“Meeting people where they are and exploring opportunities to collaborate is essential,” says Kansas City Ballet (KCB) Executive Director David Gray.
KCB is deeply committed to building meaningful connections within the community and continually expands its efforts to make a greater impact on the city’s cultural landscape.
Each year, approximately 20,000 people connect with the joy of dance through KCB’s extensive community programs, which include matinees for schools, lecture demonstrations, dance workshops, pre-performance programs, and the Reach Out and Dance (R.O.A.D.) program, bringing dance to schools in Missouri and Kansas.
“Making dance accessible to everyone, from young children to senior citizens, drives the Ballet,” David adds. “Providing joyful and meaningful experiences that inspire, inform, and engage the broader community not only enriches lives but also helps cultivate new audiences, ensuring KCB thrives.”
Many people engage with KCB at its School or performance venues – such as the Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity, the South Campus at Meadowbrook, or at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Additionally, KCB proactively reaches out to the community, building and nurturing relationships beyond its walls.
Bringing Ballet to the Heart of the Community
KCB’s Second Company (KCB II) plays a central role in the Ballet’s outreach efforts, acting as ambassadors who represent the future of the art form while engaging with the community today.
Highly skilled emerging professionals, including KCB Trainees, make up the Second Company, delivering exceptional ballet experiences to audiences across the region.
“From performing in elementary schools to senior living centers and public spaces, these dancers often introduce many to ballet for the first time,” says Second Company Manager/Artistic Director Christopher Ruud.
He recalls some of the Second Company’s most rewarding community events, such as lecture demonstrations at senior living facilities like Saint Luke’s Bishop Spencer Place and Village Shalom retirement centers. “These are the performances where the dancers can truly feel that they are bringing joy through art,” Christopher shares.
He highlights the annual performance at the Crossroads Hotel every September as a prime example of the Second Company’s efforts to engage the community, inspiring visitors to open their hearts to ballet and the live performance of dance.
Last spring, KCB’s Second Company performed for a standing-room-only crowd at Lenexa City Center, an event initiated by KCB Chief Philanthropy Officer Jennifer Wampler, who serves on the Lenexa Arts Council. The event included a post-performance Q&A with the dancers and received such positive response that next spring, it will expand to two performances, offering more opportunities for suburban families to experience live ballet.
Building Partnerships for a Brighter Future
Joining KCB’s Second Company on the front line of the Ballet’s mission to share the beauty of ballet and dance is Kim Trudell, who recently stepped into KCB’s newly created Partnership Specialist role. Kim focuses on proactively developing relationships that resonate with the diverse fabric of Kansas City.
“The role involves cultivating local partnerships within the community to reach a broader audience and connect with people of all ages and backgrounds,” Kim explains.
David adds, “The aim is to discover where value can be added in the community, whether through speaking engagements or teaching workshops. All opportunities that align with the Ballet’s mission are open for exploration.”
Kim notes that KCB’s participation in events like the recent KidFEST at Union Station’s Science City showcases the organization’s dedication to connecting with families and young people, highlighting the depth and breadth of what KCB offers beyond its well-known productions like The Nutcracker.
Kim has also organized a return to Saint Lukes Bishop Spencer Place later this month, where KCB Academy faculty member Suzanne Ryanstrati will lead a dance class and teaching workshop for approximately 15 older adults.
“KCB has many layers, so it’s beneficial to brainstorm with potential new partners,” says Kim. “Learning more about the community, how it’s connected or disconnected, helps in creating stronger ties.”
You Can Help Get KCB into the Community
Creating a vibrant cultural tapestry in Kansas City, where dance is accessible and appreciated by everyone, is a community effort – and everyone can play a part.
Your community network can help to create opportunities for KCB to get involved.
- Host a KCB Second Company lecture demonstration at your favorite organization, whether a Rotary or church group;
- Invite a senior KCB representative to speak at one of your organization’s membership meetings;
- Invite KCB to participate in a local community event in your neighborhood;
- Organize a KCB performance at your grandchild’s school.
“There are countless ways to engage with KCB and help spread the joy of dance throughout the community,” says KCB’s David Gray.
To find out about ways to help KCB connect with your community, please contact Kim Trudell, KCB Partnership Specialist, at partnerships@kcballet.org.
Header image: KCB II dancers field questions from an enthusiastic audience at Lenexa City Center in March 2024. Photo by Beeh Moynagh.
