20242025 GRATITUDE REPORT
To Inspire and Engage Through the Beauty, Power & Passion of Dance
Outstanding Dance Experiences Accessible to All
Dancers Olivia Jacobus and Gillian Yoder in Elliott Rogers’ Stages. New Moves 2025.
Front Cover | Dancer Naomi Tanioka in Septime Webre’s ALICE (in wonderland).
Back Cover | Dancers Angelin Carrant and Georgia Fuller in William Forsythe’s In The Middle, Somewhat Elevated.
All photography by Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios unless otherwise noted.
Dear Friends,
From standing ovations to sold-out performances, the 2024-2025 season was a year of artistic triumphs, growing audiences, and deeper community connections, all made possible by your extraordinary support.
From the return of ALICE (in wonderland) to the record-breaking success of Devon Carney’s The Nutcracker, this season offered joy and spectacle in equal measure. We proudly launched our long-envisioned Family Series with Bruce Wells’ Beauty and the Beast, which sold out before opening night and welcomed thousands of children and families. Anna-Marie Holmes’ Don Quixote drew lively crowds responding with standing ovations, while FUSION closed the season with thrilling works that captivated our most devoted fans. Throughout it all, our Company and Second Company dancers rose to every challenge with artistry and passion.
In total, we sold more than 70,000 tickets, our highest ever, and earned $4.76 million in ticket revenue. Remarkably, 51% of ticket buyers were new, thanks to the marketing team’s strategic outreach.
Offstage, Kansas City Ballet School’s South Campus reached enrollment parity with the Bolender Center, with Academy enrollment up 24% from last year. Our Reach Out And Dance (R.O.A.D.) program continues to thrive and will celebrate its 25th anniversary next season. We also deepened community partnerships, reaching nearly 17,000 people through innovative programs and “informances.”
We are thrilled to share that our endowment campaign concluded this season, surpassing our goal by 10% with $22 million raised, including over $10 million in legacy commitments. This transformational milestone strengthens our future and affirms the power of dance to inspire, connect, and uplift.
As we look to the 2025–2026 season, we are energized by the possibilities ahead. Your continued generosity is essential to helping us build on this momentum – reaching new audiences, nurturing emerging talent, and enriching lives through the beauty of dance.
With gratitude,
Devon Carney, Artistic Director
David Gray, Executive Director
Barbara Storm, 2023-2025 Board President
Executive Director David Gray, 2023-2025 Board President Barbara Storm, and Artistic Director Devon Carney. Photo by David Riffel.
2024-2025 SEASON IN REVIEW
Annual Operating Budget $11.6M
VENUES
LAUNCH OF NEW FAMILY SERIES
Bruce Wells’ Beauty and the Beast (sold out before opening)
WORLD PREMIERE
Caroline Dahm’s hold on tight
1 ST TIME PRESENTED IN KANSAS CITY
Don Quixote, featuring Music Director
Ramona Pansegrau’s own arrangement 16
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity
Folly Theater
Midwest Trust Center at Johnson County Community College
KANSAS CITY BALLET SCHOOL
643 students enrolled in the Academy
24% more enrollment at the South Campus vs. 2023-2024
Record audience of 70.4K
Kansas City Ballet Dancers in Septime Webre’s ALICE (in wonderland). Photo by Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Engaged nearly 17,000 through rehearsal watches, Matinees for Schools, sensory-friendly performances, and educational programs
94.8K
$3 million in sales
8,270 tickets sold in July one-day sale
Thank you to all Kansas City Ballet subscribers. The dancers look forward to welcoming you to the 2025-2026 season. If you haven’t renewed yet or for more information, please visit kcballet.org or call the Ticket Office at 816.931.8993 so as not to miss a single magical moment on stage.
2024-2025 COMPANY DANCERS
Hometown | Years with KC Ballet
FRONT ROW
Amelia Meissner
San Antonio, TX | 2 years
Amira Hogan * Houston, TX | 2 years
Gillian Yoder * San Diego, CA | 1 year
Olivia Jacobus Malibu, CA | 3 years
Kelsey Ivana Hellebuyck
San Francisco, CA | 9 years
2024-2025 John Hunkeler
Senior Dancer
Amanda DeVenuta Carmel, NY | 11 years
Amaya Rodriguez Havana, Cuba | 9 years
Whitney Huell Irmo, SC | 11 years
Marisa DeEtte Whiteman
Stony Brook, NY | 7 years
+4 years - Second Company
Sidney Haefs Los Angeles, CA | 6 years
+1 year – Second Company
Emily Mistretta Upland, CA | 9 years
Kaleena Burks Ft. Lauderdale, FL | 15 years
Taryn Pachciarz
Independence, MO | 13 years
Georgia Fuller Cincinnati, OH | 5 years
+3 years - Second Company
Naomi Tanioka Sapporo, Japan | 6 years
168 COLLECTIVE YEARS WITH KANSAS CITY BALLET
60 PERFORMANCES ON FOUR DIFFERENT STAGES
BACK ROW
Elliott Rogers
Chicago, IL | 2 years
2024-2025 Greg and Barbara Storm Emerging Dancer
Gavin Abercrombie Acton, CA | 7 years
+2 years – Second Company
Joshua Kiesel
Hanover Park, IL | 4 years
+2 years – Second Company
Kevin Wilson Durango, CO | 9 years
Paul Zusi
South Bend, IN | 4 years
Joseph Boswell * Spokane, WA | 1 year
Keaton Linzau * Washington, D.C. | 1 year
Andrew Vecseri Houston, TX | 3 years
2024-2025 Sally and Thomas J. Wood Senior Dancer
Chase Hanson Darien, CT | 2 years
Alladson Barreto Natal, Brazil | 3 years
Angelin Carrant Paris, France | 7 years
+1 year – Second Company
Isaac Allen Ashland, OR | 3 years
Cameron Thomas Rochester, NY | 8 years
+1 year - Second Company
Aidan Duffy Philadelphia, PA | 2 years
Gabriel Lorena São Paulo, Brazil | 3 years
23 SECOND COMPANY MEMBERS
(6 KCB II AND 17 TRAINEES)
FRONT ROW
Ena Nomoto Trainee
Laila Madison Trainee
Olivia Pearsall Trainee
Gracie Jean Joiner Trainee
Brooke Noska KCB II
Sage Guillot Trainee
Zoey Uhlman Trainee
Audrey Lynn KCB II
Emma Blake Trainee
Ava Bernardo Trainee
Reagan Pender Trainee
BACK ROW
Hiroaki Ikeda Trainee
McKibben Needham KCB II
Corabelle Kennedy Trainee
Ben Workman KCB II
Owen Watson KCB II
Alessia Braggiato Trainee
James Wray Trainee
Brendan Turner Trainee
Mei McArtor KCB II
Jack HindochaDaniels Trainee
Blair Mendes Trainee
Miles Orvetti Trainee
SECOND COMPANY TAKES CENTER STAGE IN FAMILY SERIES DEBUT
Kansas City Ballet’s Second Company played a significant role throughout the 2024-2025 season, most notably in the triumphant debut of the Ballet’s new Family Series. Beauty and the Beast, performed at the Folly Theater, sold out its run, welcomed 5,275 attendees, and exceeded ticket revenue goals by 35%. This bold new initiative was made possible by generous support from the Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts and the dedication of Kansas City Ballet’s artistic and production teams.
Bruce Wells’ one-hour adaptation of the beloved fairytale, vibrantly performed by the talented Second Company, delighted both new and returning audiences. Most inspiring was the joyful presence of so many young children and families, a promising sign that the next generation is eager for ballet.
Second Company Dancers in Bruce Wells’ Beauty and the Beast.
Second Company Dancers in Bruce Wells’ Beauty and the Beast.
CELEBRATING RETIRING DANCERS
Four remarkable dancers. Years of artistry, devotion and grace. Join us in celebrating the passion, talent, and unforgettable impact these artists have had on Kansas City Ballet. As they retire from the stage, we honor their dedication and the legacy they leave on the stage and in our hearts.
ADDITIONAL DANCERS WHO TOOK THEIR FINAL BOW WITH KANSAS CITY BALLET
We’re also grateful for the artistry, dedication and spirit these dancers brought to Kansas City Ballet. Though they are not retiring, each has left a lasting impression, and we wish them continued success as they take the next step in their careers.
Amaya Rodriguez Dancer 2016-2025
Amanda DeVenuta 2014-2025
Chase Hanson 2023-2025
Gabriel Lorena 2022-2025
Emily Mistretta Dancer 2016-2025
Kevin Wilson Dancer 2016-2025
Georgia Fuller Dancer 2020-2025 +3 Years – Second Company
Anna-Marie Holmes’ Don Quixote
George Balanchine’s Emeralds
Anna-Marie Holmes’ Don Quixote
Maria Konrad’s Canopy
NEW DANCE PARTNERS • SEPTEMBER 20-21, 2024 Midwest Trust Center, Johnson County Community College
And I’m In Way Over My Head Here
Choreography by Peter Chu
“Wow! The dancers and choreography were amazing!”
– Audience Member
Dancers Olivia Jacobus and Alladson Barreto
Dancers Alladson Barreto and Gavin Abercrombie
Dancers Amelia Meissner, Sidney Haefs, and Alladson Barreto
ALICE
(IN WONDERLAND) • OCTOBER 11-20, 2024
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Choreography by Septime Webre
PRESENTED BY
“A triumphant riot of color, sound and movement…”
– Hilary Stroh, Bachtrack
304 audience members attended the sensory-friendly performance*
Kansas City Ballet Guild
Dancers Naomi Tanioka, Gabriel Lorena, and Kevin Wilson.
Dancers Marisa DeEtte Whiteman, Isaac Allen, and Kevin Wilson
Dancer Kelsey Ivana Hellebuyck with Kansas City Ballet School Students
*Generously supported by the Mike Breedlove Memorial Fund, Kirk Foundation – Julie and Mike Kirk, and the Riley ABA & Autism Center.
THE LASTING IMPACT OF OUR VOLUNTEER LEADERS
Kansas City Ballet is deeply grateful to the dedicated volunteer leaders who help guide and strengthen our organization. Led this past season by Board President Barbara Storm, the Board of Directors provides essential oversight and leadership, ensuring the Ballet’s long-term success. The Emeritus Council offers continued engagement and recognition for former leaders, while the Ballet Business Leadership Council
OFFICERS
Julia Irene Dennie - Kauffman, Chairman
Barbara Storm, President
Carolyn W. Parkerson, President-Elect
MEMBERS
Aviva Ajmera
Charlotte Kemper Black
Lucy Wells Coulson
Kyle Danner
Derald Davis, Ed.D
Donna M. Davis, Ph.D
Anne Elsberry, Esq.
Cindy Hampton
John D. Hunkeler
Linda Lenza
unites corporate and community partners who share a passion for dance. Together, these groups generously give their time, expertise, and enthusiasm, helping to shape the Ballet’s future and champion its mission throughout the year. Their commitment makes everything we do possible, inspiring others to appreciate the beauty and impact of dance in our community.
2024-2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CiCi Rojas, Immediate Past President
Stephen Doyal, Vice President
Kathleen Nemechek, Esq., Vice President, Governance
Rachel Merlo
Tracy Musolf
Sarah J. Pedraza
Joab Ortiz
G. Mark Sappington, Esq.
Suzanne Shank, Esq.
Kent V. Stallard, Esq.
Alexis Strauss
Karen Yungmeyer
Steve McDowell, Vice President
Angela Walker, Vice President
David Harris, Treasurer
Patricia Macdonald, Secretary
David Gray, Executive Director
Devon Carney, Artistic Director
Participants of the 2024-2025 Board Retreat at Commerce Bank. Photo by Beeh Moynagh.
Kent and Marya Stallard and Carolyn Parkerson, incoming President of the Board of Directors (2025-2027), at the End of Season Celebration at Benton’s. Photo by Mark McDonald.
NEW EMERITUS COUNCIL MEMBERS
Aviva Ajmera Board Member 2018-2025
Derald Davis, Ed.D. Board Member 2022-2025
Donna Davis, Ph.D. Board Member 2022-2025
Anne Elsberry, Esq. Board Member 2019-2025
Rachel Merlo, Chair Google Fiber Kansas City
Nathan Benjamin Burns & McDonnell
Consuelo Cruz Belger Cartage
Kendra Gage Performance Rehab
David Harris US Bank
Linda Lenza Bank of America
Jill McCarthy KCADC
Cindy Hampton Board Member 2019-2025
Joab Ortiz Board Member 2022-2025
Karen Yungmeyer KC Ballet Guild President 2024-2025
2024-2025 BUSINESS LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
Tracy Musolf Lockton
Joab Ortiz Burns & McDonnell
Barbara Storm Community Leader
Chris Teddy JE Dunn
Katie Vivas YMCA of Greater Kansas City
Lorie Whitaker Bank of America
Courtney Yerganian Parisi Coffee
Artistic Director Devon Carney, Board President Barbara Storm and (far right) Executive Director David Gray with new Emeritus Council members
Karen Yungmeyer, Joab Ortiz, Derald Davis, Ed.D., and Aviva Ajmera. Not pictured: Donna Davis, Ph.D., Anne Elsberry, Esq., and Cindy Hampton.
Photo by David Riffel.
Emeritus Council Chair Wendy Powell and Emeritus Council Member Suzi Kilbride. Photo by Mark McDonald.
ENDOWMENT MILESTONE MARKS A BRIGHT FUTURE
Kansas City Ballet proudly celebrated the successful completion of its $20 million Moving into the Future Campaign, a triumph led by visionary campaign co-chairs Vicki and Mike Bray and Dr. John Hunkeler, and the unwavering support of the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation. Their leadership and dedication inspired generosity across the community and carried the campaign through the challenges of the COVID pandemic. A joyful celebration on October 22, 2024, at Kansas City Country Club brought together supporters, leaders, and friends to honor this extraordinary milestone. Launched in 2018, the campaign secures the Ballet’s long-term financial stability and artistic vitality. A special thank you goes to Chairman Julia Irene DennieKauffman and the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation for their pivotal $5 million matching grant—an extraordinary act of generosity that galvanized support and helped bring this vision to life.
220 campaign supporters
$22 million in cash and estate pledges, 10% above goal $
George and Wendy Powell and 2025-2027 Board President Carolyn Parkerson and Bill Parkerson. Photo by Mark McDonald.
Jeffrey J. Bentley, Barbara Storm, President of the Board of Directors (2023-2025), and Kansas City Ballet Executive Director David Gray. Photo by Mark McDonald.
John and Mary Hunkeler, Julia Irene Dennie – Kauffman, and Vicki and Mike Bray celebrate the successful completion of the Moving into the Future endowment campaign at Kansas City Country Club. Photo by Mark McDonald.
DANCING INTO THE FUTURE: DEANA MCCLURE’S ENDURING GIFT
Deana McClure lived her life in motion. As a young girl in Osawatomie, Kansas, she boarded the train to Kansas City for dance lessons, an early sign of the passion that would define her. A devoted educator and Kansas Teacher of the Year, she inspired generations with her dedication and spirit. Her commitment to the arts extended beyond her own experience: Deana was a loyal Kansas City Ballet supporter who made a generous gift in her estate plans to help secure its future
Planned legacy gifts like Deana’s ensure that future generations can experience the power of dance, while allowing supporters to create a legacy rooted in joy, beauty, and community. Kansas City Ballet is honored to carry forward Deana’s passion and grateful for the lasting impact of her extraordinary life. Through Deana, the dance goes on.
45 supporters documented legacy gift intentions valued at more than $10 million as part of the Moving into the Future Campaign
Deana began taking dance lessons at nine years old. Photo courtesy of Deana Dean.
Kansas City Ballet supporter and Legacy Society member Deana McClure at her 104th birthday party. Photo courtesy of Deana Dean.
Deana was a devoted educator and Kansas Teacher of the Year.
Photo courtesy of Deana Dean.
THE NUTCRACKER • DECEMBER 6-24, 2024
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Choreography by Devon Carney
PRESENTED BY SUPPORTED
570 audience members attended the sensory-friendly performance
*Generously supported by the Mike Breedlove Memorial Fund, Kirk Foundation – Julie and Mike Kirk, and the Riley ABA & Autism Center.
of Greater Kansas City
Dancers Aidan Duffy and Andrew Vecseri
Dancers Sidney Haefs and Paul Zusi
Dancers Joshua Kiesel and Naomi Tanioka with Kansas City Ballet School Students
NEW MOVES •
JANUARY 30-FEBRUARY 2, 2025
Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity
COOPER’S FORWARD Second Company Dancers
Supporting Sponsors
The Jeffrey J. Bentley Fund for Innovation & Creativity
The William T. Kemper Foundation
DUNCAN
ELLIOTT ROGERS’ STAGES Dancers Kelsey Ivana Hellebuyck and Andrew Vecseri
Dancers Naomi Tanioka and Angelin Carrant
NATASHA ADORLEE’S GLŌAM
Dancer/Pianist Cameron Thomas
PIANO SONATA NO. 2 IN G-SHARP MINOR, OP. 19 “SONATA-FANTASY” BY ALEXANDER SCRIABIN
PETER CHU’S AND I’M IN WAY OVER MY HEAD HERE
Dancers Amelia Meissner and Gavin Abercrombie
Kansas City Ballet Dancers
Dancers Elliott Rogers, Emily Mistretta and Paul Zusi
ELAINE KIMBLE’S EVERYTHING IS TEMPORARY
AMIRA HOGAN AND OLIVIA JACOBUS’ YOU CAN’T CONTROL THE WIND, BUT YOU CAN ADJUST YOUR SAILS
THE STEADFAST HEART OF OUR GENEROUS SUPPORTERS
This season, the passion and commitment of our supporters lit the way, bringing people together and advancing Kansas City Ballet’s mission in meaningful ways. Whether gathering behind the scenes, hosting unforgettable events, or raising essential funds, these groups fuel both our performances and our philanthropic reach. Their dedication leaves a lasting imprint on our stages, studios, and community.
Members of the Bolender Society, whose gifts provide vital support, enjoyed insider access, rehearsal watches, and lively gatherings. The Kansas City Ballet Guild marked a record-breaking year through its Nutcracker fundraising events
The Sugar Plum Fairy Children’s Ball continued its magical tradition of supporting scholarships for
young dancers at Kansas City Ballet School. And the young professionals of BARRE KC deepened their impact by raising funds for the Reach Out And Dance (R.O.A.D.) Program.
Each group is a vital part of our Ballet family. Their shared love of dance, and for one another, creates a joyful, welcoming community that grows stronger each season. We thank them for another remarkable year.
Guests of corporate sponsors at the Nutcracker Ball. Photo by Courtney Lane.
BARRE KC Board members at BARRE KC’s Soirée. Front (left to right): Jessica Whalen, BARRE KC President Alexis Strauss. Back (left to right): Marissa Wickam, Katie Abbott, Quinn Harold, Madison Moore, Morgan Holecek. Not pictured: Allissa Gehring, Zakry Akagi-Bustin. Photo by Mark McDonald.
2024-2025 Guild President Karen Yungmeyer, Artistic Director Devon Carney, Executive Director David Gray at the Guild’s Annual Fall Luncheon at the Kansas City Country Club. Photo by Kenny Johnson.
2024-2025 BOLENDER SOCIETY COMMITTEE
Angela Walker, Chair
Lucy Wells Coulson
Donna Davis, Ph. D.
Susan Hangauer
Zack Hangauer
Richard Jensen
Siobhan McLaughlin Lesley
Susan Lordi Marker
Barbara Nash
G. Mark Sappington, Esq.
Suzanne Shank, Esq.
Barbara Storm
John Walker
Karen Yungmeyer
$
187 Bolender Society member households
$529,779 contributed by Bolender Society members
15 new households joined Bolender Society this year
Jody Stephen, Julia Kim Malter, Amy Embry, and Peggy Beal celebrate the successful 67th season at Benton’s at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center. Photo by Mark McDonald.
Karen Brown and Michele Hamlett-Weith kick off the 2024-2025 season at the Zhou B Art Center. Photo by Mark McDonald.
Dancer Amanda DeVenuta, Blair Bieser, and Dancer Emily Mistretta celebrate the successful 67th season at Benton’s at The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center. Photo by Mark McDonald.
Karen Yungmeyer President
Ron Fredman President-Elect
Edie Downing Vice President
Peggy Beal Treasurer
Jo Anne Dondlinger Recording Secretary
Carrie Kruse Corresponding Secretary
Jody Stephen
Membership Vice President
Juliette Singer
Membership Data Vice President
Angela Walker
Special Projects Vice President
John Walker
Engagement & Education Vice President
$500,000 contributed to Kansas City Ballet, a record $
Angela Moore Marketing/PR Vice President
Cindy Wurm Social Activities Vice President
Lisa Hickok Archives Vice President
Cyndi James Immediate Past President
Melissa Ford Governance Chairman
Nan Lippincott Guild Boutique Vice President
Lynne & Carl Weilert
Gala Vice Presidents 2024
Michele Hamlett-Weith Gala Vice President 2025
Cyndi James & Juliette Singer Gala Vice Presidents 2026
$91,000 raised by the Nutcracker Boutique, a record
259 members, including 29 new members
2024-2025 Kansas City Ballet Guild members. Photo by Kenny Johnson.
Jennifer Owen, Julia Kim Malter, Anna Breedlove, Stacy Brooks, Jennifer Pontier, Carrie Kruse, and Elizabeth Sady at the Annual Kickoff Party at Boulevard Brewing Company. Photo by Kenny Johnson.
Ball Chairmen Carl and Lynne Weilert, Julia Irene Dennie - Kauffman, Ball Honorary Chairmen Linda and Topper Johntz at the Nutcracker Ball at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. Photo by Kenny Johnson.
2024-2025 BARRE KC BOARD MEMBERS
Alexis Strauss
President
Marissa Wickam
Immediate Past President
Zakry Akagi-Bustin
Vice President
Katie Abbott
Secretary
Morgan Holecek
Treasurer
Allissa Gehring
Quinn Harrold
Madison Moore
Jessica Whalen
$19,000 raised for R.O.A.D. at Soirée $
14% membership increase from FY24
2024-2025 SUGAR PLUM FAIRY CHILDREN’S BALL
$61,641 raised for Kansas City Ballet School $
Kristin and Adele Osbern with Claire Brand. Photo by Mark McDonald.
Alice Riley interacting with the magician. Photo by Mark McDonald.
Elizabeth Sady and Chris Varughese at BARRE KC Soirée.
Photo by Mark McDonald.
Audrey Allen, Travis Jackson, Betsy Ambrose, Jen and Derek Elder and Crystal O’Dea at BARRE KC Soirée. Photo by Mark McDonald.
SUPPORTERS GAVE WHERE THEIR PASSIONS LIE
Kansas City Ballet supporters gave in ways that reflect what moves them. From scholarships and costumes to audience engagement and pointe shoes, every gift brought the art form to life.
Giving is powerful because it creates a shared sense of purpose. Supporters are moved, not only by performances, but by the people and stories behind them. We’re proud to connect them with what moves them most.
The individuals featured here sustained the Ballet this year and strengthened the vibrant arts community that makes Kansas City so special. Their generosity is shaping a future where more people are inspired, moved, and connected through the power of dance.
ZACK AND CHRISTINA SHAFRAN
What Moves Them: Growing audiences who can experience the beauty of ballet
Zack Shafran’s love for ballet began as a child, sitting beside his mother, Tannye, whose passion for the arts left a lasting impression. Today, he and his wife Christina carry that tradition forward, attending performances with Zack’s daughter Camille and helping others discover the magic of live dance.
To honor his mother’s legacy, Zack created the Tannye Shafran Fund for Audience Development. This season, the Shafrans funded a campaign to re-engage new and returning audiences, covering marketing and ticket costs for a half-off offer.
Their belief in the Ballet’s mission led to real results: nearly $15,000 in ticket sales across Beauty and the Beast, Don Quixote, and FUSION, with packed houses and enthusiastic crowds. Their generosity helped make ballet more accessible and brought more people into the shared experience of live performance.
What moves the Shafrans is simple: a desire to grow the audience for ballet and share the joy it brings. Their support is already making a lasting impact.
TOP: Zack and Christina Shafran. Photo by David Riffel.
MIDDLE: KCB II Dancer Ben Workman and Second Company Manager & Rehearsal Director Christopher Ruud.
BOTTOM: Kansas City Ballet Dancers in Anna-Marie Holme’s Don Quixote.
Audience members at Don Quixote. Photo by Beeh Moynagh.
LINDA LIGHTON
What Moves Her: Sharing the storytelling power of costume design
An internationally recognized sculptor, Linda Lighton is deeply attuned to how movement can express emotion and meaning. That connection drew her to support the creation of custom costumes for hold on tight, a new work by emerging choreographer Caroline Dahm featured in Kansas City Ballet’s mixed repertory production FUSION.
Though FUSION featured minimal scenic design and no live orchestra, it was rich in artistic innovation. Creating the costumes for hold on tight alone required a significant investment. Linda’s gift helped bring the piece fully to life, visually and emotionally, by making the costuming possible.
Raised in the family behind Kansas City’s Woolf Brothers clothing company, Linda has long appreciated the power of presentation. “Costumes tell a story. They show how a dancer moves through space, how character and mood are conveyed. That’s why I connect to the art of costume design so strongly. I believe that dance is sculpture in motion.”
TOP: Original costume sketches for Caroline Dahm’s hold on tight. BOTTOM: Kansas City Ballet Dancer Angel in Carrant with Sasha the chrome mannequin in Caroline Dahm’s hold on tight
TOP: Linda Lighton in her studio. Photo by Kelly Leahy.
BOTTOM: Kansas City Ballet Dancers in Caroline Dahm’s hold on tight.
A SCORE OF HER OWN: RAMONA PANSEGRAU BRINGS DON QUIXOTE HOME
When Music Director and Conductor Ramona Pansegrau met choreographer Anna-Marie Holmes at Boston Ballet, an artistic friendship began that would, decades later, lead to a defining moment in Ramona’s career: conducting her own fully realized score for Don Quixote in Kansas City.
That journey began on the floor of a Boston high school, where the two pieced together a makeshift score from hundreds of pages copied from Ludwig Minkus’ original manuscript and sent from Russia. Ramona’s passion and dedication never faded. Years later, she finally had the time to shape the music around Anna-Marie’s vibrant choreography, devoting months to careful alignment and orchestration.
After acclaimed performances across the country and abroad, Ramona’s score returned home to Kansas City Ballet in March, where she led the Kansas City Symphony in a bold and spirited Don Quixote full of Spanish flair.
This milestone honors every supporter who believes in the power of live music. Thanks to you, Ramona’s vision for Don Quixote finally sang, passionately and joyously, on the Kauffman Center stage.
Kansas City Ballet Dancers in Don Quixote.
Dancer Andrew Vecseri with Company Dancers in Don Quixote.
Ramona Pansegrau and Anna-Marie Holmes at A Musical Evening with Ramona at the Carriage Club. Photo by Mark McDonald.
Kansas City Ballet Music Director and Conductor Ramona Pansegrau at A Musical Evening with Ramona at the Carriage Club. Photo by Mark McDonald.
GUEST ARTISTS WHO SHAPED THE SEASON
JARED NELSON
Stager, Alice (in wonderland)
Peter Chu
Choreographer, New Dance Partners
Photo courtesy of Peter Chu.
Johanna Wilt
Stager, Alice (in wonderland)
Photo courtesy of Johanna Wilt.
Duncan Cooper Choreographer, New Moves
Caroline Dahm Choreographer, FUSION
Photo by Ryan Bruce.
Thierry Guiderdoni Stager, FUSION
Anna-Marie Holmes Choreographer, Don Quixote
Lian-Marie Holmes Munro Acting Coach, Don Quixote
KC Ballet Artistic Team
Parrish Maynard, Devon Carney, Kristi Capps, and Christopher Ruud
Photo by Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios.
Natasha Adorlee Choreographer, New Moves
Elaine Kimble Choreographer, New Moves
Bruce Wells Choreographer, Beauty and the Beast
All photos by Beeh Moynagh unless otherwise noted.
DON QUIXOTE • MARCH 21-30, 2025
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Choreography by Anna-Marie Holmes
“Kansas City Ballet’s rendition of Don Quixote is captivating.” – Sophia Lail, The Pitch
Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts • Estelle S. and Robert A. Long Ellis Foundation • Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund
Rehearsal Director Parrish Maynard
Dancers Naomi Tanioka and Joshua Kiesel with Company Dancers
Dancer Marisa DeEtte Whiteman with Kansas City Ballet School students.
FUSION • MAY 8-19, 2025
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
“There was something in the program to appeal to just about anyone…”
– Libby Hanssen, KC Studio
Costumes for hold on tight were generously supported by Linda Lighton.
Tulips and lobster Choreography by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa
Dancers Naomi Tanioka, Amaya Rodriguez and Taryn Pachciarz
hold on tight | World Premiere Choreography by Caroline Dahm
Dancer Amira Hogan
In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated Choreography by William Forsythe
Dancers Emily Mistretta and Andrew Vecseri
Celts Choreography by Lila York
Dancers Taryn Pachciarz and Paul Zusi
CONNECTING KANSAS CITY THROUGH THE POWER OF DANCE
Kansas City Ballet is committed to deepening its connection to the community by meeting people where they are and creating accessible, inspiring experiences. Last season, the Ballet’s newly formalized Partnerships function broadened efforts to engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds through performances, education, and collaboration.
Over the course of the season, 81 different events were hosted, reaching 16,941 attendees. These included 17 community dance workshops, 7 Second Company Informances, and 4 Matinees
for Schools performances. Events took place in schools, senior residences, and public spaces—and featured rehearsal watches and sensory-friendly performances of The Nutcracker and ALICE (in wonderland), which welcomed a combined 874 audience members.
The Ballet also cultivated or strengthened partnerships with organizations like Science City at Union Station, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Clubs, and Saint Luke’s Bishop Spencer Place— extending the joy of dance across Kansas City.
Students at Horizon Elementary School enjoy an Informance by Kansas City Ballet Second Company Dancers. Photo by Beeh Moynagh.
Dancers Joseph Boswell and Whitney Huell with audience members at the ALICE (in wonderland) sensory-friendly performance. Photo by Nicole Dolan.
Kansas City Ballet Second Company Dancers perform for residents at Kingswood Senior Living Community. Photo by Beeh Moynagh.
5,119 attended dance workshops
1,837 attended Second Company “informances,” interactive dance events bringing information and performances together
4,464 attended Matinees for Schools performances, including 1,061 from Title I schools
Kansas City Ballet teaching artists lead families in movement during a Nutcracker-themed Family Dance pop-up event at Kansas City Public Library. Photo by Kim Trudell.
Kansas City Ballet Second Company Dancers perform for families at KidFEST at Union Station’s Science City. Photo by Nicole Dolan.
Participants (Daisies) from Girl Scouts of NE Kansas & NW Missouri enjoy a dance workshop led by a Kansas City Ballet teaching artist. Photo by Beeh Moynagh.
KANSAS CITY BALLET SCHOOL CELEBRATES YEAR OF MEANINGFUL GROWTH
Kansas City Ballet School (KCB School) experienced a year of meaningful growth, marked by strong enrollment and engagement across all programs. From a successful Academy year to summer intensives that welcomed students from across the country, the momentum reflects the School’s
rising reputation for excellence in training and community impact. This progress is made possible by the generosity of our supporters, whose commitment helps nurture the next generation of dancers and leaders.
ACADEMY
KCB School offers a comprehensive, professional curriculum for Academy students at both its Bolender Center and South Campus locations. This past year, 643 students were enrolled across all programs, including 45 Daytime students, 17 Trainees, and 6 Second Company dancers. Academy students filled 325 roles in Company productions, and two were selected to advance into the Trainee program next year. With 289 Academy students enrolled, the South Campus now mirrors the Bolender Center in both scope and offerings. Kansas City Youth Ballet (KCYB) continued to thrive, with 23 students performing a diverse repertoire in six performances, reaching an audience of 764.
KCB School students rehearse for their annual Spring Showcase which took place at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Photo by Beeh Moynagh.
Reagan Kinney and Addison Jankauskas, students in the School’s Daytime Program, were named Trainees in the Second Company for the 2025-2026 season. Photo courtesy of Addison Jankauskas.
KCB School students train at the Bolender Center.
$103,227 awarded in merit scholarships and financial aid
85 students supported by scholarships, approximately 14% of students $
24% increase in South Campus enrollment over 2023-2024
SUMMER INTENSIVES
KCB School’s five-week Summer Intensive welcomed 160 students in 2024, selected through a competitive process held nationally. This year also marked the debut of the Adult Ballet Summer Intensive, which launched to strong interest and quickly reached capacity. KCB School also expanded its Junior Summer Intensive from two to three levels with a full roster of 54 dancers ages 9-13, including 15 from outside KCB School.
372 dancers auditioned on the Summer Intensive Audition Tour
1,482 additional dancers auditioned through a national professional school collective
Kansas City Youth Ballet (KCYB) students shine in their performance of Sleeping Beauty
Guest faculty member Kyra Nichols works with KCB School Summer Intensive students. Photo by Beeh Moynagh.
ADAPTIVE DANCE
Now in its 10th year, KCB School’s Adaptive Dance Programs provide creative movement and ballet classes in a supportive environment for children and adults. Highlights included an inspiring performance in the School’s Spring Showcase and the first-ever class viewing and reception hosted for the Ballet’s Emeritus Council.
OPEN DIVISION
42 students participated in Adaptive Dance
Offered at both campuses, the Open Division provides recreational ballet and dance classes for teens and adults in a welcoming, non-competitive setting. Interest remains high, with 2,601 unique participants as of June 2025.
13 different types of classes were offered in 12 studios across both KCB School locations
KCB School‘s Open Division students can choose from a variety of recreational ballet and dance classes. Photo by
Beeh Moynagh.
Faculty member Michele Hamlett-Weith with students in KCB School’s Adaptive Dance Program. Photo by Mark McDonald.
REACH OUT AND DANCE (R.O.A.D.)
R.O.A.D. continues to bring the joy of movement to elementary schools across Kansas and Missouri, with weekly in-school Residencies and end-of-semester R.O.A.D. Rallies. In the 20242025 school year, 798 students participated in school-day R.O.A.D. Residencies, with 28 second- and third-year R.O.A.D. Scholars invited to continue their dance training on scholarship at the Bolender Center.
As the Residency program nears its 25th anniversary in the 2025-2026 school year, its team has expanded to include eight live accompanists - up from just two last year - enhancing the experience for students and schools alike.
18,722 students reached over the past 24 years
1,821 attended end-of-year R.O.A.D. Rallies
Prairie Elementary School students perform at their end-of-semester R.O.A.D. Rally. Photo by Beeh Moynagh.
R.O.A.D. Scholars perform in the May R.O.A.D. Showcase at the Bolender Center. Photo by Beeh Moynagh.
Kansas City Ballet
Statement of Activities & Changes for the year ending June 30, 2025
Kansas City Ballet Dancers in Septime Webre’s ALICE (in wonderland)
2024-2025 REVENUE
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
Glenn Lewis Facilities Manager
PHILANTHROPY
Kristin Castle Chief Philanthropy Officer
Grace Ingham Manager, Events & Philanthropy
Kelly Leahy Manager, Philanthropic Communications
Natalie Sextro Manager, Philanthropic Operations
Megan Robinson Philanthropy Assistant
MARKETING & PATRON SERVICES
Karen Badgett Chief Sales & Marketing Officer
Savanna Daniels Design & Digital Marketing Manager
Beeh Moynagh
Creative Content Producer
Nicole Dolan
Social Media Specialist
Ellen McDonald Publicist
Mark Volk Patron Services Manager
Kim Toigo Assistant Patron Services Manager
Alix England Patron Services Associate
PARTNERSHIP
Kim Trudell Manager, Strategic Partnerships
PRODUCTION
Amy Taylor Director of Production
Laura Krus
Production Stage Manager
Scott Parks Technical Director
Jennifer Carroll Costume Director
Betti Jo Diem Costume Shop Manager
Becci Jo Kelbaugh Costume Shop Assistant
Madeline Brasgalla Assistant Stage Manager
IATSE LOCAL #31, STAGE CREW
Josh Beasley Head Carpenter
Dale Klamm Head Properties
Rick Knapp Programmer
Ryan Lewis Steward & Head Flyman
Margaret Spare Head Electrician
Greg Brown Head Electrician Emeritus
IATSE LOCAL #810, WARDROBE ATTENDANTS
Desiree Story Head of Wardrobe
SCHOOL
ARTISTIC
Oliver Till School Director
Kimberly Cowen Principal & KCYB Director
Taryn Ouellette Principal, South Campus at Meadowbrook
Jennifer Welch Cudnik Principal, Daytime Program
Dmitry Trubchanov
Men’s Program Coordinator & KCYB Associate Director
Jordan Voth
Company Pianist/Principal Academy Pianist
Jacob Thomas Academy and R.O.A.D. Pianist
ADMINISTRATIVE
Sherry Urton
School Operations Manager
Miyesha McGriff
R.O.A.D. Program Administrator
Rachel Grisi Dugan
Summer Intensive Coordinator
Nora Burkitt-Davis
Children’s Program & Adaptive Dance Coordinator
Sarah Wilczewski
South Campus Administrator
Staci Wittenberg Bolender Center Administrator
Adrienne Anderson Data & Process Analyst
Kira Dimarco
Administrative Assistant
Allay Freeman
Administrative Assistant
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*
Kristin Castle Chief Philanthropy Officer
816.216.5585 • kcastle@kcballet.org
Grace Ingham Manager, Events & Philanthropy
816.216.5589 • gingham@kcballet.org
Kelly Leahy Manager, Philanthropic Communications
816.216.5608 • kleahy@kcballet.org
Natalie Sextro Manager, Philanthropic Operations
816.381.6941 • nsextro@kcballet.org
Megan Robinson Philanthropy Assistant 816.381.1317 • mrobinson@kcballet.org
*Kansas City Ballet gratefully acknowledges the contributions of Chris Roady, CFRE; Jennifer J.E. Wampler, MBS, CFRE; and Rebecca Zandarski, CFRE, CSPG; throughout the 2024-2025 season.
Grace Ingham, Kristin Castle, Natalie Sextro, Kelly Leahy and Megan Robinson.
Photo by Tom Styrkowicz/53 TOM LLC.
