Ballet Quad Cities

- 617 17th St, Rock Island, IL 61201

For nearly three decades, Illinois residents have had the unique privilege of being home to Ballet Quad Cities, the longest-running resident professional ballet company in our state. Located in Rock Island, this organization is much more than a group of dancers. It is a cultural cornerstone of the community, committed to bringing the magic of professional dance to people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you're a lifelong ballet enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Ballet Quad Cities provides an accessible and captivating entry into the world of professional dance.

Founded in 1996, Ballet Quad Cities has consistently worked to make the elegant and athletic art form of ballet a central part of life in the Quad Cities. They achieve this not only through their stunning performances but also through dedicated educational outreach programs. As one programming coordinator from a local library shared, the company's "Storytime" events are "thoroughly engaged" and highly praised, showing their dedication to community and literacy. This commitment to accessibility and education is a core part of their mission, making them a truly special institution in Illinois.

Ballet Quad Cities is based at 617 17th Street, Rock Island, IL 61201. This central location in the heart of Rock Island makes the company's headquarters and its School of Dance easily accessible to residents across the Quad Cities region, including Davenport, Bettendorf, and Moline. The convenience of their location is enhanced by their commitment to accessibility for all members of the community.

The facility provides a wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring that everyone can easily access their events and programs. This is part of the company's broader mission to make the arts available to everyone, a value they uphold not only at their home base but also through their performances at various accessible venues like the Adler Theatre and The Spotlight Theatre. With a variety of venues and a focus on accessibility at their main location, Ballet Quad Cities makes it easy for you to experience their incredible work.

Ballet Quad Cities is a multifaceted organization that provides a wide range of services, including professional performances, a full-scale school of dance, and community outreach.

• Professional Performances: The company performs a full season of professional classical and contemporary ballets at local venues throughout the year. Their repertoire includes beloved classics like "The Nutcracker" and "Romeo + Juliet," as well as new works by innovative choreographers.
• Ballet Quad Cities School of Dance: The company supports a school of dance that teaches classes for students from age 3 through adult. The school's philosophy is based on the principles of the renowned Vaganova method, ensuring high-quality instruction.
• Dance Instruction: The school offers a variety of classes for all levels, including Creative Movement, Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Modern, and Adult Ballet. This allows students to progress from a beginning level to a high level of technical ability.
• Dance Training at the School: Students are carefully evaluated and placed in classes suitable for their technical ability, with small class sizes to ensure each dancer receives personal attention.
• Educational Outreach Programs: Ballet Quad Cities is dedicated to making ballet accessible to the wider community. They offer programs for schools, libraries, youth centers, and organizations serving people with disabilities, using ballet to facilitate literacy and support social-emotional development.
• Community Collaborations: The company frequently collaborates with other local arts organizations, such as Orchestra Iowa, to create unique and enriching performances.
• Special Events: In addition to their main season, they offer special events like "open rehearsals" and "Storytime" programs, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process and engaging with the community in new and exciting ways.

Ballet Quad Cities stands out as a premier cultural institution due to a number of impressive features that define its mission and impact.

• Professional Dancers: The company employs a cast of professional dancers, many of whom have come from prestigious training programs and companies around the world. This ensures a consistently high level of artistry in every performance, as one dance student noted, expressing her love for being "taught by professional dancers."
• Long-standing Legacy: As the longest-running professional ballet company in Iowa and Western Illinois, Ballet Quad Cities has a rich history and a strong presence in the community. Its long history is a testament to its quality and dedication.
• Inclusivity and Accessibility: The company's mission is to make ballet "accessible for everyone." They do this through affordable ticket prices, outreach programs, and initiatives like the scholarship to help students attend "The Nutcracker," ensuring that financial barriers don't prevent people from experiencing the arts.
• Versatile Repertoire: Ballet Quad Cities performs a mix of classical and contemporary dance. This versatility appeals to a wide audience and allows the company to showcase both the traditional beauty of ballet and its evolving modern forms.
• Community Engagement: The company is deeply involved in the community, working with schools and libraries to bring the arts directly to the people. This commitment to educational outreach and collaboration with other organizations enriches the entire region.
• Convenient Payment Options: The company makes it easy to purchase tickets, merchandise, or support their mission, with options for credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
• Good for Kids: The company offers numerous programs and performances that are well-suited for children, with student matinees and educational events that inspire the next generation of artists and patrons.

To learn more about their performances, dance school, or community programs, you can reach out to Ballet Quad Cities directly.

Address: 617 17th St, Rock Island, IL 61201, USA
Phone: (309) 786-3779

For those in Illinois looking to engage with the performing arts, whether as a participant or an audience member, Ballet Quad Cities is a clear and compelling choice.

Firstly, its status as a professional company sets it apart. The opportunity to see world-class ballet right here in the Quad Cities is an incredible asset for our community. The dancers are highly trained professionals who bring a level of skill and artistry that is captivating and inspiring. For a student of dance, being taught by these professional dancers provides a level of instruction that is unparalleled. This direct connection to a professional company offers a unique pathway for young dancers who may wish to pursue a career in the arts.

Secondly, the organization's dedication to community is at the heart of everything they do. They don't simply perform in a theater; they are an active part of the cultural fabric of the region. From their free "Storytime" events at local libraries to their student matinees and educational programs, they work tirelessly to make dance accessible to everyone, regardless of age or background. This commitment to breaking down barriers and fostering a love for the arts is what truly makes them a valuable asset to the community.

Finally, the versatility of their offerings ensures that everyone can find something to love. Whether you want to witness the stunning athleticism of a contemporary piece or get lost in the timeless beauty of a classical ballet, their performance season has a wide range of works. For a family, the combination of professional performances and a high-quality dance school makes Ballet Quad Cities a single destination for both entertainment and education. It’s a place where children can learn, grow, and be inspired by the very people they see on stage. For all these reasons, Ballet Quad Cities is an institution that provides immense value to the arts landscape of Illinois and is well worth choosing to support and enjoy.

Ballet Quad Cities

617 17th St, Rock Island, IL 61201, USA