Kansas City Ballet 2022-2023 Gratitude Report

2022-2023 GRATITUDE REPORT

Kansas City Ballet believes in the right for all to experience full equity and inclusion. We strive to represent diversity in our company, staff, and school, and actively seek to cultivate dancers from diverse backgrounds.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Kansas City Ballet Dancers in Haley Kostas’ Scarecrow.

Front Cover | Dancers Naomi Tanioka & Andrew Vecseri in Devon Carney’s Cinderella.

Back Cover | Kansas City Ballet Dancers in Alexander Ekman’s Cacti.

All photography by Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios unless otherwise noted.

THANK YOU FROM KANSAS CITY BALLET LEADERSHIP

It gives me great joy to reflect on the past ten years of creating memorable dance experiences for you both on the stage and behind the scenes. I am honored to be a part of this incredible company. This last decade has certainly flown by!

As you review this report, you will witness the strength and beauty of our company. Giselle showcased the artistry of our talented dancers, while my new production of Cinderella highlighted their exceptional acting abilities alongside their impeccable dancing skills. New Moves highlighted emerging choreographic talent both nationally and within our own dancers. Bliss Point, our final performance, enveloped you, our audience, in an energetic whirlwind of athleticism.

One standout moment of this year, however, was undoubtedly our return to the prestigious Kennedy Center with my Nutcracker. It was an immense honor to again be showcased at our nation’s theater.

Thank you for your unwavering support and for making Kansas City Ballet, and my journey here, so extraordinary. Here’s to the next ten years of creating more unforgettable dance experiences together.

Sincerely,

As I settle into my role at Kansas City Ballet, I am learning so much about this city, the organization, and the many amazing people whose support makes the work of this company possible.

The Ballet makes dreams come true - for students in our school, for professional dancers who perform, for audience members immersed in performances, and for the children experiencing dance through community programs.

My predecessor Jeff Bentley committed 25 years to this organization including seeing the Ballet through COVID. Jeff’s work built on the amazing efforts of past leadership. I am proud to be part of this organization and its lineage.

The Ballet has taken significant steps toward becoming more inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible. This work moves KCB closer to our vision of outstanding dance experiences accessible to all. I am eager to collaborate with the staff, dancers, and all our supporters to drive this work forward.

As you attend performances and events this season, please introduce yourself to me. I am excited to get to know you and learn about the impact dance has had on your life.

With gratitude,

DAVID GRAY Executive Director

DEVON CARNEY Artistic Director

FRONT ROW

Isaac Allen

Ashland, Oregon | 1 year

Brock Maye *

Washington, D.C. | 1 year

Gavin Abercrombie

Acton, California | 5 years

+2 years – Second Company

Cameron Thomas Rochester, NY | 6 years

+1 year - Second Company

2022-2023 Sally and Thomas

J. Wood Senior Dancer

2022-2023 COMPANY DANCERS Hometown | Years with KCB

Kevin Wilson

Durango, CO | 7 years

Javier Morales

Havana, Cuba | 6 years

Joshua Bodden

Miami, FL | 9 years

Paul Zusi

South Bend, ID | 2 years

Joshua Kiesel

Hanover Park, IL | 2 years

+2 years – Second Company

BACK ROW

Gabriel Lorena

São Paulo, Brazil | 1 year

Brian Warkentien

San Diego, CA | 1 year

Kaleena Burks

Ft. Lauderdale, FL | 13 years

Amanda DeVenuta

Carmel, NY | 9 years

2022-2023 The John Hunkeler Senior Dancer

Georgia Fuller

Cincinnati, OH | 3 years

+3 years - Second Company

Sidney Haefs

Los Angeles, CA | 4 years

+1 year – Second Company

Autumn Steed

Downers Grove, IL | 1 year

+2 years – Second Company

Angelin Carrant

Paris, France | 5 years

+1 year – Second Company

Whitney Huell

Irmo, SC | 9 years

Emily Mistretta

Upland, CA | 7 years

Kelsey Ivana Hellebuyck

San Francisco, CA | 7 years

Marisa DeEtte Whiteman

Stony Brook, NY | 5 years

+4 years - Second Company

Alladson Barreto

Natal, Brazil | 1 year

Amaya Rodriguez

Havana, Cuba | 7 years

Gwen Vandenhoeck

Brooklyn, NY | 1 year

Sophie Hod *

Great Neck, NY | 1 year

+3 years - Second Company

Courtney Nitting

Lafayette, NJ | 5 years

Taryn Mejia

Independence, MO | 11 years

Naomi Tanioka

Sapporo, Japan | 4 years

2022-2023 Greg and Barbara

Storm Emerging Dancer

Andrew Vecseri

Houston, TX | 1 year

Olivia Jacobus *

Malibu, CA | 1 year

*apprentice

Company dancers are represented by the American Guild of Musical Artists.

Ben Zusi KCB II

Hannah Arnold Trainee

Keira Holland Trainee

Aysia Bates Trainee

Alena Harrison Trainee

2022-2023 SECOND COMPANY

Lauryn Brown KCB II

Charlotte Kelsey Trainee

Trinity Santoro KCB II

Ian Anderson-Conlon KCB II

Malerie Moore KCB II

Natalie Boese Trainee

Gillian Yoder KCB II

Olivia Newell Trainee

Maya Canestaro Trainee

Grant Gonzalez Trainee

Katie Shipp Trainee

Troy Monger-Levin Trainee

Dancers listed in order of appearance.

The Second Company includes KCB II and the Trainee Program, both part of the Kansas City Ballet School’s Professional Division. KCB II gives talented young dancers a professional company experience as a prelude to their joining a professional company. The Trainee Program aims to nurture and develop the technical skills and artistry of young aspiring post-secondary dancers.

In addition to performing with the company, this year the Second Company presented lecture demonstrations at local elementary schools and performed at iconic locations such as Union Station, the Crossroads Hotel, and Powell Gardens.

“Teaching and mentoring these dancers means everything to me. Movement is the original human language, and dance sings the song of the human soul. It is my great honor to pass this on to young dancers with the knowledge that they will approach the stage with that concept in their heart.”

– Christopher Ruud, Second Company Manager

Dancers in Cameron Thomas’ Splug. Photo by Anna Walters.

DANCER GEORGIA FULLER’S BALLET JOURNEY

From student and Second Company dancer to company artist and instructor

At age two Georgia Fuller was already dancing around her house, so much so that her mother had no choice but to put her into a studio to foster her free spirit. Fueled by her love for dance, Georgia’s career blossomed at Kansas City Ballet, transforming from KCB School student in 2014 to a full-time company dancer beginning in 2022.

Her early training was at Cincinnati Ballet, where she first met Devon Carney, Kristi Capps, and many current and retired KCB dancers. After being offered a trainee contract at KCB at age 17, Georgia spent two and half years in the Second Company before being promoted to apprentice. “It’s truly been such a unique and special process to grow under Devon’s tutelage over the years, as he has certainly been a part of my journey since the very beginning,” she shares.

Georgia finished her first season as a company member in May 2023. Despite the long days and mental and physical demands, she often takes a step back to gain perspective and remain grateful and inspired. “I’ve learned many valuable lessons that have contributed to the dancer that I am today, but one of these lessons – and perhaps the most important – is to keep viewing dance as a passion and not just my job.”

It’s a beautiful triumph to pursue your passion. In a full-circle moment, Georgia now teaches in the KCB School and delights in working with the next generation of young dancers. “I always try to encourage that simplistic love for dance in my own students.”

“It sounds simple, but KCB is a special place to dance because it’s full of people who truly, authentically want to be there each day.” –Georgia Fuller

Dancer Georgia Fuller in Mark Morris’s Sandpaper Ballet.

OFFICERS

Julia Irene Kauffman, Chairman

Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation

CiCi Rojas, President Tico Productions LLC / Tico Sports

Jack D. Rowe, J.D., Immediate Past President Lathrop GPM LLP

MEMBERS

Aviva Ajmera SoLVE

Charlotte Kemper Black Commerce Trust Company

Lucy Wells Coulson Community Leader

Derald Davis, Ed.D Kansas City Public Schools

Donna M. Davis, Ph.D University of MissouriKansas City

Stephen Doyal Hallmark Cards, Retired

2022-2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Barbara Storm, President-Elect Community Leader

Rachel Merlo, Vice President Google Fiber Kansas City

Kathleen Nemechek, J.D., Vice President Berkowitz Oliver LLP

David Harris, Treasurer US Bank

Carolyn W. Parkerson, Secretary Community Leader

Jeffrey J. Bentley, Executive Director Kansas City Ballet

Devon Carney, Artistic Director Kansas City Ballet

Anne Elsberry, J.D. Community Leader

Melissa Ford Kansas City Ballet Guild President

Cindy Hampton DecoPac

Matt C. Johnson Optum

Linda Lenza Bank of America

Patricia Macdonald HI-IQ – Healthcare Institute for Innovations in Quality

Susan Lordi Marker Artist

Steve McDowell BNIM

Tracy Musolf Lockton

Sarah J. Nelson State Street Global Services

Joab Ortiz Burns & McDonnell

G. Mark Sappington, J.D. Community Leader

Suzanne Shank, J.D. Community Leader

Kent V. Stallard, J.D. Stinson LLP

Kathy Stepp Stepp & Rothwell, Inc.

Angela Walker Community Leader

Marissa Wickam

BARRE KC President

Participants of the 2022-2023 Board Retreat at Lathrop GPM. Photo by Ian Boyd.

GUIDING THE BALLET TOWARD SUCCESS

The Board of Directors provides strategic direction for Kansas City Ballet each year. The board’s decision-making and fiscal responsibility ensure the Ballet’s ongoing excellence. President CiCi Rojas and the board undertook two significant projects this year. First, they embarked on a successful national search to find the new Executive Director, the successor to Jeffrey J. Bentley, following his retirement after 25 years of service.

Secondly, the board engaged KEVRA: The Culture Company to move the organization forward in the areas of inclusion, diversity, equity, access, and sustainability (IDEAS). This year was spent evaluating policies and hearing from constituents through surveys and focus groups. In future years, the Ballet will make changes to be more welcoming to all people, moving towards our vision of outstanding dance experiences accessible to all. Many thanks to the board for their dedication of time and resources.

THE EMERITUS COUNCIL

The Emeritus Council, consisting of former members of the board of directors, remain actively involved with the Ballet. At this year’s annual fall gathering, Council members heard stories of retiring Executive Director Jeff Bentley from Chief Operating Officer Kevin Amey, who celebrated 40 years with KCB. They were also invited to share their memories of Jeff and their own time with KCB. Many also attended the June Annual Meeting to hear how the company had done during the 2022-2023 Season.

We thank all our Emeritus Council members for their continuing commitment and especially the following new members. .

Jeffrey J. Bentley

Executive Director

1998-2023

Melissa Ford

Guild President 2022-2023

Susan Lordi Marker

Board Member 2014-2023

Kathy Stepp Rothwell

Board Member 2011-2023, Board President 2017-2019

Sue Ann Fagerberg, Vicki Baxter, Tony Feiock, Joan Beeks, and Sharon Butts at the Emeritus Council Luncheon.

Photo by Luke Gilmore.

Immediate Past President Jack Rowe, President CiCi Rojas, President-Elect Barbara Storm. Photo by Elizabeth Snell.

NEW DANCE PARTNERS • SEPTEMBER 16-17, 2022

Midwest Trust Center at Johnson County Community College

“In each of her pieces, (Stephanie) Martinez takes her audiences on a journey guided by the kinetic momentum of her work.”

– KC Studio

“In a time of instant communication, I think back to how written correspondence shaped our lives and relationships. The anticipation of receipt and the intimacy of holding someone’s words has a vastly different effect on a person than the alert of a text or email. Moments of humor, heartbreak and the mundane - my work will make you wonder “What was in that letter?”

– Stephanie Martinez, Choreographer

“A whimsical piece with dancers turning, leaping, throwing and catching other dancers in simulated ecstasies of delight and wonder.”

–

Mike Strong, High Plains Public Radio

Learn more about New Dance Partners.

Left | Dancer Naomi Tanioka.

Top Right | Dancer Georgia Fuller.

Bottom Right | Dancer Angelin Carrant.

Photos by Mike Strong.

EXTENDING OUR REACH INTO THE COMMUNITY

We are incredibly grateful to the following friends for their generous gifts to make the South Campus at Meadowbrook a reality.

Sunderland Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Norman E. Gaar

Richard J. Stern Foundation for the ArtsCommerce Bank, Trustee

J. Scott Francis - Francis Family Foundation

Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation

Virginia and William H. Shackelford, III

Estelle S. and Robert A. Long Ellis Foundation

Kansas City Ballet Guild

Janet K. Long

Olivia Bloomfield Foundation

Sosland Foundation

Daniel Keating Foundation

JE Dunn Construction Company

Teresa and Bruce McKinney

$2.1 million raised

In honor of the Somerset Ballet Centre – The McKinney Family Friends of the Kansas City Ballet School

After twenty years in a small Johnson County location, the Kansas City Ballet School excitedly anticipates its expanded South Campus at Meadowbrook. Working with R.H. Johnson, BNIM, and JE Dunn, the School can now respond to the growing demand for dance and fitness training in the south part of the metro. Designed with dancers in mind, the space expands current offerings to include brand-new Studio classes and community programs for seniors and individuals with diverse abilities. Located at 95th and Nall in Prairie Village, Kansas, the renovated campus begins classes in fall 2023. $

12,386 square feet of space

27 weeks of construction

KCBS alumnus Oscar Miller outside the South Campus during exterior construction. Photo by Taryn Ouellette.

Studio 1 in the newly renovated South Campus at Meadowbrook. Photo by Nicole Dolan.

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERSHIP

Jeffrey J. Bentley’s leadership has defined Kansas City Ballet for the past twenty-five years, growing the organization into one that is admired throughout Kansas City and across the nation.

He joined KCB as Executive Director in August 1998. During Jeff’s tenure the company experienced dramatic growth in resources, national reputation, fiscal security and community awareness. His major career accomplishments include opening the award-winning Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity, creating multi-million-dollar productions of The Nutcracker and The Wizard of Oz, and successfully navigating the financial hardships and new digital landscape of the pandemic.

We thank Jeff for his years of dedication and the incredible legacy he leaves for Kansas City Ballet.

“Under Jeff’s leadership, Kansas City Ballet and Ballet School have transformed into premier institutions that are respected across the nation. His accomplishments have touched the lives of many and truly made a difference in the cultural vibrancy of Kansas City.”

- Julia Irene Kauffman, Chairman of the Board

Left | Jeffrey J. Bentley and Nancy Murdock in front of the newly unveiled permanent display honoring Jeff at the Bolender Center.

Photos by Mark McDonald.

Right | After the final performance of Bliss Point, Jeffrey J. Bentley takes a bow on the Muriel Kauffman Theatre Stage. Photo by Nicole Dolan.

Jeffrey J. Bentley addressing guests at the End of Season and Retirement Celebration.

THE BOLENDER SOCIETY

Named in honor of Todd Bolender, beloved Artistic Director Emeritus, The Bolender Society engages highly committed supporters at an even greater level. They are passionate KCB insiders.

These dedicated people provide resources so KCB can perform ballets like Giselle, which opened the 22-23 season. Among other events, members watched Giselle rehearsals at the Bolender Center and had dinner with artistic staff at the Kauffman Center before dress rehearsal. Favorite events include intermission receptions at performances and the much-anticipated annual Evening with Ramona.

2022-2023 BOLENDER SOCIETY COMMITTEE

Angela Walker, Chair

Lucy Coulson

Donna Davis, Ph.D.

Susan Hangauer

Zack Hangauer

Richard Jensen, Ph.D.

Siobhan McLaughlin Lesley

Susan Lordi Marker

Mark Sappington, J.D.

Suzanne Shank, J.D.

Barbara Storm

John Walker

165 Bolender Society member households

$464,807 contributed to 22-23 season $

41 new households joined TBS this year

TBS members at the Kansas City Country Club enjoying the annual favorite “A Musical Evening with Ramona.” Photos by Mark McDonald.

Bolender Society members Dennis and Marilyn Christopher, Jack Rowe, Michele Hamlet-Weith, and Mark Sappington celebrate the 2022-2023 season and Jeff Bentley’s retirement.

BALLET BUSINESS COUNCIL

Kansas City Ballet dancers access physical therapy, gym memberships, and even coffee through generous business support Corporate Sponsors like Performance Rehab, YMCA of Greater Kansas City, and Parisi Coffee enjoy increased marketing, exclusive benefits, and strengthened community and employee engagement.

Business Leadership Council members look for innovative ways to help local companies get involved. For example, Lockton employees helped raise $70,000 working at the Nutcracker Boutique. In April over 40 business leaders attended Business of the Ballet and the Second Company @ Home performance.

2022-2023 BUSINESS LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

Tracy Musolf, Chair Lockton

Nathan Benjamin Burns & McDonnell

Consuelo Cruz Belger Arts

Kendra Gage Performance Rehab

Matt C. Johnson Optum

Linda Lenza Bank of America

PARTNERSHIP HIGHLIGHT: PERFORMANCE REHAB KCOI

Performance Rehab KCOI is the exclusive physical therapy provider for Kansas City Ballet. Their performing arts team, led by Kendra Gage, DPT, OCS, has a collective 50+ years’ experience rehabilitating recreational, pre-professional, and professional performers. Kendra and her team work with the dancers year-round to provide education and treatment to prevent injuries while maximizing performance. Performance Rehab KCOI was the Presenting Sponsor for Cinderella in February 2023.

Jill McCarthy KC Area Development Council

Rachel Merlo Google Fiber Kansas City

Joab Ortiz Burns & McDonnell

Chris Teddy J.E. Dunn Construction Company

Bridget Romero Lathrop GPM LLP

Katie Vivas YMCA of Greater Kansas City

Kendra Gage, DPT, OCS working with a dancer.

Photo by Anna Walters.

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Photo by Tim Hursley.

GISELLE • OCTOBER 14-23, 2022

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

“Giselle is a lavish affair, with exceptional dancing, delicious scenic designs.”

– Paul Horsley, The Independent

CHOREOGRAPHY DEVON CARNEY AFTER MARIUS PETIPA, JEAN CORALLI AND JULES PERROT

“Tonight’s engaging and emotionally authentic rendition reminded me just how enthralling this 181-year-old ballet is, and what a transformative part it is for the prima ballerina.”

– Hilary Stroh, Bachtrack

“My favorite thing about Giselle is the overwhelming sense of female presence that sort of permeates the entire storyline.”

– Georgia Fuller, KCB Company Dancer

Learn more about Giselle.

Left | Dancers Kaleena Burks and Andrew Vecseri.

Top Right | Dancers Naomi Tanioka and Joshua Kiesel.

Bottom Right | Kansas City Ballet Dancers.

KCB’S NUTCRACKER RETURNS TO THE KENNEDY CENTER

Company, staff, and supporters travel to Washington, D.C. over Thanksgiving

It is an honor to perform at our country’s national theater, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts - an honor that has now been bestowed twice upon Kansas City Ballet. Just five years after the incredibly successful run of Devon Carney’s The Nutcracker in Washington, D.C. in 2017, the company was invited back. The whirlwind trip included seven performances from November 23-27 with a day off for Thanksgiving.

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Knowing the dancers would be away from home for the holiday, 29 supporters generously made contributions to help cover their Thanksgiving dinners at Old Ebbitt Grill. A number of Kansas City Ballet fans were also in the audience at the Kennedy Center to cheer on their hometown company.

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53-ft trailers transported the sets and costumes

dancers, staff, and crew traveled to D.C.

Left | KCB supporters received a behind-the-scenes tour of the REACH, the Kennedy Center’s historic expansion. Photo courtesy of the REACH Right | KCB dancers and artistic staff at Thanksgiving dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill. Photo by Dmitry Trubchanov.

Audience members await Devon Carney’s The Nutcracker at the Kennedy Center. Photo by Angela Walker.

SUGAR PLUM FAIRY CHILDREN’S BALL

The Kansas City Marriott Downtown became a winter wonderland for the 2022 Sugar Plum Fairy Children’s Ball, chaired by Carrie Kruse and Jennifer Pontier. During this magical event on December 10, party guests went on a holiday adventure including individual photos with the Sugar Plum Fairy, spectacular face painting, crafts, magicians and more!

Partygoers entered the ballroom and were transported to the Kingdom of the Snow. After dining on a three-course luncheon and enjoying a beautiful performance by students of the Kansas City Ballet School, guests were whisked away on a special motor coach to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts for the matinee performance of The Nutcracker.

Proceeds from the Sugar Plum Fairy Children’s Ball provide scholarships for students at the Kansas City Ballet School and help the School maintain the highest level of ballet training in the community.

2022 SUGAR PLUM FAIRY CHILDREN’S BALL COMMITTEE

Carrie Kruse, Co-chair

Jennifer Pontier, Co-chair

Karen Badgett

Maki Brown

Stephanie Eppler

560 party guests of all ages

$77,649 raised for Kansas City Ballet School $

Whitney Hosty

Brooke Johnson

Kate Pickert

Lisa Sirridge

Geo Malter and Julia Kim-Malter take in the special Children’s Ball performance by KCBS students. Photos by Mark McDonald.

Partygoers in the wintry ballroom pose with their crowns and snowflake wands.

THE NUTCRACKER • DECEMBER 7-24, 2022

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

“Ballet outdoes itself with annual holiday classic.”

– Paul Horsley, The Independent

“It’s a production that goes out of its way to please the audience, and the crowd is only too pleased to receive it like a treasured gift.”

– Roger Catlin, Broadway World

“The ballet’s many child performers freely steal the show. There are bouncy, excitable little partygoers in Act I, of course, and the diminutive dolls who spring to life at midnight as the Silberhaus parlor is magicked into a battlefield.”

– Sarah L. Kaufman, The Washington Post Learn more about The Nutcracker and presenting sponsor Bank of America.

Left | Dancers Sidney Haefs and Gavin Abercrombie. Top Right | Dancers Naomi Tanioka and Joshua Bodden.

Bottom Right | Dancers Amaya Rodriguez and Kelsey Ivana Hellebuyck.

KANSAS CITY BALLET GUILD

The Kansas City Ballet Guild is a group of 200 members who serve as advocates for dance and ballet in the Kansas City community. Through the Nutcracker Boutique, Annual Ball, and other special events, the Guild raises funds to support Kansas City Ballet.

Kansas City Ballet has always relied upon the generosity of the Guild’s membership and their commitment to the arts in Kansas City.

2022-2023 GUILD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Melissa Ford President

Cyndi James President-Elect

Karen Yungmeyer Vice President

Stephanie Eppler Treasurer

Sarah Bent Recording Secretary

Penelope Vrooman

Corresponding Secretary

Linda Peakes & Teresa McKinney

Membership Vice Presidents

Fran Gerritz

Membership/Data Entry

Jo Anne Dondlinger

Special Projects Vice President

Angela Walker & Christina Wiksell

Education & Engagement Vice Presidents

Judith Unruh

Marketing/PR Vice President

Susan Sands

Social Activities Vice President

Jeanie Murphy

Archives Vice President

207 members $470,000 contributed to KCB, a fundraising record $

Peggy Beal

Immediate Past President

John Walker

Governance Chairman

Angela & John Walker

Gala Vice Presidents 2022

Jo Anne Dondlinger

Gala Vice President 2023

55 new members

Kansas City Ballet Guild 2022-2023 Executive Committee. Photo by Mark McDonald.

THE NUTCRACKER BALL

The Kansas City Ballet Guild’s 55th annual fundraiser gala, the Nutcracker Ball, was held on December 3 at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center. Angela and John Walker served as the co-chairmen and Barbara and Greg Storm served as the honorary chairmen.

Melissa Ford, Guild President, and Jeffrey J. Bentley, Kansas City Ballet Executive Director, presented the annual Pirouette Award to Barbara Nash. The Guild also recognized Mr. Bentley’s contributions in his 25th and final season as the Ballet’s Executive Director.

In addition to a cocktail reception, dinner, and dancing, benefactors and guests enjoyed a beautiful thank you video from Kansas City Ballet company dancers, Academy students, and community engagement program students, as well as a video collage of recent Kansas City Ballet performances.

560 guests

$390,920 raised $

Left | Jeffrey J. Bentley, Barbara Nash, 40th Pirouette Award Winner, Melissa Ford. Right | Andy and Peggy Beal, Juliette Singer and Ian Spinks, Jo Anne Dondlinger, Cindy and Dr. Michael Wurm. Photos by Kenny Johnson.

Oscar Monterroso, CiCi Rojas, KCB Board President; Dr. Eric Molloy, Melissa Ford, Guild President; Jeffrey J. Bentley, KCB Executive Director; Julia Irene Kauffman, KCB Board Chairman, Devon Carney, KCB Artistic Director; Barbara and Dr. Greg Storm, honorary chairmen, Angela and John Walker, co-chairmen.

PIANIST JORDAN VOTH BEGINS NEW KEY POSITION

A pianist plays a vital role in the creative process in dance, especially in rehearsals.

One of the biggest advantages of a live musician in the studio is the ability to vary the speed of the music during the introduction of choreography. “I see everyone in class, and I know how they jump and turn, and I can personalize the timing for each dancer. It helps them immensely,” says Company Pianist Jordan Voth.

Jordan began his accompanist journey at Kansas City Ballet in 2015 via trial by fire. KCB Music Director Ramona Pansegrau gave him a schedule when another pianist was injured and said, “Let’s see how you do,” Jordan remembers. Even with the learning curve to pick up ballet terminology, he did well. In fact, this year Jordan was promoted to a newly created, full-time position, Company Pianist/ Principal Academy Pianist. Jordan appreciates Ramona’s openness and responsiveness. “I’m so thankful to have someone I trust so much to guide me,” he said.

21 accompanists play for the Company, School, and Community Engagement

Originally from Hesston, Kansas, Jordan credits his grandmother and elementary school music teacher for igniting his love of classical music. He moved to Kansas City to study at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he ultimately earned his doctorate in piano performance.

“I’m just extremely fortunate that I unexpectedly began working with dancers. It has turned out to be morerewardingthananyothertype of musical collaboration I’ve had. Dancers are extremely gracious and respectful of the people that supply the music.” –Jordan Voth

162 pages in Jordan’s piano reduction for The Nutcracker

Company Pianist/Principal Academy Pianist Jordan Voth. Photo by Mark McDonald.

REHEARSAL DIRECTOR KRISTI CAPPS BRINGS THE MAGIC TO CENTER STAGE

Kristi Capps swore she’d never become a rehearsal director. But the ballet world (and Devon Carney) had other plans for her.

Their careers first overlapped at Cincinnati Ballet where Devon was Associate Artistic Director and Kristi was a principal dancer. They even once performed Cinderella together, Kristi in the title role and Devon portraying her father. She moved to Colorado after retiring from dancing and was pursuing a degree in biology. During his first season as the new Artistic Director of Kansas City Ballet, Devon visited Kristi and offered her the role of rehearsal director for Michael Pink’s Dracula. She agreed, and later that year, accepted a permanent position.

Nine years later and the Cinderella magic was back in their lives – this time, Kristi staged Devon’s world-premiere choreography.

As she observes him create in the studio, she makes notes and diagrams, charting the counts and spacing. Kristi then rehearses with the dancers to bring Devon’s vision to the stage. “I know the style and integrity he wants in his steps,” she shares. “I help refine the technique.”

Kristi admits the position is unique: “This job has no training. You figure it out on the fly - how to be a manager, teach ballets, and make schedules.”

But it is also worth it. Seeing dancers excited about performing a role for the first time or figuring out something they were struggling with can be the best thing in the world for a rehearsal director.

31 total years Artistic Staff have been at KCB

750 hours of rehearsal this season

“Not many people get to do their dream for their job. It’s our duty to give back and inspire. And that’s what we do here.” –Kristi Capps

CINDERELLA • FEBRUARY 17-26, 2023

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

“Bravo to Naomi Tanioka in the role of Cinderella. She danced with freshness and dainty precision throughout.”

– Hillary Stroh, Bachtrack

“KCB elevates kindness beyond moralizing by showing this coveted trait as the mission by which time is earned and granted. This is the magic and the absolute genius in Devon Carney’s world premiere choreography.”

“What a phenomenal production! I’m always blown away by the performers, set design, direction, and symphony. And the humor was spot on, I’ve never laughed so hard at a ballet!”

– Audience Member Learn more about Cinderella.

– Lonita Cook, Black Bee Buzz

Left | Dancers Naomi Tanioka and Andrew Vecseri.

Top Right | Dancer Amanda DeVenuta. Bottom Right | Kansas City Ballet Dancers.

HONORING OUR HISTORY AND LEADERSHIP

As part of the Moving into the Future Campaign, three new endowment funds were established this year that all pay tribute to the history of Kansas City Ballet.

• The Jeffrey J. Bentley Fund for Innovation & Creativity, to support New Moves and honor Jeff’s 25 years of leadership as executive director

• The Tatiana Dokoudovska Scholarship Fund, to provide opportunities to students in tribute to our founder, Miss Tania

• The Kansas City Ballet Guild Archives Fund, to ensure our history is preserved, documented, and available for future generations

The Ballet is grateful to the Campaign Committee for their leadership and to the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation for the generous $5 million challenge grant that is doubling the impact of supporter’s gifts to the campaign.

2022-2023 MOVING INTO THE FUTURE CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE

Mike and Vicki Bray, Co-Chairs

Dr. John D. Hunkeler, Co-Chair

Peggy Beal, J.D.

Jeffrey J. Bentley

Claire Brand

Steve Doyal

Siobhan McLaughlin Lesley

CiCi Rojas

Jack D. Rowe, J.D.

Lisa Sirridge

Kathy Stepp

Barbara Storm

Jennifer J.E. Wampler

Jacquie Ward

Rebecca Zandarski

Kansas City Ballet recognizes the following new gifts and pledges of $5,000 or more received between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023.

NAMED FUNDS

Carol Blum and Steven R. Wilson (School)

John and Angela Walker (Live Music)

POOLED FUNDS

UNRESTRICTED FUND

Brad Allen and Gene Cooper

Steve and Mary Anne McDowell

John and Linda Nobles

George and Suzy Pagels

Margot Patterson

Brian Woolley and Patricia Martin

Estate of Dr. Sonya Cornell Yarmat

JEFFREY J. BENTLEY

FUND FOR INNOVATION & CREATIVITY

Richard Belger and Evelyn Craft Belger

Mike and Vicki Bray

Stanley Bushman and Ann Canfield

Elsberry Family Foundation

Francis Family Foundation

Joan Horan

Linda Houston Foundation

Kansas City Ballet Guild

Estate of Billie Mahoney

TATIANA DOKOUDOVSKA

SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Kim and Ted Higgins

John and Mary Hunkeler

William Laaser

Brian Weith and Michelle Hamlett-Weith

ARCHIVES FUND

Kansas City Ballet Guild Visit kcballet.org/donate/ endowment/contributors for a full listing of Campaign contributors.

Dancers Amaya Rodriguez & Andrew Vecseri in Maria A. Konrad’s Canopy, New Moves 2023.

CREATING A FUTURE FOR KANSAS CITY BALLET

Yet again, the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation has shown its incredible generosity! The Foundation pledged $100,000 of its $2 million endowment challenge grant to create a separate legacy challenge. The Legacy Challenge was designed to encourage KCB supporters to document their legacy (estate gift) intentions. Once KCB documented 10 new legacy intentions, the Foundation gave $100,000 to the endowment.

Because of thoughtful KCB supporters, twelve estate gifts were documented within three months. This commitment to philanthropy and the Ballet is an inspirational example to others so they too will consider making a lasting impact on future generations.

With deep respect and gratitude, we pay tribute to those who include KC Ballet in their estate as members of The Tatiana Dokoudovska Legacy Society. Miss Tania dedicated her life and resources to creating Kansas City Ballet, leaving a legacy for our community.

NEW LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBERS

2022-2023

Leslie G. Anderson

Anonymous

Peggy and Andy Beal

Jerry and Meghan Carpenter Family Trust

Melissa Kelly Cavanaugh

Robert J. Cody

Dickerson Family Trust

David and Beth Harris

Lindsay Meyer and Corey Brunk

The Amelia Fund/Nancy L. Murdock, Ph.D.

Marcy Nelson

Dr. Richard Schupp

Suzanne Shank

Jacquie and Kyle Ward

Bill and Mary Ann Allen, Legacy Society members, at the special event to honor Miss Tania and launch the Tatiana Dokoudovska Scholarship Fund. Photo by Rebecca Zandarski.

Tatiana Dokoudovska.

NEW MOVES • MARCH 23-26, 2023

Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity

HALEY KOSTAS’ SCARECROW

MALERIE MOORE’S too much talking

MARIA A. KONRAD’S CANOPY

KAREN BROWN’S N o M o F e, REIMAGINED

“New Moves is especially noteworthy because each piece is a world premiere. Nothing is repeated or restaged. And each year, our audiences are so enthusiastic and supportive of these new works.”

– Devon Carney, The Ballet Herald

Top Row | Second Company Dancers. Kansas City Ballet Dancers. Gwen Vandenhoeck & Alladson Barreto. Middle Row | Kansas City Ballet Dancers. Dancer Cameron Thomas.

GABRIEL LORENA’S FEATHER

CAROLINE DAHM’S DELICATE

SOPHIE HOD’S DER MOND

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & EDUCATION

Kansas City Ballet’s Community Engagement and Education Department, under the leadership of Director April Berry, provides joyful and meaningful experiences that inspire, inform, and engage the broader community.

Kansas City Ballet is committed to making dance accessible to everyone, from very young children to senior citizens, through nationally recognized dance programs, fun workshops, interactive demonstrations, discounted performances, adult education programs, and open company rehearsals.

The Reach Out And Dance (R.O.A.D) program offered weekly dance classes to 3rd and 4th graders in 16 elementary schools across the metro. Thematic lessons integrated a STEAM-based curriculum based on national and state education standards. After the fall semester, 112 students were invited to continue studying dance during the school day at KCB through the R.O.A.D. Scholarship Program. Tuition, dancewear, and performance tickets were provided, and R.O.A.D. Scholars are eligible to train on scholarship for three consecutive years at Kansas City Ballet School.

$20,000 grant received from the National Endowment for the Arts

23 boys accepted R.O.A.D. Scholarships, a record number

1,650 students attended The Nutcracker Student Matinee

Community members hear from choreographers at the education series Dance Speaks: New Voices, New Moves, held in March at Hilliard Gallery.

Photo by April Berry.

R.O.A.D. Scholars demonstrate second position arms at their year-end Showcase. Photo by Anna Walters.

INSPIRING THE AUDIENCE OF THE FUTURE

A record number of students attend Nutcracker Student Matinee

Stepping off their yellow school buses, hundreds of students arrived at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts on a December morning to see The Nutcracker. For many, this was their first time experiencing ballet. A record number of 1,650 students attended the matinee performance in 2022, demonstrating an excitement from the community for outstanding dance experiences.

Each year, students and teachers of all backgrounds come together for the student matinees to be immersed in the stunning choreography,colorfulsets,elegant costumes, and beautiful music of the Kansas City Symphony.

Offered at a low cost through the Community Engagement and Education Department, student matinees introduce young students to live performances of ballet and music and create memories that bring joy for years to come.

Children’s imaginations awaken to the joy, inspiration, and beauty that dance and the arts bring into their lives through experiences like the student matinees.

Students eagerly awaiting their matinee performance of The Nutcracker. Photo by April Berry.

Children arriving at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Photo by Luke Gilmore.

BARRE KC

BARRE KC is the leading group for young professionals interested in supporting Kansas City Ballet. Members share their love of ballet with other like-minded individuals at social, educational, and networking events year-round. On the second Saturday of Giselle, Cinderella, and Bliss Point, BARRE KC members attended the performance and then toasted in celebration afterwards at local establishments like J. Rieger & Co.

Members further their involvement and impact in the KC community through BARRE KC leadership opportunities and fundraising events that benefit the R.O.A.D. Scholarship Program.

BARRE KC President Marissa Wickam says, “BARRE KC has allowed me to reconnect to a childhood passion and grow as a professional, all while surrounding myself with an amazing group of people.”

2022-2023 BARRE KC BOARD

Marissa Wickam President

Joseph Willis

Vice President

Kristen Jacobs Secretary

Melanie Clark

Alexis Strauss

Katie Abbott

86

Jessica Whalen

Zak Akagi-Bustin

Morgan Holecek

BARRE KC members

7

Membership events

28

new BARRE KC Members

BARRE KC Board members Katie Abbott, Marissa Wickam, Alexis Strauss and Melanie Clark. Photos by Elizabeth Snell.

BARRE KC members at Crossroads Hotel, the final stop of the annual BARRE Crawl kickoff event.

BARRE KC SOIRÉE

The 2023 BARRE KC Soirée, chaired by Melanie Clark, was hosted at the Crossroads Hotel on April 15. Guests enjoyed delicious food and drink, saw a beautiful ballet performance by the Second Company, and danced the night away! VIPs were treated to a special demonstration by Level 2 Reach Out And Dance (R.O.A.D.) Scholarship students and loved seeing the young dancers in action.

Proceeds from Soirée provide essential support for Kansas City Ballet’s R.O.A.D. Scholarship Program, which provides dance education to third graders in public schools across two school districts. R.O.A.D. combines dance with academics to create a fun learning environment.

37 uniforms sponsored through Fund A Need $31,000 raised for R.O.A.D., a fundraising record. $ $250 brought in from Soirée Signature Drink

Level 2 R.O.A.D. Scholars present a demonstration during the Soirée VIP Reception. Photos by Elizabeth Snell.

BARRE KC Board members Joseph Willis, Jessica Whalen, Katie Abbott, Alexis Strauss, Morgan Holecek, Marissa Wickam, Melanie Clark, and Zak Akagi-Bustin celebrate at Soirée.

KANSAS CITY BALLET SCHOOL

Kansas City Ballet School, under the leadership of School Director Grace Holmes, provides a wide range of excellent training programs to a diverse body of students across two campuses. With an acclaimed faculty of over 50 instructors, a skilled team of pianists and percussionists, and state-ofthe-art facilities, KCBS is recognized as one of the top ballet training institutions in the United States.

• The Academy trained 514 students in a comprehensive curriculum based on the traditions of classical ballet, developing their dance and academic success skills.

• The Professional Division gave a company experience to 17 talented young artists as a prelude to their becoming professional dancers.

• The Studio offered a variety of dance and fitness classes to 1,677 teens and adults with all levels of experience.

• Adaptive Dance allowed 20 children of mixed cognitive and physical abilities to enjoy creative movement and live music in an open environment.

• Summer Intensives drew 227 dancers from across the country for rigorous study in June and July.

1,900+ dancers auditioned for KCBS Summer Intensives

77 students performed in Cinderella

$26,180 awarded to Academy students in merit scholarships

Each hour of the clock in Devon Carney’s Cinderella was portrayed by a KCBS student.

KCBS students at the Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity.

A KCBS STUDENT’S JOURNEY TO THE KAUFFMAN CENTER STAGE

Dance transforms the lives of students like Maresha

Marching onto the brightly lit stage in her red and blue soldier’s uniform, 13-year-old Maresha joined the battle against the mice. Cast along with other Kansas City Ballet School students, this was the second time in Maresha’s six years at KCBS that she had performed in Devon Carney’s The Nutcracker. Overcome with pride, Maresha’s mother wanted to yell her daughter’s name as she excitedly watched her from the audience.

Beginning in a small dance studio at Longfellow Elementary School, Maresha was first introduced to Kansas City Ballet through the Reach Out And Dance (R.O.A.D.) Program. Led through weekly movement classes centered around a STEAMbased curriculum, Maresha excelled. Observing Maresha’s talent and enjoyment of the program, KCB invited her to the R.O.A.D. Scholarship Program.

Maresha continued in the program as a fullfledged KCBS student. With every class, she discovered what dance meant to her.

Asked how dance makes her feel, Maresha says,

During Maresha’s third year in the program, she auditioned for a role in The Nutcracker. Maresha recalls that the experience was “really cool,” and that she “got to meet and get to know girls from other classes.” Through it all, her favorite part of being in KCBS continues to be the friends she makes along the way.

Bottom | Maresha before her audition for The Nutcracker. Photos courtesy of Maresha’s family.

“Dance helps me use my body and the motions to express myself and how I feel.”

KCBS Student Maresha salutes in her Nutcracker soldier’s costume.

BLISS POINT • MAY 12-21, 2023

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

“Bliss Point brought us a deliciously executed trio of works ranging from the witty to the profound, with a final piece that seemed poised between the probing and the near-absurd.”

– Paul Horsley, The Independent

“Bliss Point is a gift for those who would love to see more contemporary dance in town. And a seasonably perfect buffet of fresh, light dance pleasure to send us smiling into summer and looking forward to next season.”

“The highlight of the evening was Alexander Ekman’s Cacti. We were very firmly in the postmodern camp here, but in the most riotous (non)sense. At times, indeed, it was laugh-outloud funny, and when do we get to say that at the ballet?”

– Hilary Stroh, Bachtrack

– Grace Suh, KC Studio

Left | Dancers Amanda DeVenuta and Joshua Bodden.

Top Right | Dancers Taryn Mejia and Alladson Barreto.

Bottom Right | Dancers Gabriel Lorena and Cameron Thomas.

ALEXANDER EKMAN’S CACTI

MARK MORRIS’ SANDPAPER BALLET

FINANCIALS

Kansas City Ballet Dancers in Devon Carney’s Cinderella.

2022-2023 REVENUE

2022-2023 EXPENSES

Kansas City Ballet Dancers in Alexander Ekman’s Cacti

KANSAS CITY BALLET STAFF

ARTISTIC

Devon Carney

Artistic Director

Kristi Capps

Rehearsal Director

Parrish Maynard

Rehearsal Director

Christopher Ruud

Second Company Manager & Rehearsal Director

Ramona Pansegrau Music Director & Conductor

Jordan Voth

Company Pianist

ADMINISTRATIVE

David Gray Executive Director

Kevin Amey Chief Operations Officer

George Hans Chief Financial Officer

Gregg Markowski Finance Director

Mary Allen

Office Manager/Executive Assistant

Kenneth Madlock

Facilities Management

PHILANTHROPY

Jennifer J.E. Wampler, MBA, CFRE Chief Philanthropy Officer

Rebecca Zandarski, CFRE, CSPG

Director of Gift Planning

Maya Collins

Associate Director of Individual Giving

Grace Ingham

Manager, Events & Philanthropy

Natalie Sextro

Manager, Research & Stewardship

Chris Roady

Philanthropy Operations & Data Specialist

Ian Boyd Philanthropy Assistant

MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS

David Anderson Director of Marketing

Andrea Wilson

Associate Director of Marketing

Savanna Daniels Design & Digital Marketing Manager

Beeh Becvar

Creative Content Producer

Nicole Dolan Marketing Coordinator

Ellen McDonald Publicist

Mark Volk

Patron Services Manager

Kim Toigo Assistant Patron Services Manager

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & EDUCATION

April Berry

Director of Community Engagement and Education

Sean Duus

R.O.A.D. Residency Coordinator

TEACHING ARTISTS

April Berry

Sean Duus

Tina Ray

ACCOMPANISTS

Robert Beasley

Irina Brouhard

Alyssa Murray

Andrew Ouellette

Jordan Voth

Roger Wilder

PRODUCTION

Amy Taylor Director of Production

Laura Krus Stage Manager

Jennifer Carroll

Costume Supervisor

Betti Jo Diem

Assistant Costume Supervisor

April Madden

Costume Shop Assistant

Maddie Brasgalla

Assistant Stage Manager

IATSE LOCAL #31, STAGE CREW

Greg Brown, Head Electrician

James H. Hare, Head Carpenter

Dale Klamm, Head Properties

Rick Knapp, Programmer

Ryan Lewis, Steward & Head Flyman

Phil Rebel, Audio Engineer

IATSE LOCAL #810, WARDROBE ATTENDANTS

Desiree Story, Head of Wardrobe

SCHOOL

Grace M. Holmes

School Director

Kimberly Cowen

Principal & KCYB Director

Lauren Fadeley Veyette

Principal & YAGP Coordinator

Taryn Ouellette

Principal, South Campus at Meadowbrook

Dmitry Trubchanov

Men’s Program Coordinator & KCYB Associate Director

Monica Cameron

School Operations Manager

Nora Burkitt-Davis

Children’s Program & Adaptive

Dance Coordinator

Megan Robinson

School Administrator

PART-TIME ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS/RECEPTION

Nicole Brewton

Maddie Keller

Phoebe Monsees

Aspen Ross

Susan Williams

CONTACT INFORMATION

Kansas City Ballet

Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity 500 W. Pershing Road • Kansas City, MO 64108-2430

kcballet.org

EIN #43-6952680

YOUR PHILANTHROPY TEAM

Jennifer J.E. Wampler, MBA, CFRE Chief Philanthropy Officer

816.216.5585 • jwampler@kcballet.org

Rebecca Zandarski, CFRE, CSPG Director of Gift Planning

816.216.5597 • rzandarski@kcballet.org

Maya Collins

Associate Director of Individual Giving

816.216.5608 • mcollins@kcballet.org

Grace Ingham

Manager, Events & Philanthropy

816.216.5589 • gingham@kcballet.org

Natalie Sextro Manager, Research & Stewardship

816.381.6941 • nsextro@kcballet.org

Chris Roady

Philanthropy Operations Specialist

816.216.5582 • croady@kcballet.org

Ian Boyd

Philanthropy Assistant

816.216.5584 • iboyd@kcballet.org

Maya Collins, Chris Roady, Grace Ingham, Jennifer Wampler, Natalie Sextro, Rebecca Zandarski and Ian Boyd.

Photo by Tom Styrkowicz/53 TOM LLC.