Company Dancer Kelsey Hellebuyck reveals a little about her love of the arts and her clothing obsession as she begins her second season with Kansas City Ballet.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being a dancer?
A: I TREASURE being able to do what I am passionate about for a living! An added bonus being, I can share this beautiful and still VERY ALIVE artform with people who haven’t yet been exposed. Not only through performances, But even just about town! I often meet people who say they’ve NEVER met a Ballerina, nor have they ever been to the ballet! After sharing some of my experiences and all that goes into this profession, how it is SO MUCH MORE then just standing on you tippy-toes, They’re EXCITED to come and see a show, to have a personal connection with someone on the stage, see our athleticism and feel moved by the music and the movement.
Q: Do you have hobbies or special Interests?
A: Quite a few! But to name a couple off the top: I’m a bit of a “FASHIONPHILE”, a “Walking Wardrobe” if you will. I get a high curating new things to add to my collection. I also adore antiquing! finding things with history, imagining what they’ve seen, the stories they could tell. Sometimes there is nothing better then a Sunday spent painting or sketching, I find it very relaxing and a nice way to clear your head and prepare for the week ahead.
Q: What do you enjoy most about Kc?
A: Besides our company, our amazing studios and the absolutely STUNNING Kauffman Center, where we are so blessed to perform, I LOVE just how much KC appreciates The ARTS in ALL FORMS! The Ballet, Opera and Symphony, the performance venues, the museums and art galleries they are some of the BEST in the world! Also Kansas City has some incredible restaurants and fantastic shopping! I was amazed moving here at ALL this city had to offer! There are even great wineries just beyond the city proper in Kansas! A few of us dancers have gone on some tastings over there and let me just say, This California girl was quite impressed!
Q: what is something most people wouldn’t know about you?
A: I live in a 2-bedroom apartment, the second bedroom being solely a closet. I’ts just me, my little dog Coco and a whole lot of clothes and shoes……A WHOLE LOT! Take a peek in my closet and my everyday ballerina life on Instagram: @IvanaDance or Twitter: @KelseyIvana! [Incidentally, Kelsey will be doing an Instagram takeover of the Ballet’s account @kc.ballet Oct. 10-15, 2017.]