JOHNSTON, IOWA (January 29, 2021) — Join Iowa PBS and Ballet Des Moines virtually on February 18, 7PM, for a triple-bill watch-party and behind the curtain conversation featuring special guests from the three ballet performances in Acts of Resilience: Vision. Witness the strength and artistry of classically-trained dancers while interacting live in the comments with other fans.
During the virtual event, viewers will watch the ballet A Little Levity followed by a live conversation with the choreographer, Ryan Nye, Oklahoma City Ballet master. Next, the performance of Fly Me to the Moon will be followed by a live, interactive interview with Des Moines' Max Wellman who sings on stage with the dancers during the ballet. The event will close with the performance of Sliding Figures (Andante con Moto), choreographed by Serkan Usta and performed alongside the Roseman String Quartet.
“We are thrilled to offer this rare, behind-the-scenes conversation with two extraordinary artists and friends of the Ballet,” said Blaire Massa, Ballet Des Moines executive director. “Allowing our audiences intimate access and insight into these unique works, from a world-premiere comedic ballet to the classic music of Frank Sinatra, is just one of the reasons our partnership with Iowa PBS is so incredible.”
For more information and to register for this free virtual event, visit iowapbs.org/events.
The Acts of Resilience series was created through a partnership between Iowa PBS and Ballet Des Moines to bring the ballet company's 2020-2021 season to audiences across Iowa and beyond. Acts of Resilience: Vision will premiere on statewide Iowa PBS on February 5, 8:30PM, and rebroadcast February 7, 1PM.
About Iowa PBSAs Iowa's only statewide television network, Iowa PBS's mission to educate, inform, enrich, and inspire Iowans guides its quality, non-commercial programming that tells Iowa's stories like no one else can. Four statewide, public channels offer programs of lasting value to Iowans, regardless of where they live or what they can afford: Iowa PBS .1, Iowa PBS KIDS .2, Iowa PBS WORLD .3 and Iowa PBS Create .4 on Channel 11, Des Moines; Channel 12, Iowa City; Channel 21, Fort Dodge; Channel 24, Mason City; Channel 27, Sioux City; Channel 32, Waterloo; Channel 32, Council Bluffs; Channel 36, Davenport; and Channel 36, Red Oak. More information can be found at iowapbs.org.
About Ballet Des MoinesUnder the Artistic Direction of Serkan Usta, Ballet Des Moines was launched as a professional ballet company in 2012, bringing world-class performing artists to the Des Moines community for classical and contemporary main-stage productions. Ballet Des Moines offers training opportunities for pre-professional dancers and engages thousands of local youth each year through rich educational and outreach programs.
