Exquisite dancing, enchanting music, and a timeless tale of love and loss. From October 17 -26, Kansas City Ballet brings back Swan Lake to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Perhaps the most beloved ballet of all time, Swan Lake captivates audiences with its iconic battle of good and evil, set to some of the most romantic music ever written.
For dancer Kaleena Burks, now in her 16th season with Kansas City Ballet, this production marks a meaningful return to one of ballet’s most legendary challenges: the dual characters of Odette and Odile.
The Challenge of Odette/Odile
Portraying Odette/Odile is one of ballet’s ultimate tests. A ballerina must embody Odette’s soft, ethereal grace, then transform into Odile’s dazzling, deceptive power.
“It’s probably the most challenging role I’ve done in a single evening,” Kaleena shares. “The technical demands are extreme, but so are the artistic ones. You have to switch between characters completely – innocence and purity in Odette, then sharp, seductive power in Odile – all while dancing nearly the entire ballet with very little rest.”
Kaleena first performed the role years ago, but she approaches it differently this season. “The first time I danced Odette/Odile, I remember thinking, ‘I hope I can get through this.’ Now I know I can. That gives me freedom to dive deeper into the characters, to let the artistry take over instead of worrying only about the technique.”
Artistic Director Devon Carney, who choreographed the ballet after Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, adds: “When considering the casting of the lead role of Odette/Odile in my Swan Lake, at the forethought of my decisions was Kaleena. She has been involved in the staging of the lead role since the first time that I brought the work to life for the Ballet back in 2016. Having an artist who has a depth of knowledge in her interpretation of this landmark role is very important for her personal artistic growth and also for the overall look of the production as a whole. She brings a high level of quality to the stage for all to enjoy.”
Honored by the Norman E. Gaar, Esq. Dancer Fund
This season carries special meaning for Kaleena as the inaugural honoree of the Norman E. Gaar, Esq. Dancer Fund, established by longtime supporter Marilyn Gaar in memory of her husband.
“I’ve known Marilyn for years, and she’s always been so supportive,” Kaleena says. “She has such a depth of knowledge of Russian ballet, and she once told me I reminded her of certain Russian ballerinas she admired. Even before this season, she came up to me and said, ‘I can’t wait to see you in Swan Lake. You’re such a lyrical dancer.’ To be the first recipient of this dancer fund is incredibly humbling.”
Kansas City Ballet is deeply grateful for endowed funds like this, as well as the many other ways supporters choose to give. Support like Marilyn’s provides lasting impact, encouraging dancers in their artistry and ensuring audiences can experience world-class performances season after season.
Kaleena’s Reflections on a 16-Year Journey
While many Kansas City Ballet supporters know Kaleena well, her reflections reveal how her artistry continues to evolve.
Over the years, she has danced an extraordinary range of principal roles, from Juliet in Romeo and Juliet to Giselle to the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker at the Kennedy Center. Yet what has shaped her most isn’t technical achievement, but artistic discovery.
“I grew up with Cuban ballet training, which emphasizes technical tricks such as how many turns or jumps you can do,” she explains. “But over time, I’ve leaned more into the artistry. I love diving into characters, exploring their emotional journeys, and finding ways to connect with the audience. That’s what really fulfills me now.”
She credits persistence, adaptability, and mentorship as keys to her longevity. “Sixteen years in this company means learning to give yourself grace. You won’t be perfect every day. But if you keep showing up, stay open-minded, and treat others with kindness, you’ll keep growing. That mindset has kept me here and still loving it.”
Why Swan Lake Captivates Audiences
What keeps audiences coming back to Swan Lake? For Kaleena, the answer is simple: it’s everything ballet can be.
“The corps of 24 swans moving together, the haunting music, the sweeping story – it’s just breathtaking. There’s a moment in the second act when Odette and Siegfried dance a pas de deux, surrounded by the swans holding still, creating these shapes on stage. It’s visually spectacular, and with the Kansas City Symphony playing live, it feels larger than life.”
This season also offers something new: debuts. “I’m the only Odette/Odile who’s danced the role before,” Kaleena notes. “Everyone else is experiencing it for the first time. As an audience member, that’s thrilling. You can feel the spark and adrenaline of a debut. It makes the story even more powerful.”
The Supporter Connection
As Kansas City Ballet prepares to bring this immortal love story back to the stage, Kaleena is quick to connect her work to the audience’s role.
“Getting closer to our supporters has shown me just how meaningful this work really is,” she says. “Sometimes as dancers we wonder, ‘Does this really matter?’ But then you hear from supporters how much the performances touch them, how invested they are in our journeys, and it gives everything purpose.”
Beloved classics like Swan Lake come alive thanks to the generosity of supporters who sustain the Ballet year after year. Whether through annual gifts, monthly support, or simply being in the audience, every contribution ensures live music in the pit, world-class productions on stage, and dancers like Kaleena at their very best.
To learn more about how your support makes a difference at Kansas City Ballet, please contact Chief Philanthropy Officer Kristin Castle at 816.216.5585 or kcastle@kcballet.org.
Header image: Kaleena Burks in the studio. Photo by Beeh Moynagh.
