A member of Ballet Des Moines performing in Jennifer Archibald’s Hollow — photo by Ryan Morrison, courtesy of Ballet Des MoinesBallet Des Moines opened their 2025-2026 season this past weekend with Forward, an evening of new and returning performances at Hoyt Sherman Place. Ballet Des Moines performing in Tom Mattingly’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini — photo by Ryan Morrison, courtesy of Ballet Des MoinesBallet Des Moines performing in Tom Mattingly’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini — photo by Ryan Morrison, courtesy of Ballet Des MoinesBallet Des Moines performing in Tom Mattingly’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini — photo by Ryan Morrison, courtesy of Ballet Des MoinesBallet Des Moines performing in Tom Mattingly’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini — photo by Ryan Morrison, courtesy of Ballet Des MoinesBallet Des Moines performing in Tom Mattingly’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini — photo by Ryan Morrison, courtesy of Ballet Des MoinesBallet Des Moines performing in Tom Mattingly’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini — photo by Ryan Morrison, courtesy of Ballet Des MoinesBallet Des Moines performing in Tom Mattingly’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini — photo by Ryan Morrison, courtesy of Ballet Des MoinesBallet Des Moines performing in Tom Mattingly’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini — photo by Ryan Morrison, courtesy of Ballet Des MoinesBallet Des Moines performing in Tom Mattingly’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini — photo by Ryan Morrison, courtesy of Ballet Des MoinesJennifer Archibald’s HOLLOW was a stark but captivating contrast. Ballet Des Moines performing in Jennifer Archibald’s HOLLOW — photo by Ryan Morrison, courtesy of Ballet Des MoinesBallet Des Moines performing in Jennifer Archibald’s HOLLOW — photo by Ryan Morrison, courtesy of Ballet Des MoinesBallet Des Moines performing in Jennifer Archibald’s HOLLOW — photo by Ryan Morrison, courtesy of Ballet Des MoinesBallet Des Moines performing in Jennifer Archibald’s HOLLOW — photo by Ryan Morrison, courtesy of Ballet Des MoinesBallet Des Moines performing in Jennifer Archibald’s HOLLOW — photo by Ryan Morrison, courtesy of Ballet Des MoinesBallet Des Moines performing in Jennifer Archibald’s HOLLOW — photo by Ryan Morrison, courtesy of Ballet Des MoinesBallet Des Moines performing in Jennifer Archibald’s HOLLOW — photo by Ryan Morrison, courtesy of Ballet Des MoinesBallet Des Moines performing in Jennifer Archibald’s HOLLOW — photo by Ryan Morrison, courtesy of Ballet Des MoinesArtistic director Eric Trope’s Memory Sonata was the final offering of the evening. Ballet Des Moines performing in Eric Trope’s Memory Sonata — photo by Ryan Morrison, courtesy of Ballet Des MoinesBallet Des Moines performing in Eric Trope’s Memory Sonata — photo by Ryan Morrison, courtesy of Ballet Des MoinesBallet Des Moines performing in Eric Trope’s Memory Sonata — photo by Ryan Morrison, courtesy of Ballet Des MoinesBallet Des Moines performing in Eric Trope’s Memory Sonata — photo by Ryan Morrison, courtesy of Ballet Des MoinesBallet Des Moines performing in Eric Trope’s Memory Sonata — photo by Ryan Morrison, courtesy of Ballet Des MoinesForward was a promising invitation to a transformational season, and one that extends beyond the usual ballet crowd. By embracing community and breaking down barriers, Ballet Des Moines is certain to thrive in the months to come.