Lance DeMoss-Black never saw himself as a dancer. Before 2024, ballet wasn’t even on his radar. Thanks to the Kansas City Ballet School’s Reach Out And Dance (R.O.A.D.) program, a Thursday movement class opened up a whole new world for him
“I had no hobbies before,” Lance admits. “But then I found ballet, and I really love it.”
What started as a weekly introduction to dance quickly became a passion, a scholarship, and a place on stage. At 11 years old, Lance is now a R.O.A.D. Scholar, training twice weekly at the Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity. He has performed in ALICE (in wonderland), Don Quixote, Swan Lake, and Devon Carney’s The Nutcracker. After appearing in The Nutcracker in 2024, he had a bigger role in 2025 as a Party Boy, with more material to learn and perform.
“I felt like I mattered,” he says. “Like I was part of something bigger.”
A Transformation Beyond the Studio
R.O.A.D. gave Lance a positive outlet for energy and emotions. Before joining, he sometimes struggled with disruptive behavior at school. Dance’s structure, discipline, and creativity gave him new focus.
“Lance’s transformation has been remarkable,” says Chad Cross, Curriculum Administrator at Turner Elementary. “He went from frequent disruptions to showing self-control and maturity. R.O.A.D. gave him an artistic outlet and fostered resilience.”
From R.O.A.D. Student to R.O.A.D. Scholar
After discovering movement in his 3rd grade R.O.A.D. Residency at Turner Elementary, Lance quietly aimed for a Year 2 R.O.A.D. Scholarship.
“I didn’t even know he was up for the scholarship,” his mother Halie says. “When we got the news, he cried with joy.”
Now attending classes two times each week at the Bolender Center, Lance is mastering new techniques and building friendships. From a hedgehog in ALICE (in wonderland) to a Russian doll in The Nutcracker, a puppet Basilio in Don Quixote, and a page in Swan Lake, Lance brings dedication and personality to every role.
“Supporting him is going as smoothly as it can with three other kids,” Halie adds. “We never miss the opportunity to see him on stage. I’m so proud of him.”
Lance’s Growing Commitment
Kimberly Cowen, Kansas City Ballet School Principal and KCYB Director, notes Lance has now performed in five different company productions. “His role in the Party Scene in The Nutcracker in 2025 was a bigger role than in 2024, with more content to learn. He’s done a great job of retaining and improving the material. What’s wonderful is seeing his ability to act and bring a character to life. He’s conscientious, asks thoughtful questions, and understands the responsibility of performing professionally.”
Lance hopes to continue with ballet beyond his current R.O.A.D. scholarship, which supports him through the summer of 2026.
He also wants to be able to audition for every Kansas City Ballet production he can.
“When I look ahead, I see more ballet in my life,” he says.
Shaping the Future of Ballet
Lance’s journey illustrates R.O.A.D.’s mission: introducing children to ballet, cultivating future performers, and inspiring audiences. Dance has given him discipline, focus, perseverance – and a lifelong passion.
R.O.A.D. celebrates its 25th anniversary during the 2025–2026 school year, marking a quarter century of introducing children to dance and helping shape the next generation of performers. The program transforms the lives of hundreds of children in Kansas City each year. To learn more or support the program, contact Chief Philanthropy Officer Kristin Castle at 816.216.5585 or kcastle@kcballet.org.
Header image: Lance DeMoss-Black (right) performs as a Party Boy in Devon Carney’s The Nutcracker in 2025. Also pictured: Inés Nin, Kansas City Ballet School student. Photo by Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios.
Thank you all for the opportunity for me to be able to dance. I have found my passion all because of all the people who support the ballet schools in kc