Sherry Urton brings together a lifelong love for ballet, a strong background in financial and administrative leadership, and a deep commitment to community-building in her role as School Operations Manager at Kansas City Ballet School. With over a decade of experience in both the finance sector and arts administration, she offers a unique blend of skills that strengthen the infrastructure and culture of dance education organizations. Originally from Wichita, Kansas, Sherry’s ballet journey began early and continued through her formative years. She trained and performed with the Metropolitan Ballet of Wichita, dancing many soloist roles throughout high school and college. Her passion for performing extended into opportunities with several small touring companies, which further enriched her understanding of the discipline, artistry, and logistics behind dance productions. These experiences laid the foundation for her future work supporting dancers not only on stage but also behind the scenes. Sherry holds a BFA in Dance and a master’s degree in arts leadership and management, combining artistic training with a strong foundation in nonprofit strategy, program development, and organizational finance. She went on to co-own a dance studio, where she taught, managed operations, and fostered a close-knit dance community. She also served for a few years on the volunteer board of directors for Metropolitan Ballet of Wichita, supporting artistic programming, volunteer coordination, and fundraising efforts. After relocating to Chicago, Sherry expanded her career in arts administration. Most recently, she served as the Registrar & Student Life Manager at The Joffrey Ballet, where she oversaw business operations related to the academy. Beyond operational leadership, Ms. Urton launched and led the Community Association, a unique initiative designed to foster meaningful relationships among students and families. Through monthly meetings, a student mentorship program, and community-building events, she helped create a culture of connection and shared responsibility within the school. She also managed student life logistics, worked with faculty and accompanists, and partnered with external vendors to support student needs—including housing, English language learning, and wellness services.
Now, after many years away, Sherry is thrilled to return home and support an organization she grew up knowing and admiring. Ms. Urton is passionate about creating environments where students feel seen, supported, and empowered, and is excited to help Kansas City Ballet School continue to thrive both artistically and operationally.