Paul Zusi
Our People
Kansas City Ballet Dancers
Kansas City Ballet, a professional ballet company of 30 dancers (and a Second Company comprised of KCB II and Trainees), was incorporated in 1957 by Founder and Artistic Director Tatiana Dokoudovska to serve Greater Kansas City.
Upon Mme. Dokoudovska’s retirement in 1980, Todd Bolender, a former dancer with the New York City Ballet and protégé of George Balanchine, established Kansas City Ballet’s artistic focus. William Whitener, a former dancer with The Joffrey Ballet and Twyla Tharp Dance, succeeded Mr. Bolender and served as artistic director from 1996-2013. Devon Carney began as artistic director in 2013.
By commissioning new works by some of today’s most sought-after choreographers, giving rise to young talent, acquiring existing works by master choreographers, and introducing new interpretations of classic full-length productions, Mr. Carney is creating a sophisticated, diverse repertory that offers powerful entertainment for all audiences.
Main Company
KCB II
About KCB II
KCB II, a Professional Division program of Kansas City Ballet’s School, is part of Kansas City Ballet’s Second Company. This program gives extraordinarily talented young dancers a professional company experience as a prelude to their joining a professional company.
Trainees
About Our Trainees
The Trainee Program at the Kansas City Ballet School aims to nurture and develop the technical skills and artistry of young aspiring post-secondary dancers. This Professional Division program is part of Kansas City Ballet’s Second Company.
Ava Bernardo
Emma Blake
Alessia Braggiato
Sage Guillot
Jack Hindocha-Daniels
Hiroaki Ikeda
Gracie Jean Joiner
Corabelle Kennedy
Laila Madison
Blair Mendes
Ena Nomoto
Miles Orvetti
Olivia Pearsall
Reagan Pender
Brendan Turner
Zoey Uhlman
James Wray