Ballet School in Kansas City

Performances

Throughout the year, students may be selected by Kansas City Ballet’s artistic staff to perform with the company in full-length productions.

Only Academy students are eligible to audition for roles in these productions, including Kansas City Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker. In this main stage production over 150 Academy students compliment Kansas City Ballet’s professional dancers and Second Company.

The Kansas City Youth Ballet (KCYB) is the performing ensemble of the KCBS.

The focus of the KCYB is on excellence in training and developing a pre-professional performance atmosphere for the dancers. KCYB is made up of dancers ranging in age from 15-19, who study under Director Kimberly Cowen, Associate Director Dmitry Trubchanov and the faculty of the Kansas City Ballet School. The company presents two major performances each season with the potential for additional performances in the community. KCYB performances feature works from the classical ballet repertory as well as showcasing many original works by local choreographers of varying disciplines.

Performance Opportunities

One of the most invaluable aspects of Academy training at KCBS is the opportunity for many students to gain stage experience at a young age.

Performing before a live audience teaches stage decorum, instills confidence and facilitates the transition from student to professional. Students must maintain a high level of excellence and attendance throughout the school year to be considered for Kansas City Ballet Company performances.

End of School Year Performance

All KCBS students have an end-of-the-year performance opportunity in May. Creative Movement students will have an in-studio demonstration during their regularly scheduled class time. Students in Fundamentals through Level 1 participate in the Children's Showcase at the Bolender Center. Students in Level 2 and up participate in an annual spring performance at the Kauffman Center. This performance is ticketed and open to the public, and all students are encouraged to attend.

Performing with Kansas City Ballet

Academy students are eligible to audition for Kansas City Ballet productions where roles and ages vary. Casting of students into KCB Company productions is at the sole discretion of the KCB Artistic Director and not a guarantee.