When choreographer Durante Verzola was a boy growing up in Lansing, Kansas, his earliest creations did not happen in studios. They unfolded in his family’s living room, where he gathered his five younger siblings, assigned them steps and staged productions for his parents. Even then, he was drawn to music, space and storytelling, shaping movement long before he knew the word choreographer.
This winter, that child returns to Kansas City as a rising national talent. Durante, now an acclaimed Filipino American choreographer, is creating a new work for Kansas City Ballet’s New Moves program, Jan. 29 through Feb. 1, 2026, at the Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity.
For Artistic Director Devon Carney, the moment is meaningful. “It’s a wonderful coming-home story,” he says, “one that highlights the exceptional training at Kansas City Ballet School and the company’s commitment to presenting bold, diverse voices in contemporary ballet.”
Discovering Dance
Durante’s love for dance began at age 7, when he attended a cousin’s tap recital. “I was immediately hooked,” he says. “I begged my mom to let me take dance classes.”
Tap came first, then ballet captured his imagination with its discipline, musicality and emotional power. His parents supported his training wherever the military stationed the family. Once they settled near Leavenworth, Kansas, he found what would become his artistic home.
Training That Opened a Door
At 12, Durante began training with Kansas City Ballet School, where ballet shifted from an interest to a possible profession.
“Kansas City Ballet was the first professional company I got to watch up close,” he says. “Seeing the school and company work together made me realize this could be a real career.”
His 30-minute commute was matched by his mother’s devotion. She brought him to class and to nearly every Kansas City Ballet performance. “My mom was a superhero,” he says.
The training paid off. Durante danced the Prince in Todd Bolender’s The Nutcracker for two seasons, gaining confidence and stage experience that propelled him forward.
Finding His Voice
At 16, Durante left home on a full scholarship to train at Miami City Ballet School. “It was tough,” he says. “But I knew I needed to go.”
His career advanced quickly, from Philadelphia Ballet II and The Suzanne Farrell Ballet to a growing choreographic portfolio. Over the past decade, he has created works for Miami City Ballet, Ballet Arizona’s Studio Company, Collage Dance Collective, Ballet Chicago, Ballet22 and others.
His choreography has appeared at Works & Process at the Guggenheim, Jacob’s Pillow and the New York Choreographic Institute, earning national praise for its musicality and vitality.
Now a resident choreographer and faculty member at Miami City Ballet School, Durante is recognized as one of ballet’s most compelling emerging voices.
A Chance Meeting at Jacob’s Pillow
Durante’s return to Kansas City came together at just the right moment. This summer at Jacob’s Pillow, Devon – who visits each year – watched several rehearsals as Durante created a new work for the Contemporary Ballet Program and immediately recognized him from his Kansas City Ballet School days. A brief conversation followed, revealing Durante’s interest in choreographing for the company.
“As it turned out, there was an open spot in New Moves,” Devon says. “The timing was perfect.”
A New Work for Kansas City
Durante’s world premiere will feature six to eight KC Ballet dancers and is set to the first and last movements of Dvorák’s Piano Quintet No. 1, performed live by Company Pianist and Principal Academy Pianist Jordan Voth. He will be joined by nationally recognized Kansas City-based string quartet Opus 76, returning to New Moves for the fifth consecutive year.
Durante describes the piece as romantic and passionate, blending classical vocabulary with immediacy. “I want to make work that showcases technique and individuality,” he says. “Live music enriches everything.”
For supporters, the commission offers a chance to experience an artist’s work early in a rapidly rising career and to see Kansas City Ballet’s commitment to new choreography in action.
Coming Full Circle
Returning home holds special meaning. “Creating something new in the place that shaped me feels full circle,” Durante says.
He will also teach a master class at Kansas City Ballet School, sharing his experience with students who stand where he once stood.
For Kansas City Ballet, New Moves offers a vibrant homecoming from an artist who began here, trained here and now returns to add his voice to the city’s evolving dance story.
Kansas City Ballet School is widely acclaimed for its world-class training and its role in shaping future artists and leaders. Your support helps open doors for young dancers, just as it did for Durante. To learn more about supporting the School, contact Chief Philanthropy Officer Kristin Castle at 816.216.5585 or kcastle@kcballet.org.
Header image: Durante Verzola. Photo courtesy of Durante Verzola.
