des Moines, IA - Fri, Dec 12, 2014
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Anonymous
Was the best version of Nutcracker that I've ever seen. Absolutely loved it!!!!
HOYT SHERMAN PLACE - Des Moines, IA - Fri, Dec 12, 2014
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
Anonymous
You have to be a parent of one of the children in this production to make it worth the time and money.
HOYT SHERMAN PLACE - Des Moines, IA - Fri, Dec 12, 2014
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Debi8
Fabulous show! Very well done. I have purchased tickets to Des Moines Ballet's Nutcracker for many years. It is very enjoyable to see the young dancers grow on stage to become the older dancers.
HOYT SHERMAN PLACE - Des Moines, IA - Fri, Dec 12, 2014
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Olhound
I would not say I'm a huge fan of ballet, but I took my wife for a night out and something different. I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed it a lot. The talent and hard work were obvious. I can't imagine the hours of preparation. The costumes were exciting and colorful. The children were great. I was very impressed with the whole show. I only have one negative that kept me from giving 5 stars. The music needs to be upgraded to CD quality. There were times that the tape changed speed enough to almost indicate a key change. CD's would perform much better, and do it without distortion at the higher volumes. Other than that we both had a fantastic evening and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
HOYT SHERMAN PLACE - Des Moines, IA - Fri, Dec 12, 2014
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
CaroleElaine
A truly professional performance, with amazingly talented performers! Can't wait for the Wizard of Oz this spring!
HOYT SHERMAN PLACE - Des Moines, IA - Fri, Dec 12, 2014
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
SmallVenueFan
We do not get to attend events at the Civic Center, The Hoyt Sherman is a hidden secret venue because all seats are exceptional.
Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Mar 8, 2014
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
mereviewer2
These people work so hard, and are so beautiful. I was worried at one point, looked like a dancer was tired and shaking - but they held it together.
Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Mar 8, 2014
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
brandigirl11
It was a pretty good show. I loved the live orchestra that played along. Added a ton to the experience. The professional dancers were good. The kids were cute. Technically, the dancers were strong, but the choreography seemed a bit choppy and felt like there were lots of "tricks" (throwing the leg in the air, jumps) but not much between the tricks. The story was told nicely, but it's easy to tell Cinderella. It's definitely one of the better ballet performances in the DSM area, but not comperable to other big companies in St Louis, Minneapolis, or Chicago.
Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Mar 8, 2014
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Anon456321
Great show for the family. It was not what I expected. As an adult without kids, it wouldn't be the type of show I would choose to attend again.
Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Mar 8, 2014
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Anonymous
Cinderella was entertaining. The dancing was wonderful.
Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Mar 8, 2014
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
samirams
Wonderful to think there is that much local talent. The young men were wonderful, and the professional men shone- Really funny and talented or elegant and talented- depending on the role~!!
Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Mar 8, 2014
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Anonymous
I could be bias since my daughter was in the ballet, but it was a lot of fun to watch!! Great job!
Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Mar 8, 2014
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
stephiniowa
The Des Moines Ballet blew me away with Cinderella. The dancing was beautiful. The music was amazing. Can't wait to see them again.
Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Mar 8, 2014
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Anonymous
My daughter and I so enjoyed an evening out together at the Ballet. The costumes and sets were wonderful as was the music and choreography. Can't wait to come back for another show!
Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Mar 8, 2014
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
WaukeeWatcher
The performance of Prokofiev's Cinderella by Ballet Des Moines and the Des Moines Community Orchestra was outstanding. The dancers were excellent and the acting that went along with the dance told the story without need for words. Kudos to the Community Orchestra for putting together a fine performance of a difficult book.
Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Mar 8, 2014
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
dancemom2bw
Ballet Des Moines turned a favorite children's classic into a beautiful and graceful dance! My4 year old daughter loved it! It was bbeautiful with a touch of humor! I loved it! I recommend if you love ballet and have not seen Ballet Des Moines that you put them on your list and go see a show! The dancers are so talented and amazing!
Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - 12/10/2012
★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
CookieS26
Had I known that this performance mostly consisted of ballet school students I probably would not have bought tickets. Yes, there were some professional dancers, but they didn't persuade me enough to give this rendition of Cinderella a better review. I bemoan the fact that I even paid $24.00 per ticket; and to think that there were even $54.00 tickets available! I was thoroughly bored throughout the whole performance. Dancers were not in sync and the music, performed by the Des Moines Community Orchestra, an all volunteer orchestra, at times sounded amateurish, especially the violins. The music by Prokofiev was too dark for what the ballet was trying to accomplish. And that to me was at times a lighthearted, comical ballet.
Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - 12/10/2012
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
linnhome
Loved that the story was so clearly conveyed without a single word spoken. Beautifully done! My only sore spot was with so much done near the edges of the stage sides, ticket sales should have been for the middle only. With all the work they put in...you want people to see it.
Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - 12/10/2012
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Ginger29
This was my first time seeing The Nutcracker performed live. It is a wonderful story and it was interpreted beautifully. I love the mix of professionals with the local ballet school students. It is perfect training for them and then to see what they can aspire to be. The professionals were just amazing. I highly recommend everyone to see The Nutcracker live, especially if you love the story. Only thing I would have loved more was if there was an actual orchestra playing instead of the pre-recorded music. A must see every holiday season!
Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - 12/10/2012
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
aimlov
Wonderful ballet performance! Beautiful venue...only downfall was parking and small hallways!
Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - 12/10/2012
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Tvin
A very well thought through production that captured the audiences attention. All the dancers nailed their parts and the special effects were an added bonus. Ballet Des Moines impresses once again. Cannot wait to see the next performance.
Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - 12/10/2012
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Franeuge
Loved the 7 dwarfs!!! Ballet Des Moines did an awsome job!!!
Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - 12/10/2012
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
DMResident
Ballet Des Moines has become exceptional with its new professional cast. The staging and costuming equal any New York production. The local amateurs are exceptional. This is not the ballet that we saw 15 years ago.
Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - 12/10/2012
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
balletfanindesmoines
Ballet Des Moines performances are very impressive! Their professional dancers, as well as the local talent they work with, offer a first-rate experience for the patron. Our entire family sat on the edge of our seats at Wizard of Oz, mesmerized by the fantastic choreography, costumes, scenery and special effects. Des Moines is fortunate to have such dedication from a local ballet company to contribute professional quality ballet to the arts scene.
Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - 12/10/2012
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Anonymous
Ballet Des Moines has recently hired professional dancers. These dancers bring a whole new level of excellence. Local dancers get a great opportunity to perform on stage with professionals. Wizard of Oz at the civic center was magical. I am looking forward to watching the upcoming snow white performance.
Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - 12/10/2012
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
ballet9fan
3 very different ballets in 1 show... brilliant! My whole family enjoyed the experience from young to old. Exceptional choreography and dancing.
Hoyt Sherman Place - Des Moines, IA - Sun, Dec 11, 2016
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
iliveindesmoines
I have attended numerous Ballet Des Moines performances and I am always impressed with the talent of the dancers. Wizard of Oz was exceptional in its choreography, sets, and special effects. Des Moines is very lucky to have such talented individuals within our midst.
Hoyt Sherman Place - Des Moines, IA - Sun, Dec 11, 2016
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Anonymous
Wonderful holiday tradition for all ages. Fun to see dancers from age 5 through adult professionals. Don t miss this performance!
Hoyt Sherman Place - Des Moines, IA - Sun, Dec 11, 2016
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Goober2
Love attending The Nutcracker at Hoyt Sherman Place. I look forward to it every year.
Hoyt Sherman Place - Des Moines, IA - Sun, Dec 11, 2016
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
Nikegrl12
It was disappointing that nothing seemed to sync. I had high hopes.
Hoyt Sherman Place - Des Moines, IA - Sun, Dec 11, 2016
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Merleend
I am continuously impressed with Ballet Des Moines' ability to wow me. This show had beautiful dancing and engaging choreography. I was stunned and captivated and at times really moved. Highly recrecommend you check out this fantastic company.
Hoyt Sherman Place - Des Moines, IA - Sun, Dec 11, 2016
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Anonymous
This event was one of a kind. Des Moines doesn't realize the talent they have in their ballet company. We are blessed in this community to have these professionals performing and representing Des Moines. The artistry and choreography displayed by this performance was fabulous.
Hoyt Sherman Place - Des Moines, IA - Sun, Dec 11, 2016
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
ClassicalFan50
Excellent Performance with great visual effects and costuming.
Hoyt Sherman Place - Des Moines, IA - Sun, Dec 11, 2016
★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Couldnothavebeenworse
I was very disappointed in the performance of the Nutcracker. When I pay for a "professional" performance I expect the individuals involved to know their parts and not be looking at others in the dance troupe for what comes next. In short I expect to see a "professional" performance. I realize this isn't the Joffrey but certainly I expected more.
Hoyt Sherman Place - Des Moines, IA - Sun, Dec 11, 2016
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Tracie60
As a child, I saw the Nutcracker every Christmas with my dad. It was such a great experience to pass on this memory and take my daughter. She especially loved getting dressed up and whispering her favorite part of the ballet.
Hoyt Sherman Place - Des Moines, IA - Sun, Dec 11, 2016
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
Jeffbeckinc
Very good interpretation of Nutcracker, great local talent. The show started late and the intermission was doubled than its listed time in the program. Losing that 40+ minutes was basically the entirety of 2nd Act. Did not appreciate the long delays. Great Production otherwise
HOYT SHERMAN PLACE - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Dec 12, 2015
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Anonymous
Wonderful performance! A Christmas time tradition.
HOYT SHERMAN PLACE - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Dec 12, 2015
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Anonymous
Ballet Des Moines is perfection. Fantastic show at a fantastic price. Please take advantage of the amazing talent offered here in Des Moines, you will not be disappointed!
HOYT SHERMAN PLACE - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Dec 12, 2015
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Merleend
Ballet Des Moines created a wonderful, beautiful show. Contemporary ballet at its finest!
HOYT SHERMAN PLACE - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Dec 12, 2015
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
KnopflerFanatic
Triple Bill was a wonderful event. Beauty, talent and energy abounds! Go!!
HOYT SHERMAN PLACE - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Dec 12, 2015
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Wildcat4
My daughter and I attended the show with a first timer on the ballet scene and we were all taken away by the performance. We laughed at the crocodiles antics and loved the skill of the dancers. This show was really well put together and we would go again if/when they do it again.
HOYT SHERMAN PLACE - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Dec 12, 2015
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
GWontime
Captivating performance, all involved were absolutely outstanding. We couldn't take our eyes off of the stage!
HOYT SHERMAN PLACE - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Dec 12, 2015
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
MamaShef
I took our preschooler and my husband to their first ballet. They were both inthralled the entire time. The dancers were awesome and the whole performance was magical. Loved the croc costume and the flying. The spirit of th characters came out in the dancing beautifully. We got a snack at intermission, and we appreciated that they were from a local Beaverdale shop. The dancers took the time to greet people afterwards and were happy to take photos which our kiddo really enjoyed. After 2 hours of sitting he was begging to go to the second performance (which is definitely saying something for that age). We used the mobile ticket option. It was easy and definitely saved on paper. No chance of losing tickets as well. I love that this is available.
HOYT SHERMAN PLACE - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Dec 12, 2015
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Anonymous
The talent and the entertainment factor of this show was amazing! We are so blessed to have such talent in Des Moines! This is one of my favorite ballet performances ever!
HOYT SHERMAN PLACE - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Dec 12, 2015
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Kdlove
This was a fun night with all the local talented dancers doing my favorite ballet production of nutcracker! The little mice were adorable, and Anna was fantastic! Also love the Russian part where they just all seemed to be having fun! Parking was an issue though. Despite what the website says this location does not have adequate parking. Had to park three and a half blocks away at a pay toll, and it rained during the performance and after so it was a soggy walk to the car. If you plan to attend events at this facility get there very early so you get one of the prime parking spots close by.
HOYT SHERMAN PLACE - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Dec 12, 2015
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
parent13
I enjoyed watching the show it was exciting to see how the show was all pulled together after all the work the kids put into it. Aver all it was a great show. I only gave it 4 stars because Act two seems to just be a showcase for the older kids in the production.
Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Apr 4, 2015
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
HoytFan
Wonderful show - fabulous venue! Really got us into the Spirit of the season!
Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Apr 4, 2015
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
KHeartK
My family absolutely loved the Nutcracker. I knew my girls would be hooked but even my 6-yr old son enjoyed it. When we got home, my 2 girls danced with our Nutcrackers, just like Clara, for the rest of the night.
Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Apr 4, 2015
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
MildredMillhouse
I like to take my young daughter to this before Christmas and when it wasn't performing in our area, I decided to make the trip to Des Moines. It was a wonderful performance and the facility was beautiful! Would also recommend the Downtown Marriott who provided transportation to and from Hoyt Sherman Place.
Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Apr 4, 2015
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
DebJa5
The venue is beautiful and festive with the holiday decorations adding to the Victorian decor. The performance was well done. The local talent is very good and it was a treat to see the young children perform. Would recommend to anyone wishing to add a holiday event to their season.
Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Apr 4, 2015
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
patbucklin
I took my daughter to see the 1pm performance, and it was great! I loved that it was both professional dancers and local dancers, and the story was a classic! My daughter had never been to a ballet before and she was delighted!
Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Apr 4, 2015
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
macksecho
Really enjoyed the performance! Loved the small children that were the lady bugs and flowers. Would go and see it again. Very well done, congrats to all the dancers.
Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Apr 4, 2015
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Hathorn
We were very impressed with the cast, set designs, symphony, everything! Very professionally done. Jacque LeWarne gave a brilliant performance! She was wonderful as Dorothy. We also enjoyed the wicked witch! Loved the characters flying across the set.
Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Apr 4, 2015
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
DsmBallet
The show was outstanding from the music to the dancing to the costumes to the set. Very well done!
Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Apr 4, 2015
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
mjk6
Everything was outstanding! The dancers, the orchestra, the staging, the costumes were New York quality!! My granddaughter and I enjoyed every minute of it!!
Des Moines Performing Arts - Civic Center - Des Moines, IA - Sat, Apr 4, 2015
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
ABundridge
My daughter and I loved the show! It was great seeing all the wonderful performances and getting to see kids introduced to stage performance also. I just wish we could take pictures during the shows. Its hard to really explain how great a show is without pictures.
HOYT SHERMAN PLACE - Des Moines, IA - Fri, Dec 12, 2014
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Anonymous
Nice program for getting holiday spirit and attend with family.
HOYT SHERMAN PLACE - Des Moines, IA - Fri, Dec 12, 2014
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