This summer, join Ballet Des Moines and Friends for an afternoon and evening of joy, creativity, and community. Working together with statewide and local partners, Ballet Des Moines’ Transformations Tour includes an afternoon of art-making, science experiments, dancing, music-making, and more.

Communities can expect to experience a vibrant art-in-the-park afternoon–everything from face-painting to science experiments, all under a theme of “transformation”. What does it mean to transform, to grow, to change, and to connect? Whether we examine the change from a chrysalis to a butterfly through art-making or simply let the transformative power of performing arts change our hearts, the afternoon and evening is not one to be missed. 

Afternoons begin with family-friendly art-making and science experiments, while local musicians, dancers, and performing artists take the stage to share their artistry. Local food vendors and community support organizations also join in on the festivities. The evening performances kick off with Brucemore Presents: a selection of performances from celebrated Iowa musicians. Ballet Des Moines finishes off the evening with dynamic highlights from their 2025-26 season. 

 Now in our fifth year of summer touring, we understand that every community is unique and has different needs. We work with each town to integrate into local festivals, augment summer programming, and share the day with local artists of all ages.Join us to experience what happens when you approach a concept from a creative and unexpected direction.