A native of Pleasanton, California, Sydney Ransbury joined Kansas City Ballet’s Second Company as a member of KCB II this season. Learn more about Sydney!
Q: TELL US WHY YOU BECAME A DANCER?
A: When I was 12, I went to a Ballet in Cinema at the movie theater. It was a livestream production of the Royal Ballet doing Alice in Wonderland. I remember watching Alice and thinking, “I want to do that!” I started seriously training and working towards professional dancing then.
Q: HOW DO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS SUPPORT YOUR CAREER?
A: I am very fortunate to have a super supportive family. My parents were both college athletes so I think that helped them to understand and appreciate the physical aspect of dancing. My friends help to push and inspire me in the studios. I love how every dancer is different, so I enjoy watching and learning from the different artists around me.
Q: WITH MANY CHANGES AND UNKNOWNS, WHAT POSITIVES DID YOU CHOOSE TO FOCUS ON THIS YEAR?
A: The 2020-21 Season has definitely reminded me of the resilience we all have. If we can make it through, 6+ months dancing in our kitchens, we can handle anything! I am choosing to focus on the fact that we are fortunate enough to be back in studios. Although things are different, I know so many dancers still have weeks before they go back, if at all. I feel very grateful to be in a real dancing space again.
Q: IS THERE SOMEONE WHO INSPIRES YOU?
A: My parents are definitely my biggest inspiration. I really admire their work ethics and strive to replicate that in my own life. My mother will do something over and over again until it is done correctly. My father never complains or dwells in the negativity of a situation, but instead just gets to work. They are daily inspirations for me!
Top Photograph by Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios.
