In 2018, Whitney Huell made history at Kansas City Ballet as the first African-American ballerina to dance the Sugar Plum Fairy role in The Nutcracker. In 2019 she reprises that role and others. You may also recognize her from The Nutcracker marketing campaign. (See image below.)
Q: WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT KC?
A: I really love our studios and theater. Both are so well made and exciting to dance in.
Q: IS THERE SOMEONE SPECIFIC THAT INSPIRES YOU IN YOUR LIFE AND/OR CAREER?
A: I’ve looked up to Misty Copeland since I was in high school. I had her picture from a discount dance magazine on my wall in my boarding school dorm room. Her rise to success in a predominantly white field is inspiring.
Q: HOW DO YOU STAY FIT AND HEALTHY OUTSIDE OF THE STUDIO?
A: I love yoga, especially ashtanga yoga. I practice at Maya Yoga at least once a week.
Q: WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE NOT DANCING DURING THE OFF SEASON (MAY-AUGUST)?
A: I travel mostly and do dancing and teaching gigs.
PAST PROFILES
2018-19 Season: Profile of Whitney Huell
2017-18 Season: Profile of Whitney Huell
Photography: Top photo by Elizabeth Stehling. Features Kansas City Ballet Dancers Whitney Huell and James Kirby Rogers. Side photo by Kenny Johnson. Features Kansas City Ballet Dancer Whitney Huell.