Blair Bieser never expected a spontaneous night at the ballet to change his life. But in 2009, after scoring a last-minute ticket to Kansas City Ballet’s performance of Yuri Possokov’s The Firebird, he was completely captivated.
“I didn’t know anything about ballet, but I was absolutely enthralled,” Blair recalls. “It was so beautiful, and the combination of artistry and athleticism was just amazing.”
That one performance sparked a passion that grew into a deep appreciation for the art form. Today, Blair is a devoted ballet enthusiast, a regular attendee, and a generous supporter of Kansas City Ballet.
Turning Passion into Support
As Blair’s love for ballet deepened, so did his commitment to supporting it. He increased his annual giving and soon joined The Bolender Society.
But Blair didn’t just give – he gave strategically. By donating mutual fund shares, he maximized his contributions while minimizing his tax liability. His employer’s matching gift program further amplified his impact, effectively doubling his support.
“I don’t pay capital gains taxes, and I get to take an itemized deduction on the value of the shares,” he explains. “And with my employer’s match, I qualify for Bolender Society benefits like invitations to opening night parties. It’s a smart way to give more while making a bigger difference.”
The Joy of Live Performances
“People ask why I go to every Kansas City Ballet show and I always say, ‘I can be sitting at home, or I can be at the ballet!’” he laughs.
Blair enjoys seeing different casts bring unique interpretations to each performance. “I usually notice things I missed the first time,” he says. “And, really, 18 performances a year isn’t that many!”
As a subscriber, Blair takes advantage of exclusive perks – early access to tickets, a 25 percent ticket discount, and seat upgrades. “I’ve upgraded my seat location several times, and now I have pretty awesome seats to all the performances,” he says.
He also loves the flexibility of swapping tickets when inviting friends. “It’s great when they’re only available for a certain performance,” he adds.
One of his most cherished memories? A snowstorm nearly emptied the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts on opening night of Lady of the Camellias in 2019, but those who braved the weather witnessed something unforgettable.
“Emily Mistretta was mesmerizing as Marguerite,” he recalls. “When Emily came out for her curtain call, the entire audience immediately stood up. That moment gave me goosebumps.”
Blair, who also volunteers as an usher at the Kauffman Center, says people still talk about that night.
Spreading the Love of Ballet
Blair delights in introducing others to ballet, often treating friends, family, and coworkers to performances. Some were skeptical at first, but most became hooked.
“One friend moved to Denver and now has season tickets to Colorado Ballet,” he says proudly. “Another coworker insisted ballet wasn’t her ‘thing’ – until I used the lure of Irish dancing to convince her to see Celts. Now she loves all kinds of dance!”
Blair’s journey – from first-time audience member to passionate supporter – proves that a single night at the ballet can change everything.
Make An Impact
Learn how you too can give wiser and make an impact to support the art you love. Contact Kansas City Ballet’s Philanthropy team at impact@kcballet.org or 816.216.5612.
Header image: Blair Bieser. Photo courtesy of Kansas City Ballet.
