Dance Speaks: Giselle

Kansas City Ballet Artistic Director/Choreographer Devon Carney invites you to join him, along with Giselle guest coach Elaine Bauer and company dancer Kaleena Burks, in an engaging conversation about this romantic ballet. Get a sneak peek of the company rehearsal of Giselle, then gain inside information about the production. The program includes an audience Q and A.

Elaine Bauer

Elaine Bauer brings to her work as a master teacher, coach, and regisseuse a rich and versatile experience in dance. During her 20-year performing career as a principal ballerina with Boston Ballet, she was known for her extraordinary artistry and dramaticism in many classical, contemporary and modern works. Ms. Bauer was noted for her versatility as well as her unique ability to interpret the intent of contemporary choreographers who sought her out amongst others in the company.

Kaleena Burks

Kaleena Burks was raised in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where she received training from Magda Auñon and Magaly Suarez. In 2005, she was awarded first place in the pre-professional division of the American Ballet Competition and has since been invited to perform in many galas, including the International Ballet Festival of Miami as well as the Moving Arts Dance Festival. Ms. Burks has danced with Cincinnati Ballet, Columbia Classical Ballet, and the Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami. She has been honored to dance the role of Sugar Plum Fairy at the Kennedy Center with Kansas City Ballet’s tour of The Nutcracker in 2017. In Kansas City, she has been featured as Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Juliet in Romeo & Juliet, Marguerite Gautier in Lady of the Camellias, The Chosen One in Rite of Spring, Myrtha in Giselle, Lilac Fairy in Sleeping Beauty, Fairy Godmother in Cinderella, Tiger Lily in Peter Pan, Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Glinda in The Wizard of Oz, along with principal roles in Diamonds, Diving into the Lilacs, Dracula, In the Upper Room, Interplay, Mercury, Petal, Serenade, Tulips and Lobster, and Wunderland. This is Ms. Burks’ thirteenth season with Kansas City Ballet.