Congratulations to Kansas City Ballet Company dancers Kelsey Ivana Hellebuyck, Andrew Vecseri and Elliott Rogers, who were selected by Kansas City Ballet Artistic Director Devon Carney as this season’s named dancer honorees.
- Kelsey Ivana Hellebuyck, John Hunkeler Senior Dancer
- Andrew Vecseri, Sally and Thomas J. Wood Senior Dancer
- Elliott Rogers, Greg and Barbara Storm Emerging Dancer
Thank you to the generous supporters who established these endowed funds, which sustain Kansas City Ballet in perpetuity by providing for the salaries of company artists. Dancers are selected each year by the Artistic Director to receive this recognition.
Kelsey, Andrew and Elliott were asked what this recognition means to them and what they enjoy most about being part of the incredible Kansas City Ballet (KCB) community. Each one also gives us a preview of what they’re looking forward to sharing with audiences this season!
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO JOIN KANSAS CITY BALLET, AND WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT BEING PART OF THIS INCREDIBLE COMMUNITY?
Kelsey: Back in 2016, I noticed the rapid growth and momentum KCB was experiencing, and I knew it would be a good fit for me as a dancer. Devon had been Artistic Director for only three years earlier and was already bringing in exciting repertory. Now in my 9th season with KCB, it’s been fantastic to be part of an organization that grows stronger every year, both on and off the stage.
Andrew: I was incredibly blessed to join Kansas City Ballet for the 2022-23 season, which brought me back into the world of professional dance. I’m so grateful for that opportunity. Being surrounded by talented dancers who inspire me and challenge me to grow as a performer has pushed me to new heights. This close-knit community feels like family, where we support and encourage each other to improve every day. It’s exciting to be part of such a collaborative environment, where I feel comfortable seeking guidance and pushing boundaries as an artist.
Elliott: I first met Devon Carney when I was 18 while training at Houston Ballet Academy. My teachers encouraged me to audition for KCB because they knew it would be a good match for me. After meeting Devon when he taught a class, I spoke with him and learned more about Kansas City Ballet. This drew me in, and I knew Kansas City was where I wanted to be. From the vast Todd Bolender Center to the beautiful Kauffman Center, KCB has always been such a warm and welcoming environment. Although I’m no longer a student, I continue to learn from the ballet masters and my fellow dancers every day.
WHAT DOES THIS RECOGNITION MEAN TO YOU BOTH PERSONALLY AND AS A DANCER?
Kelsey: I’m honored to be this year’s John Hunkeler Senior Dancer. Being selected by Devon Carney means so much to me. It reflects the company’s vision for the season ahead, and I’m incredibly grateful, both personally and as a dancer, for the recognition.
Andrew: Being named the Sally & Thomas J. Wood Senior Dancer for the 2024-2025 season is such an honor. I feel humbled to have been chosen, and I’m thankful for the support of everyone who has helped me along the way. As a dancer, I hope to continue to work harder and harder so that I may fill the shoes of all the dancers who’ve held this recognition before me.
Elliott: It means so much to me to be recognized as the Greg and Barbara Storm Emerging Dancer for this season. As dancers, this is exactly what we train for and set out to do: to have our art reach out and connect with audiences. Knowing that my work resonates with the Kansas City community is incredibly fulfilling, and I couldn’t be happier.
AS YOU LOOK AHEAD TO THIS SEASON, WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO SHARE WITH AUDIENCES?
Kelsey: I’m eager to share my art this season, continuing to grow in my craft with each performance. KCB is fortunate to have some of the greatest supporters I’ve encountered in my 19-year professional career, and their encouragement fills me with gratitude. I can’t wait to show them what all our hard work and rehearsals will bring to the stage this season at the Kauffman Center.
Andrew: I’m especially excited for Don Quixote and the mixed repertoire at the end of the season. Don Quixote is such a dynamic, classical ballet with flair and style, and the mixed rep will challenge me to step outside of my comfort zone. I find it so incredibly exciting to be able to grow and expand to fill the roles and opportunities presented to me and to meet all the challenges that come along with it. The more difficult it is to obtain and change styles, the more impactful and fulfilling it is to be able to achieve success on any level. I’m looking forward to growing and expanding as a person, dancer, and artist, all while giving glory to God, every single day.
Elliott: I’m excited to share the entire season with audiences! This season offers something for every palette, from ALICE (in wonderland) with its whimsical and fantastical world and cast of characters, to Don Quixote, which is a pillar of classical ballet, to Fusion which offers an entire array of dance within itself. I’m ready to dip my feet into each repertoire of the season and perform something totally different each time.
Header image: Dancer headshots by Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios.
All additional images by Tom Styrkowicz/53 TOM L.L.C.
