Ballet Des Moines returns to Cedar Rapids with this year’s Summer STEM tour: See the Music. From coding and choreography to sound waves and virtual reality, this year’s tour explores how we can “see the music” and visualize the invisible. 

Experience mini-science demonstrations from the stage from the NASA Iowa Space Grant Consortium and the Science Center of Iowa, Brucemore’s Artisan Studio bringing spoken word poetry and live music performances to every stop, and the dancers of Ballet Des Moines performing excerpts from their 24-25 season. 

This free event includes accessible, hands-on activities that will spark understanding, curiosity, and creativity in the midst of an immersive live performance. Join us to experience what happens when you approach a concept from a creative and unexpected direction. Tour partners include Iowa PBS, the Science Center of Iowa, NASA Iowa Space Grant Consortium, 4-H, FLeX Lab (Iowa State University of Science and Technology) and Pi515.

Event Date: June 14

Schedule:  

5:00 – 6:30 PM – STEM + Arts Community Activities

6:30 – 7:45 PM – Ballet Des Moines Performance

FAQs

Where will the event take place? – The performance and activities will be on the First Avenue lawn.

How will seating work for this event? – All guests will need to bring their own blankets and chairs to enjoy the performance.

Can I bring my pet? – Pets are not allowed at this event, excluding service animals.

Will food be available during the event? – Food vendors will be available during the event. We encourage all guests to support these local businesses, but you are also welcome to bring your own food and drink. BYO wine and beer is allowed.

Where should I park? – Parking will not be available on the Brucemore property during this event. Guests will be responsible for finding off-site parking. Handicap parking with a shuttle will be available beginning at 5:00 PM in the Bradley and Riley parking lot, located next to Brucemore’s First Avenue gate. Please keep in mind that Brucemore is located in a residential neighborhood and street parking may be limited. Guests should plan to walk a few blocks to the event if not using handicap parking.

Where do I enter the event? The gates to the Brucemore property off First Avenue, Linden Dr. SE, and Dows Lane will be open for you to enter or exit the property for the event.

Do I need to reserve tickets? – This free event does not require any tickets or reservations.

Do I need to attend the full event? – We encourage all guests to enjoy the full schedule of activities and performances, but you are welcome to come for any part of the event that interests you. Guests will be able to enter and exit the property at any time during the program. To respect the performers, we ask that you do not leave in the middle of the performance unless it is an emergency.

Will the mansion be open during this event? – The mansion will be open for limited, free self-guided tours from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM.

Will this event be held during rain or inclement weather? – Safety of everyone involved will be a priority. The event may be adapted or canceled due to weather. This could include holding a portion of the event. Any changes will be communicated here and via social media.

Will there be an ATM? – There will not be an ATM available at the event. The closest ATM is located at the 1st Avenue Hawkeye Convenience Store.

Photography and Video Notice: 

At this event, photography and videos may be recorded. By attending this event, you may be included in these photos and videos. Your attendance at this event grants your permission to be in these photos or videos, which may be used for educational, archival, or promotional purposes. If you have concerns about your likeness appearing in these photos and videos, please talk to a staff member when you check in for the event.