When Kansas City Ballet last staged The Wizard of Oz, Gillian Yoder was a trainee, still finding her footing in the company. Now a company artist, she’s stepping into the ruby red pointe shoes herself, dancing the role of Dorothy when the production opens KC Ballet’s 2026-2027 season Oct. 16-25 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

Gillian’s family in Florida rarely misses a show, and this fall they’re making the trip to see her Dorothy in person. Off stage, she’s found a version of small-town warmth in Kansas City, plus a go-to spot at Mildred’s. We caught up with her to talk about what surprised her most about returning to this ballet, and whether she’d rather live in Kansas or Oz.

No place like the studio: Gillian Yoder rehearses her role as Dorothy at the Bolender Center. Photo by Beeh Moynagh.

So you were a trainee the last time Kansas City Ballet did The Wizard of Oz. What’s one thing you knew about this ballet, then, that surprises you now that you’re playing Dorothy?

I remember there being a lot of choreography, but I don’t think I realized just how much until I came back to it as Dorothy. There’s a surprising amount of dancing packed into the ballet, and you’re doing it while also staying in character and following the story. I definitely have a new appreciation for the stamina it takes.

So if your trainee self could see you now in the ruby red pointe shoes, what would you tell her?

I would tell her to be more present and enjoy the opportunities as they come. When I was a trainee, I wasn’t even sure if I would eventually rise up in the company, so I spent a lot of time wondering what would happen next. Looking back, I’d tell myself to trust that things unfold the way they’re meant to, and to be excited about each opportunity along the way.

Glinda or the Wicked Witch of the West, who are you more like off stage? 

I’m definitely more of a Glinda. I’m a pretty bubbly person, and I like to just keep things light, simple, and drama-free.

Now, if you had to pick one, would you rather have Toto, the Scarecrow, or the Tin Man, as your real-life best friend?

Definitely Toto. He’s the least complicated, he can’t really talk, and he’d just be a good hang; keep the energy up, keep the vibes good. I’m a big animal person. My cat is basically my best friend.

Dancer Gillian Yoder gave the Scarecrow and the Tin Man a fair shot. Toto still won. Photo Toto (the puppet) in rehearsal for The Wizard of Oz by Beeh Moynagh.

So, what’s the hardest part of the Wizard of Oz choreography that audiences probably don’t even realize is hard?

There are a lot of scenes where several people are lifting one person, and getting everyone coordinated so it looks seamless is way harder than it seems. People probably assume it’s just the guys who have to stay coordinated with each other, but I’m actively thinking about staying coordinated with them, too. It’s deceiving: if everyone isn’t in the right place at the right time, it shows.

Kansas or Oz, where would you actually want to live?

Kansas. It’s simpler, and family means a lot to me. Oz feels like more of a vacation spot, somewhere you visit every once in a while.

Gillian Yoder was recently named the Greg and Barbara Storm Emerging Dancer for the 2026-2027 Kansas City Ballet Season.

The Wizard of Oz is presented by Seville Home and runs Oct. 16-25 at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Productions like this are made possible by the generosity of Kansas City Ballet’s supporters. To learn more about supporting the season, contact Chief Philanthropy Officer Kristin Castle at 816.216.5585 or kcastle@kcballet.org.

Header image: Dancer Gillian Yoder as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Photo by Kenny Johnson.