Swan Lake, Kansas City Ballet 2025-2026 Season

The 2025-2026 season is sponsored in part by: PRESENTING SPONSOR SUPPORTING SPONSORS

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KANSAS

KANSAS

Kelsey Ivana Hellebuyck.

Dancer Kaleena Burks. Photography by Kenny Johnson.

Dear Friends,

Kansas City Ballet is proud to bring Swan Lake to our stage for the third time — and we believe this will be our best yet! Thanks to the incredible growth and artistry of our dancers, we’re ready to present this timeless masterpiece like never before.

Swan Lake stands as one of the great classical ballets, premiering in 1877 and embodying the very essence of the art form. The iconic tutus of the Swans were developed during this same classical era, and the work itself continues to symbolize the height of ballet’s tradition. For any company, it is a touchstone — as vital to perform as Giselle or Sleeping Beauty

Odette/Odile is one of the most coveted and career-defining roles in all of ballet. It asks a ballerina to embody both softness and lyricism as the White Swan, and angular sharpness and seductive strength as the Black Swan — all within the same evening. It is a tremendous artistic and physical challenge, and I’m thrilled that a new generation of Kansas City Ballet dancers will step into this role for the first time, likewise with Prince Siegfried’s role! The Prince is equally as momentous, as it is a technical and emotional milestone for any male artist.

Of course, the heart and soul of Swan Lake is the Corps de Ballet — the Swans themselves. Twenty-four dancers must breathe, move, and flow as one, a task of remarkable precision and unity. Their presence elevates the entire story, giving Odette/Odile and Siegfried a platform on which their characters can shine. To me, they are the embodiment of the ballet’s poetry and strength.

Performing Swan Lake is both a privilege and a necessity for a classical ballet company. It is a living museum piece — history in motion — and, with Peter I. Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score, it resonates across generations. These timeless moments connect us to the very roots of ballet while also reminding us of its enduring vitality.

This production also sets the tone for an extraordinary 68th season at Kansas City Ballet, alongside The Great Gatsby, Stars and Stripes, The Nutcracker, New Moves, and our beloved Family Series. With each of these works, we reaffirm that Kansas City Ballet is strong, vibrant, and dedicated to bringing powerful artistry to our community.

I look forward to sharing every breathtaking moment of this ballet with you.

With gratitude,

Devon Carney, Artistic Director

SUPPORT KANSAS CITY BALLET

Kansas City Ballet is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Your contribution is important to our mission. Contribute today at kcballet.org, 816.931.2232, or make checks payable to Kansas City Ballet, Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity, 500 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO 64108-2430.

STAY CONNECTED WITH KANSAS CITY BALLET

For the latest news, exclusive updates, and presale access to upcoming performances and special events, join our email list at kcballet.org, visit our blog at kcballet.org/blog, and follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/kcballet, facebook.com/kcbschool), Instagram (@kc.ballet, @kc.balletschool), TikTok (@kansascityballet), YouTube (@kansascityballet), and LinkedIn (Kansas City Ballet).

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KANSAS CITY BALLET LEADERSHIP

DEVON CARNEY

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Devon Carney joined Kansas City Ballet for the 2013-2014 season after spending the previous 10 years with Cincinnati Ballet as associate artistic director. His early training was with Harvey Hysell of New Orleans. He moved to Boston and was a Principal dancer with Boston Ballet for 12 of his 20 professional performing years. Carney has performed many leading roles in well-known classical ballets and in 20th century classical works, and in roles by cutting-edge choreographers such as Mark Morris, Maurice Bejart and Merce Cunningham. In addition, he performed a diverse Balanchine repertoire and toured extensively with greats such as Rudolf Nureyev, Fernando Bujones and Cynthia Gregory. With Boston Ballet, he was ballet master and artistic director of their Summer Dance Program for eight years. Carney’s teaching credits include Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Pittsburgh Ballet, School of American Ballet, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, San Francisco Ballet School, Houston Ballet School and many others. He has choreographed for Boston Ballet, Ballet Met, Cincinnati Ballet, Grand Rapids Ballet, Cincinnati Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Kansas City Symphony, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival and Kansas City Ballet. He has served many years as a judge for the premier dance competition Youth America Grand Prix. In the summer of 2011, Carney choreographed for the Cincinnati Opera for the opera A Flowering Tree by John Adams with a review in Opera News, “Devon Carney’s choreography was both athletic and exquisite.” With Cincinnati Ballet he created over 20 original works including Blue Rondo and World Citizen in March of 2009 with a review stating, “Carney’s work is not only well crafted but moody and intense with a palpable sense of loneliness. His work grows more confident and more skillful with every piece he creates” (David Lyman, Cincinnati Enquirer). He also created Boot It Up!. This was performed with the live musical accompaniment of rock and roll legend Peter Frampton and his entire band. Additionally, he created a full-length world premiere of Dracula and has created his versions of the great classics of Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, and the one-act ballet The Steadfast Tin Solder. He choreographed Die Fledermaus and La Traviata for the Lyric Opera of Kansas City With Kansas City Ballet, he created Opus I in 2013, Giselle in 2014, a brand new world premiere production of The Nutcracker in 2015, his full length Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty and his world premiere choreography of Romeo & Juliet in 2017, and his world premiere choreography of Peter Pan in 2018. Additionally his Nutcracker has been performed at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in 2017 and 2022. Most recently, he created his world premiere choreography of the full-length Cinderella in 2023.

KEVIN AMEY

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

Kevin Amey’s service to Kansas City Ballet exceeds 40 years. He has served as the company and tour booking manager of Kansas City Ballet since 1983. He was promoted to general manager in 1998. Amey has had the pleasure of working extensively with each of the company’s three Artistic Directors — Todd Bolender, William Whitener, and Devon Carney — as well as Executive Directors Michael Kaiser, Martin Cohen, Jeffrey Bentley, and David Gray — in producing more than 300 works. Additionally, he was instrumental in booking and executing the many tours the company embarked upon in the 80s and 90s, as well as the 11-year second-city residency in St. Louis. He counts the opportunity to play a significant role as the company’s project manager in the creation of the Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity as his most rewarding achievement. Amey’s background in the arts began as a young performer, actor, singer, and dancer. He is a graduate of Avila College, where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting and directing, and in design. He took his design skills into the professional ranks as lighting and sound designer for the Creede Repertory Theatre in Creede, CO, as well as production manager, for three seasons. While attending graduate school at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in Theatre Arts, Amey split his time between the design and scenic shops and as a special graduate assistant to the director, Dr. Patricia McIlrath. He then followed his interest in arts management by acting as company manager for three seasons of touring with the then Missouri Repertory Theatre. He also has served on a variety of local, state and regional panels, including the Missouri Arts Council Tour Advisory Panel and Touring Task Force, as well as the Steering Committee and Grant Awards Panel for the Kansas City Chapter of Young Audiences. He and his wife Mig Lillig have raised five children.

DAVID GRAY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

David Gray was raised in Princeton, NJ, and attended Johns Hopkins University. Following graduation, he moved to New York. He worked in the publicity department of Doubleday Publishing before joining the Press Office of New York City Ballet, where he soon became press director. He also met and married New York City Ballet Principal Dancer Kyra Nichols. Upon the birth of their first child, Gray became a full-time parent so that his wife could return to her performing career. He also pursued his passion for writing and published Escape From Verona: Romeo and Juliet Part Two, a novel that required years of research, including visits to Italy. After they moved to the town where he grew up, Gray became the executive director of American Repertory Ballet and their Princeton Ballet School. Gray then opened a consulting firm, Finance Arts LLC, where he combined his interests in finance and nonprofit management. He served as an itinerant interim executive director for several nonprofits, including the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault, The New Brunswick Cultural Center (where he was landlord for three theaters), and the Princeton Symphony Orchestra. In addition to teaching nonprofit management and finance classes, he wrote the Finance Arts Guide to Nonprofit Cash Flow, published in 2010. What began as an interim position with the Pennsylvania Ballet (now Philadelphia Ballet) became permanent until his wife was offered a tenured faculty position at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. Gray returned to full-time parenting as a trailing spouse when they moved to Indiana in 2017. He and his youngest son built a batting cage, and Gray spent many hours throwing baseballs for batting practice (sometimes even hitting the strike zone). One of his screenplays, a romantic comedy, Love Across Time, has been produced, and is available on Amazon Prime and Hulu. Now empty nesters, Gray has embraced the renewed energy and excitement of the ballet world and is thrilled to be part of the Kansas City Ballet.

RAMONA PANSEGRAU MUSIC DIRECTOR & CONDUCTOR

Ramona Pansegrau has been music director for Kansas City Ballet for 18 years. She came to Kansas City via the Boston and Tulsa ballet companies. She has been called one of the best ballet pianists in the world. Robert Joffrey said of her ballet class, “The perfect music for every combination.” She was principal pianist/solo pianist for 10 years at Boston Ballet and tenured keyboard for the Boston Ballet Orchestra for 15 years. Pansegrau was on the faculty at Aspen/Snowmass Dance Festival for 11 years and was music director for the ballet school at Jacob’s Pillow for 16 years. She was music director for Tulsa Ballet for nine years, and conductor of the Tulsa Symphony orchestra for ballet performances before coming to Kansas City Ballet. Pansegrau conducted the premiere of the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra with a full-length Sleeping Beauty, starring Italian ballerina Viviana Durante. Her performances were hailed as “giving life to the music and energizing the dancers.” Conducting for the Ballet Across America Festival, The Washington Post stated, “There is a delicious tension between the outpouring of the strings conducted by Pansegrau and the hushed anxiety of the dancing.” The Kansas City Star said Pansegrau’s Symphony No. 5 by Gustav Mahler was conducted with “heartrending sensitivity.” The Orlando Sentinel commented regarding Swan Lake, “…Pansegrau, music director for the Kansas City Ballet, helps Tchaikovsky’s music breathe with emotion reflecting what’s onstage….That gorgeous sound is something I’ll remember.”

Regarding Don Quixote, they said, “As conducted by Ramona Pansegrau, the Philharmonic captured each bit of Spanish flair in Ludwig Minkus’ score, as well as the longing in the characters’ hearts. The Phil’s contribution to the electricity in the air can’t be overstated.” As a piano soloist for ballet, she has performed the piano concertos of Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Gottschalk, Hindemith, and Chopin, performing with many symphony orchestras, including the Kennedy Center Opera Orchestra. Of her performances, the Boston Phoenix stated, “the music...brought to sublime heights by pianist Ramona Pansegrau, allow[ing] you to experience the music anew each time.” Her arrangements of ballets are in the repertory of Ballet West, Colorado Ballet, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Tulsa Ballet, Louisville Ballet, Washington Ballet, the San Carlo Opera House in Italy, NBA Ballet in Japan, and the Finnish National Ballet. Her edited and compiled score of Penderecki, Gorecki, and others for Jekyll & Hyde, a ballet by Val Caniparoli, premiered in Finland in 2020 to great acclaim, and she conducted the American premiere in Kansas City in October 2023. In 2025, she conducted her own arrangement of the full-length Don Quixote for Kansas City Ballet. Pansegrau’s other ongoing engagements include collaborating with Val Caniparoli for a new world premiere ballet for National Ballet of Canada in 2027 and returning for the 30th year as music director and conductor for the USA International Ballet Competition in 2027.

KANSAS CITY BALLET BOARD & AUXILIARIES

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS

Julia Irene Dennie - Kauffman, Chairman Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation

Carolyn W. Parkerson, President Community Leader

Barbara Storm, Immediate Past President Community Leader

Kathleen Nemechek, Esq., Vice President, Governance Berkowitz Oliver LLP

Stephen Doyal, Vice President Hallmark Cards, Retired

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBERS

Charlotte Kemper Black Commerce Trust Company

Lucy Wells Coulson Community Leader

Kyle Danner EOS Worldwide LLC

Ron Fredman Kansas City Ballet Guild President

John D. Hunkeler, M.D. Community Leader

Linda Lenza Bank of America

KANSAS

Austin Massoth BBN Architects

Steve McDowell BNIM

Rachel Merlo Google Fiber Kansas City

Tracy Musolf Lockton

Sarah Pedraza SS&C

Scott Ramon NBKC Bank

David Harris, Treasurer US Bank

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

David Gray, Executive Director Kansas City Ballet

Devon Carney, Artistic Director Kansas City Ballet

CiCi Rojas Tico Productions LLC / Tico Sports

Sarah Romine Lockton

G. Mark Sappington, Esq. Community Leader

Suzanne Shank, Esq. Community Leader

Mindy Sosland Community Leader

Kent V. Stallard, Esq. Stinson LLP

CITY BALLET GUILD BOARD • KCBGUILD.ORG

Ron Fredman President

Edie Downing President-Elect

Cindy Wurm Vice President

John Walker Treasurer

Jo Anne Dondlinger Recording Secretary

Carrie Kruse Corresponding Secretary

Jody Stephen Membership Vice President

Eileen Green Membership Data Vice President

Amanda Wagner Special Projects Vice President

Julia Kim Malter Engagement & Education Vice President

Cyndi James Marketing/PR Vice President

Peggy Younger Social Activities Vice President

Lisa Hickok Archives Vice President

Karen Yungmeyer Immediate Past President

Peggy Beal Governance Chairman

Alexis Strauss BARRE KC President

Angela Walker Community Leader

Lorie B. Whitaker, Esq. Bank of America

Nan Lippencott Guild Boutique Vice President

Michele Hamlett-Weith Gala Vice President 2025

Juliette Singer & Cyndi James Gala Vice Presidents 2026

Crystal O’Dea Gala Vice President 2027

Alexis Strauss President

Zakry Akagi-Bustin Vice President

Katie Abbott Secretary

Quinn Harrold Treasurer

Audrey Allen

Morgan Holecek

Allissa Gehring

David Leehy

Madison Moore

Jessica Ritter

Michael Schuckman

Jessica Whalen

Kansas City Ballet thanks our board of directors and leadership teams whose time, energy and generosity enhance our organization and make our performances and community programs possible.

Emergency Evacuation Procedures

The Kauffman Center is equipped with advanced life-safety early alert systems. Each performance hall is designed with emergency exits in case of an evacuation. In the event of severe weather, shelter in place inside the hall, not in a lobby area, and await further instructions.

In the event of an emergency, the performance will be interrupted. Horns and strobes will sound. Emergency instructions will be delivered from the stage.

Please remain seated as staff use an appropriate amount of investigational time to verify the source of the alarm.* Should an evacuation be necessary, lighted red (Muriel Kauffman Theatre) and green (Helzberg Hall) exit signs will lead patrons to one of eight emergency exit paths.

Patrons with mobility limitations and/or those who are not able to navigate stairs should remain in the venue near one of the marked “Emergency Evacuation Assistance” areas. First responders will evacuate those requiring assistance immediately upon their arrival.

Elevators, primary entrances and the Brandmeyer Great Hall staircase are NOT used in the case of an emergency evacuation.

For more information on emergency evacuation procedures, visit kauffmancenter.org/policies

THEATRE INFORMATION & PATRON SERVICES

CAMERA POLICY

Due to contractual obligations and for the safety of the artists, the use of cameras and recording devices are strictly prohibited. Attendance at a Kansas City Ballet event gives the patron’s consent to be photographed or recorded.

CELL PHONES AND DEVICES

As a courtesy to the artists and audience members, please silence cell phones and other devices and refrain from texting for the duration of the performance.

SEATING POLICY

We know our patrons make every effort to be on time for events; however, traffic or weather problems can cause late arrivals. Latecomers may watch the performance on monitors in our lobby until the theater has re-opened to allow guests into the auditorium. Seating or reseating once a performance has begun will be allowed at the discretion of the house manager as a courtesy to our audience and in consideration of everyone’s safety.

TICKETING POLICY/CHILDREN

At Kansas City Ballet, we encourage young audiences to attend our shows assuming the program content is appropriate. However, it is strongly suggested that no babies or toddlers be in attendance. Many children over the age of 5 can remain happily and quietly seated for a two-hour performance, but you know your child best. Parents will be expected to immediately remove children creating a disturbance during the performance. Patrons may return to their seats during intermission. Please note that all patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket. No refunds will be available.

WEATHER POLICY

Kansas City Ballet seldom cancels performances due to inclement weather. An exception to this is an official citywide emergency that requires citizens not be on the streets. In the unlikely chance that Kansas City Ballet cancels a performance, such cancellation will be announced no later than two hours prior to the scheduled start of the show.

REFRESHMENTS

Refreshments are available at bars located throughout Brandmeyer Great Hall. For select events, bar service is also available on levels 5 and 6. Please note, food and beverages are to be enjoyed outside Helzberg Hall and Muriel Kauffman Theatre (with the exception of box seating).

COAT CHECK

Complimentary coat check is available for guests year around. Coat check is located near the restrooms on Level 2 just east of the ticket office.

BOOSTER SEATS

Booster seats are reserved for those who require the use of a four-inch cushion to view the stage and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Patrons may request a booster seat at coat check on the plaza lobby level or connect with a Kauffman Center staff member or volunteer.

ELEVATORS

All levels of the building can be reached by elevator with the exception of Upper Grand Tier (Level 7) in Helzberg Hall. However, elevator access does not guarantee the absence of stairs to a seat. Please contact the Kansas City Ballet Ticket Office for more information.

PARKING

There are 1,000 parking spaces available at a $16 charge in advance or $20 the day of per car. Valet services are also available at $25 in advance or $27 the day of per car. There are three charging stations for electric cars.

RESTROOMS

Kauffman Center restrooms fully comply with disability requirements of both the city of Kansas City, MO, and the ADA. All family restrooms feature infant changing tables. The Mezzanine family restroom features a changing table suitable for children or adults. Patrons needing a universal changing table or an additional private space to tend to medical needs should contact a staff member or volunteer for directions to the First Aid Office.

SPECIAL SERVICES & ACCESSIBILITY

Kansas City Ballet is dedicated to providing an accessible and enjoyable experience to all patrons. The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is an accessible facility. All performances of Kansas City Ballet are accessible to people with special needs. Adjacent companion seats also are available in the same area. Please consult with Kansas City Ballet Ticket Office at 816.931.8993 to determine your best and most accessible seating options.

SERENITY ROOMS

Patrons who would benefit from the use of a private, relaxing environment are invited to step into one of two serenity rooms. These spaces offer comfortable seating and a monitor to view the live performance, plus sensory items, dimmable lights, and an electrical wall outlet. Patrons may contact a staff member or volunteer to access these spaces.

SENSORY KITS

Patrons who would benefit from comforting sensory resources are invited to exchange an ID card for a complimentary use of a sensory kit from coat check on the Plaza Lobby Level. These kits contain resources such as noise-reducing headphones, weighted lap pads, and handheld sensory items.

LOST AND FOUND

Found items are immediately taken to the Security Console located at the Stage and Performers Entrance near the north entry. Kauffman Center Security will make every effort to identify and contact the owners of lost items. Items unclaimed after 90 days will be donated to a local charity. Cash and items of significant value left over 90 days will be treated as a donation to the Kauffman Center. To inquire about a lost item, contact Kauffman Center Security at 816.994.7222.

KANSAS CITY BALLET HOURS

Kansas City Ballet Ticket Office and administrative hours ware Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ticket Office hours are extended during performance weeks. To contact us, please call 816.931.8993, fax 816.471.1314, or email boxoffice@kcballet.org. For more information, visit kcballet.org.

KAUFFMAN CENTER HOURS

The Kauffman Center Ticket Office opens 90 minutes prior to performances and remains open 30 minutes after Kansas City Ballet performances start.

Premier Senior Living in

the Heart of Kansas City

Connecting Experiences

For families on the cancer journey

The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre has been entertaining audiences since 1961, and 2025 marks their 11th season of presenting Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale, A Christmas Carol, replete with dazzling scenery and costumes and delightful holiday music. Explore the culture, shopping, dining, B&Bs, and natural beauty of the historic Village of Arrow Rock before entering The Lyceum lobby (that began as a 19th century church), grab a hot chocolate at the beverage bar, then relax into the new theatre seats in their intimate 416-seat auditorium.

Tickets for A Christmas Carol are available now at LyceumTheatre.org or 660-837-3311. Senior, student/child, and public safety discounts are available, as well as special pricing for groups of 10 or more.

KANSAS CITY BALLET

Devon Carney

Artistic Director

David Gray Executive Director

Kevin Amey Chief Operations Officer

Ramona Pansegrau Music Director & Conductor

COMPANY ARTISTS

Gavin Abercrombie ◊

Isaac Allen

Alladson Barreto

Joseph Boswell

Kaleena Burks §

Angelin Carrant

Liam Colclough *

Aidan Duffy

KCB II

Zander Johnson

Audrey Lynn

TRAINEES

Julia Bellantoni

Payton Boddy

Alessia Braggiato

Maggie De Groote

Luke Eller

Michelangelo Fante

Kristi Capps

Rehearsal Director

Parrish Maynard

Rehearsal Director

Christopher Ruud

Second Company Manager & Rehearsal Director

Amy Taylor Director of Production

Sidney Haefs ‡

Kelsey Ivana Hellebuyck

Amira Hogan

Whitney Huell

Olivia Jacobus

Joshua Kiesel

Keaton Linzau

Celeste Lopez-Keranen

Troy Monger-Levin

Brooke Noska

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

Jordan Voth Company Pianist

Mei McArtor *

Amelia Meissner

Maura Moody

Taryn Pachciarz

Elliott Rogers

Noura Sander

Naomi Tanioka

Cameron Thomas

Olivia Pearsall

Owen Watson

Andrew Vecseri

Landen Walker *

Marisa DeEtte Whiteman

Derek Wippel *

Gillian Yoder

Paul Zusi ∞

Ben Workman

Sage Guillot

Jack Hindocha-Daniels

Hiroaki Ikeda

Addison Jankauskas

Gracie Jean Joiner

Camille Jordan

◊ Sally and Thomas J. Wood Senior Dancer

∞ John Hunkeler Senior Dancer

§ Norman E. Gaar, Esq. Dancer

Corabelle Kennedy

Reagan Kinney

Madeleine Lee

Isabella Martino

Maya McDaniels

Blair Mendes

Joseph Moore

Ena Nomoto

Zoey Uhlman

‡ Greg and Barbara Storm Emerging Dancer

* Company Apprentice, supported in part by the Estelle S. and Robert A. Long Ellis Foundation

Website Recognition Listing

Behind-the-scenes eNews

Program Recognition Listing

Invitation to Rehearsal Watch

Pre-sale Ticket Access

Welcome Packet

Bolender Society Events

Priority Access to upgrade Subscription Tickets

Reception Suite Access for subscription performances

Annual State of the Ballet Luncheon

Insights - Rehearsal Watch and Dinner with Guest Artist

Complimentary Garage Parking at Kauffman Center

Dinner with Devon - Dinner with the Artistic Director and Dress Rehearsal

WAYS TO GIVE TO KANSAS CITY BALLET

There are many meaningful ways to support Kansas City Ballet, tailored to your goals, passions, and financial plans. Options include:

Monthly Giving

Make a lasting impact through manageable, recurring contributions.

Annual Gifts

Offer a one-time or annual contribution, ideal for larger gifts or itemized deductions.

Endowment Gifts

Help ensure the Ballet’s long-term sustainability.

Legacy Giving

Leave a lasting legacy that inspires future generations.

Corporate Partnerships

Enhance your company’s social impact while strengthening community ties.

Matching Contributions

Your company may match your charitable contributions.

To explore the giving option that’s most meaningful to you, please contact Kristin Castle, Chief Philanthropy Officer, at 816.216.5585 or kcastle@kcballet.org.

THE COMPANY

GAVIN ABERCROMBIE | JOINED KCB IN 2018, +2 YEARS SECOND COMPANY

Sally & Thomas J. Wood Senior Dancer

Gavin Abercrombie is from Acton, California and began his ballet training at the age of 8 with the Antelope Valley Ballet. He continued his training at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School and the San Francisco Ballet School where he was taught by individuals such as Marjorie Grundvig, Andre Reyes, Patrick Armand, and Parrish Maynard. Since joining Kansas City Ballet in 2016, Abercrombie has had the opportunity to perform leading roles such as Albrecht in Devon Carney’s Giselle, Dr. Jekyll in the North American premiere of Val Caniparoli’s Jekyll & Hyde, Jonathan Harker in Michael Pink’s Dracula, Principal in George Balanchine’s Rubies, and Cavalier in Devon Carney’s The Nutcracker. Abercrombie has also had the opportunity to perform in ballets by choreographers such as Jiří Kylián, Alexander Ekman, Anabelle Lopez Ochoa, Septime Webre, Twyla Tharp, George Balanchine, and Devon Carney.

ISAAC ALLEN | JOINED KCB IN 2022

Isaac Allen began his ballet training at the age of 8 at Stillpointe Dance Studio in southern Oregon. He spent many of his summers attending intensive training programs across the country including San Francisco Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet and Oregon Ballet Theatre. In 2015, Allen joined Oregon Ballet Theatre’s pre-professional program. The next year he was accepted into the HARID Conservatory in Florida where he trained for two years under Meelis Pakri before joining Milwaukee Ballet’s Second Company, performing in ballets such as Michael Pink’s Dracula, Val Caniparoli’s Lambarena, Bruce Wells’ A Midsummer Night’s Dream and many more. Allen spent three years in the Second Company before being promoted to Milwaukee Ballet as an apprentice where he danced for two years.

ALLADSON BARRETO | JOINED KCB IN 2022

Alladson Barreto, born in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, began his ballet training in 2015 at the Alberto Maranhão Theater Dance School (EDTAM) in Natal. He trained at the Rock School on full scholarship and danced with Ballet West II from 2019 to 2022, performing in The Nutcracker, Giselle, Chant du Rosignol, Dracula, Romeo and Juliet, Diamonds, Glass Pieces, Raymonda, Don Quixote, Divertimento, and Sleeping Beauty. In 2021, he collaborated with Kathryn Morgan, performing lead roles together in The Nutcracker for three years. Barreto has performed featured roles in The Sandpaper Ballet, Petite Mort, Jewels (Emeralds), Celts, Peter Pan, Cinderella, and The Nutcracker. Since joining Kansas City Ballet in 2022, he has danced in Jekyll and Hyde, Cacti, Giselle, ALICE (in wonderland), among others. He has served as a So Danca Ambassador from 2018-20 and 2022-25.

KALEENA BURKS | JOINED KCB IN 2010 • Norman E. Gaar, Esq. Dancer

Kaleena Burks is from Coral Springs, Florida, where she trained with Magda Auñon and Magaly Suarez. In 2005, she won first place in the pre-professional division of the American Ballet Competition. Burks has danced with Cincinnati Ballet, Columbia Classical Ballet, and Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami. In Kansas City, she has been featured as the title role in Giselle, Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Juliet in Romeo & Juliet, Kitri in Don Quixote, Marguerite in Lady of the Camellias, Chosen One in Rite of Spring, Sugar Plum in The Nutcracker, along with principal roles in Diamonds, Dracula, Interplay, Petal, and Serenade. In addition to her performing career, Burks has recently been appointed artistic director of Moving Arts, a local summer dance company.

JOSEPH BOSWELL | JOINED KCB IN 2024

Joseph Boswell was born in Spokane, Washington. He started his ballet training at the age of 7 and after five years of training he moved to Houston, Texas to study at the Houston Ballet Academy. He continued his dance training at Boston Ballet School for another three years before being offered a contract for Boston Ballet’s second company. Throughout his career, performed numerous principal roles such as Franz from Coppelia , Conrad from Le Corsaire, La Vivandiere , the Harlequinade pas de deux, and Jorma Elo’s Slice to Sharp . Mr. Boswell also danced alongside Boston Ballet’s main company in works such as Mikko Nissinen’s Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, and Nutcracker as well as Rudolph Nureyev’s Don Quixote.

ANGELIN CARRANT | JOINED KCB IN 2018, +1 YEAR SECOND COMPANY

Angelin Carrant, originally from Paris, France, began his training at the age of 6. As a child he was chosen to perform in Le Songe de Médée by Angelin Preljocaj, with the Paris Opera Ballet. In 2013, Carrant was offered a full scholarship with the San Francisco Ballet School, under the leadership of Patrick Armand. He trained there for four years where he danced in productions such as Helgi Tomasson’s The Nutcracker, Christopher Wheeldon’s Cinderella and John Neumeier’s Yondering. He joined Kansas City Ballet‘s Second Company in 2017 and was promoted to the main company the following year. As a dancer with Kansas City Ballet, Carrant has performed leading roles in William Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated, George Balanchine’s Serenade, Alexander Ekman’s Cacti and Val Caniparoli’s Jekyll & Hyde. He has also danced in productions such as Jiří Kylián’s Petite Mort, Edwaard Liang’s Wunderland, Michael Pink’s Dracula and George Balanchine’s Jewels among many others.

AIDAN DUFFY | JOINED KCB IN 2023

Originally from Philadelphia, Aidan Duffy began his training with the School of Pennsylvania Ballet and the Rock School for Dance Education. He then joined Boston Ballet School’s Professional Division as a Pao Scholarship recipient, before being invited into Boston Ballet’s Graduate Program. His training was supplemented by coaching with Chérie Noble and summers at the School of American Ballet, San Francisco Ballet School, Miami City Ballet School, and Ellison Ballet. His repertoire with Kansas City Ballet includes Val Caniparoli’s Jekyll & Hyde, Devon Carney’s The Nutcracker (Snow King), George Balanchine’s Jewels (Emeralds pas de trois), Anna-Marie Holme’s Don Quixote (Espada), William Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated, and Lila York’s Celts (Red Man). Duffy has also had the privilege of performing alongside the Philadelphia and Cleveland Orchestras.

SIDNEY HAEFS | JOINED KCB IN 2019, +1 YEAR SECOND COMPANY

Greg and Barbara Storm Emerging Dancer

Sidney Haefs was born in Los Angeles, California. She began her training at the Santa Clarita Ballet Academy under the direction of Corinne Glover. Haefs continued her education at the University of Utah where she graduated magna cum laude with a BFA in Ballet and a Minor in Human Development and Family Studies. In 2018, She was offered a traineeship with Kansas City Ballet before joining the company as an apprentice in 2019. With Kansas City Ballet, she has performed roles including the Diamonds Principal in Balanchine’s Jewels, Queen of the Dryads in Don Quixote, Peasant Pas de deux in Giselle, Emerald Ballerina in Septime Webre’s The Wizard of Oz, and Isabel in In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated, as well as roles in Val Caniparoli’s Lady of the Camellias, Balanchine’s Serenade, Jirí Kylián’s Petite Mort, and Alexander Ekman’s Cacti

KELSEY IVANA HELLEBUYCK | JOINED KCB IN 2016

Kelsey Ivana Hellebuyck trained at San Francisco Ballet School for 11 years before joining Boston Ballet at 16, where she performed globally on tour with the company. She later joined Philadelphia Ballet, dancing in works by Forsythe, Kylián, Ratmansky, Robbins, Balanchine and Corella. In 2016, she joined KCB, with favorite roles including Dark Angel in Balanchine’s Serenade, Solo Woman in Balanchine‘s Rubies, and Yoomi in Helen Pickett’s Petal. Other favorites include Petite Mort by Jiří Kylián, Brown Couple in York‘s Celts, and Arabian and Snow Queen in Devon Carney’s The Nutcracker. Ms. Hellebuyck has been featured in Pointe Magazine and The Ballerina Project. Follow her on Instagram (@ IvanaDance) for a behind-the-scenes look at her life.

AMIRA HOGAN | JOINED KCB IN 2023

Texan Amira Hogan began ballet at age 6 at the YMCA and continued training at Robert Underwood’s School for Dance, TKB Center for Ballet & Dance, and Vitacca Vocational School for Dance. She has received awards from Youth America Grand Prix, including the Hope Award, the World Ballet Competition Promise Award, ADC/IBC awards, and the Vitacca Emerging Artist Award. Hogan has performed works by George Balanchine, Devon Carney, Val Caniparoli, Anna-Marie Holmes, Lila York, Caroline Dahm, Haley Kostas, Natasha Adorlee, and Gina Patterson. Her choreographic credits include you can’t control the wind, but you can adjust your sails and Tied In Nots. She is honored and thrilled to return for her third season with Kansas City Ballet.

WHITNEY HUELL | JOINED KCB IN 2014

Whitney Huell trained at the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities and earned a B.S. in Ballet and Psychology from Indiana University before joining Ballet West, where she performed in Paquita, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Petite Mort, and Jewels. She was named one of Dance Magazine’s Top 25 to Watch in 2011 and featured in Pointe Magazine in 2012. With Kansas City Ballet, Huell has performed works by Amy Seiwert, Adam Hougland, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Monique Meunier, Stanton Welch, Edwaard Liang, Val Caniparoli, Helen Pickett, Septime Webre, Mark Morris, Jirí Kylián, and Jerome Robbins. She has been featured in The Man in Black, Giselle, Peter Pan, Don Quixote, Rubies, Serenade, In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated, and Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker, the first African American to perform the role at KCB. In 2024, she participated in Pathways to Performance: Exercises in Reframing the Narrative at the Kennedy Center and Jacob’s Pillow and was honored on the Monument to Freedom, Justice & Courage in Jackson County, MO.

OLIVIA JACOBUS | JOINED KCB IN 2022

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Olivia Jacobus discovered her love for ballet at age 9. She trained with Romy and Zippora Karz of New York City Ballet and continues to work with them today, professionally. At age 15, Jacobus was accepted into Colburn Dance Academy’s pre-professional program where she performed works from George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins. In 2020, she joined Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Professional Division, and soon after joined Kansas City Ballet. Some of her favorite moments from past seasons with Kansas City Ballet are Emeralds Pas de Trois from Jewels, and Tea in The Nutcracker. Jacobus is working towards a degree in business, and in her spare time, enjoys creating ballet-themed social media content that resonates.

JOSHUA KIESEL | JOINED KCB IN 2021, +2 YEARS SECOND COMPANY

Joshua Kiesel is from Hanover Park, Illinois, where he began his training at The Faubourg School of Ballet before continuing on full scholarship at The Washington School of Ballet under Rinat Imaev and Xiomara Reyes. A prizewinner at the 2022 Helsinki International Ballet Competition, he has been a company member of Kansas City Ballet since 2021. His notable roles include Basilio in Anna-Marie Holmes’ Don Quixote, Peasant Pas in Devon Carney’s Giselle, Cavalier in  The Nutcracker, Green Man in Lila York’s  Celts, and Third Solo Man in William Forsythe’s  In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated. Kiesel has also appeared as a guest artist nationally and internationally.

KEATON LINZAU | JOINED KCB IN 2024

Keaton Linzau is from Washington, D.C. and began his ballet training in 2012 at Maryland Youth Ballet. He joined Houston Ballet Academy in 2021, and was invited to Houston Ballet II in 2023 where he performed corps de ballet roles with Houston Ballet as well as principal roles with the Academy in excerpts from Raymonda, Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, The Nutcracker, Le Corsaire, Stanton Welch’s Paquita, and leading contemporary roles in Stanton Welch’s Clear, Bruiser, Play, and many more. During his time in Houston Ballet II, he established the first Student Council for a ballet academy in North America. Linzau is excited to be entering into his second year at Kansas CIty Ballet after an enjoyable first year.

CELESTE LOPEZ-KERANEN | JOINED KCB IN 2025

Celeste Lopez-Keranen began her training at Grand Rapids Ballet School under Patricia Barker. She attended summer programs including Jacob’s Pillow, Orsolina28, BalletX, and San Francisco Ballet. At 16, she began her career as an apprentice and trainee with Grand Rapids Ballet, later joining Louisville Ballet Studio Company. There, she performed in Robbins’ In G Major and Balanchine’s Emeralds. In 2022, she performed in Jacob’s Pillow’s 90th Anniversary Gala. Lopez-Keranen danced with Ballet Arkansas for three seasons, performing Carmen and Mina in Michael Fothergill’s Carmen and Dracula, and repertoire such as Arpino’s Reflections, Bintley’s Galanteries, Tsai Hsi Hung’s BRUSHSTROKES 2024, and Le Sylphides. She has also worked with choreographers including FLOCK, Jennifer Archibald, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Penny Saunders, and Val Caniparoli.

AMELIA MEISSNER | JOINED KCB IN 2023

Amelia Meissner, born in San Antonio, Texas, began her ballet training with the Ballet Conservatory of South Texas. She attended summer intensives at Houston Ballet Academy and joined its professional training division in 2017 at age 15. She joined Houston Ballet II in 2020 under Claudio Muñoz. During her time there, Meissner performed featured roles, including lead roles in Don Quixote and Raymonda. She was promoted to apprentice with Houston Ballet in 2022 and performed in Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker, Swan Lake and Romeo and Juliet. This is her third season with Kansas City Ballet, where she has danced featured roles in The Nutcracker and Emeralds. Outside the studio, Meissner is an avid reader, enjoys traveling, the outdoors and following the PGA Tour. She is also pursuing her bachelor’s degree

MAURA MOODY | JOINED KCB IN 2025

Originally from Des Moines, Iowa, Maura Moody began her formal ballet training at the School of Classical Ballet and Dance under Serkan Usta and Lori Grooters. She furthered her training in summer programs at San Francisco Ballet, Houston Ballet, Boston Ballet, and Tulsa Ballet. In 2019, she joined Richmond Ballet as a trainee for two seasons before moving to Oklahoma City Ballet in 2021, where she danced with the second company and was promoted to apprentice in 2023. Moody’s favorite repertoire includes Balanchine’s Divertimento No. 15 and Western Symphony, Gerald Arpino’s Birthday Variations, Alexander Ekman’s Cacti, and roles in Oklahoma City Ballet’s Swan Lake and Giselle. Moody has also performed in Ma Cong’s Information and Luscious. Moody is very excited and honored to be joining Kansas City Ballet this season!

TARYN PACHCIARZ | JOINED KCB IN 2012

Taryn Pachciarz was born in Kansas City, Missouri and received her training on full scholarship at the Kansas City Ballet School and the School of American Ballet. Pachciarz was given her corps de ballet contract with New York City Ballet and performed numerous Balanchine and Robbins ballets including, Jewels, Symphony in Three Movements, West Side Story Suite, and The Cage. Pachciarz is in her 14th season with the company and has been featured in numerous roles including Wendy in Peter Pan, Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Sylvie Pas in William Forsythe’s In The Middle, Somewhat Elevated, Myrtha in Giselle, Russian Girl in Serenade and the Principal Girl in Balanchine’s Theme and Variations, Rubies and Diamonds, as well as roles in The Nutcracker, The Four Temperaments, Petite Mort, In the Upper Room, and The Man in Black.

ELLIOTT ROGERS | JOINED KCB IN 2023

Elliott Rogers, a Chicago native, began dancing at the age of 2. He trained with Chicago Ballet Arts before continuing at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts under the leadership of Victor Alexander and Dolores Long. At 14, he was accepted into Houston Ballet Academy’s Professional Division, where he trained for four years before joining Houston Ballet II under Claudio Muñoz and Kelly Myernick for two seasons. In 2023, Rogers joined Kansas City Ballet as an apprentice, performing the title role in Peter Pan. He has also performed in ALICE (in wonderland), In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated, and Celts, among others. Rogers was honored as the 2024 Greg and Barbara Storm Emerging Dancer.

NOURA SANDER | JOINED KCB IN 2025

Noura Sander, a Northern California native, began serious ballet training at age eight at Franklin School for the Performing Arts in Massachusetts. At 15, she began training at ABT’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School and joined The Washington School of Ballet at 16, where she was promoted to trainee and then The Washington Ballet’s Studio Company. In 2022, she joined the main company. Her repertoire includes The Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake, Giselle, Sleeping Beauty, and Balanchine works like Serenade, Concerto Barocco, and Theme and Variations. She has performed works by Ulysses Dove, Choo San Goh, and Edwaard Liang, among others, and has collaborated with choreographers including Jessica Lang, Silas Farley, Gustavo Ramirez Sansano, Brett Ishida, Mthuthuzeli November, Andile Ndlovu, Dana Genshaft and Chanel DaSilva.

NAOMI TANIOKA | JOINED KCB IN 2019

Naomi Tanioka, originally from Sapporo, Japan, started her training with Chida Toshiko Ballet Studio. Tanioka was accepted to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School in Canada, where she concluded her six years of professional ballet training, and one year of the Aspirant Program. In 2014, Tanioka joined Ballet Arizona, where she performed ballets by Balanchine and Bournonville. She joined Cincinnati Ballet in 2016, where she was pushed out of her box with a variety of repertoire performed there. With Kansas City Ballet, she has been featured as Cinderella in Devon Carney’s Cinderella, Kitri in Anna-Marie Holmes’ Don Quixote, Alice in Septime Webre’s ALICE (in wonderland),  Nellie in Val Caniparoli’s Jekyll & Hyde, Lucy in Michael Pink’s Dracula, Wendy in Devon Carney’s Peter Pan, the pas couple in George Balanchine’s Rubies, and works by Adam Hougland, Alexander Ekman, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Edwaard Liang, Helen Pickett, Jiří Kylián, Lila York, Mark Morris, and William Forsythe.

CAMERON THOMAS | JOINED KCB IN 2017, +1 YEAR SECOND COMPANY

Cameron Thomas began his dance training in his hometown of Rochester, NY. In 2013, he began performing with the Rochester City Ballet. In 2015, Thomas received a full scholarship to attend the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at American Ballet Theatre. He then joined KCB II for the 2016-2017 season and was promoted to the company the following season. Thomas has performed major roles in his ten years at Kansas City Ballet including Mr. Hyde in the North American premiere of Val Caniparoli’s Jekyll and Hyde. Thomas has also choreographed for Kansas City Ballet and Creative Intersections. He also performs as a pianist. He has also helped Dr. Greg Sabin teach finance at Harvard since 2022.

ANDREW VECSERI | JOINED KCB IN 2022

Andrew Vecseri was born and raised in Houston, Texas and began his training in 2010 at Houston Repertoire Ballet under the direction of Victoria Vittum before joining the Houston Ballet Academy in 2013. In 2015 he was promoted to Houston Ballet’s Second Company performing ballets such as Yondering, Flower Festival, and Sleeping Beauty. In 2017 he competed in the Prix De Lausanne, where he was offered a contract with the Houston Ballet. While there, he was promoted to Demi Soloist, and performed roles in La Bayadere, Swan Lake, Marie, Sleeping Beauty, and The Nutcracker before joining Kansas City Ballet in 2022, performing roles in Giselle, Cinderella, Jekyll & Hyde, In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated, and Don Quixote among other ballets.

MARISA DEETTE WHITEMAN | JOINED KCB IN 2018, +4 YEARS SECOND COMPANY

Originally from St. James, New York, Marisa DeEtte Whiteman began classical training at Seiskaya Ballet, until joining Next Generation Ballet in 2010, and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Pre-Professional Program in 2012. Whiteman spent a year training privately before joining Kansas City Ballet in 2014. She has moved through the ranks of Trainee, KCB II, and Apprentice, to the Main Company. Some of her favorite roles have included Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room, George Balanchine’s Emeralds, William Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated, and Alexander Ekman’s Cacti. She has spent summers performing at the Hermitage Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, and was featured in the Gala Performance at Jacob’s Pillow. She is thrilled to be celebrating her 12th season with Kansas City Ballet.

GILLIAN YODER | JOINED KCB IN 2024, +3 YEARS SECOND COMPANY

Gillian Yoder was born in San Diego, California, and raised in Jupiter, Florida. Early training began at Paris Ballet and Dance before completing her pre-professional training at Next Generation Ballet under Philip Neal and at The Colburn School under Jenifer Ringer and James Fayette. She also attended the Pacific Northwest Ballet School for five summers. In 2021, Yoder joined Kansas City Ballet as a trainee. She advanced to KCB II in 2022, performing in works by George Balanchine, Lila York, Devon Carney, Alexander Ekman, and Val Caniparoli. She became an apprentice in 2024, dancing featured roles in Webre’s ALICE (in wonderland), Anna-Marie Holmes‘ Don Quixote, and William Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated. In 2025, she was promoted to the main company.

PAUL ZUSI | JOINED KCB IN 2021 • John Hunkeler Senior Dancer

Paul Zusi began his training at Southold Dance Theater at age 6. In 2019, he joined Boston Ballet’s second company, working with many renowned choreographers and teachers, including Peter Stark, Kathleen Mitchell, Jorma Elo, and Mikko Nissinen. He joined Kansas City Ballet in 2021, where has had the privilege to perform numerous featured roles. Some of his favorites include Dr. Jekyll in Val Caniparoli’s Jekyll & Hyde, Red Man in Lila York’s Celts, Basilio and Espada in Anne-Marie Holmes’ Don Quixote, Prince Albrecht in Devon Carney’s Giselle, Peter Pan in Devon Carney’s Peter Pan, and leading roles in George Balanchine’s Emeralds and Diamonds. Zusi would like to thank his loved ones profusely for their support.

LIAM COLCLOUGH | APPRENTICE, JOINED KCB IN 2025

Liam Colclough, originally from Duluth, Minnesota, began his ballet training at age four with Minnesota Ballet School. He attended summer intensives at Milwaukee Ballet, Ballet Austin, Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, and Ellison Ballet NYC. In 2020, he earned first place at Youth America Grand Prix regionals and a full scholarship to the Joffrey Academy of Dance, where he trained from 2020 to 2022 and earned additional top placements before advancing to the finals in Tampa. Colclough danced with Rochester City Ballet in 2022 and Charlotte Ballet II from 2023 to 2025. Notable roles include Soldier Doll and Candy Cane in The Nutcracker, Alejandro Cerrudo’s Lickity Split and the male lead in Balanchine’s Who Cares?. He is honored to join Kansas City Ballet as an apprentice.

MEI MCARTOR | APPRENTICE, JOINED KCB IN 2025, +2 YEARS SECOND COMPANY Mei McArtor grew up in Columbia, South Carolina, where she began her training at the Southeastern School of Ballet. She joined Kansas City Ballet as a trainee for the 2023-24 season. During her time as a trainee, McArtor performed numerous roles in Val Caniparoli’s Jekyll & Hyde, Devon Carney’s The Nutcracker  and Peter Pan, and George Balanchine’s Jewels. She also danced in Gabriel Lorena’s Under My Skin and Emily Mistretta’s This version of you looking at you you looking back as part of Kansas City Ballet’s New Moves 2024. In her second season, she was promoted to KCB II, performing in Septime Webre‘s ALICE (in wonderland), Anna-Marie Holmes‘ Don Quixote, and Lila York’s Celts. McArtor is entering her third season with Kansas City Ballet as an apprentice for the 2025-26 season.

LANDEN WALKER | APPRENTICE, JOINED KCB IN 2025

Landen Walker began his ballet training at age 15 with his home studio in New York. In 2022, he joined CPYB’s professional division on full scholarship. In 2023, he was invited to train at Cary Ballet Conservatory, where he first competed in Youth American Grand Prix. At YAGP Finals 2024, he received an invitation from Peter Stark to train with The Rock School. Walker has been fortunate to work closely with many excellent teachers and mentors, including Peter Stark, Natalya Zeiger, Etienne Diaz and Christina Johnson. He has had the opportunity to dance in George Balanchine’s Nutcracker and Who Cares? and perform featured roles such as Snow King and Cavalier in The Nutcracker and Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream

DEREK WIPPEL | APPRENTICE,

JOINED KCB IN 2025

Derek Wippel is a native of Pickerington, Ohio, and began his formal ballet training at the BalletMet Academy. In 2022, he moved to Houston to join the Houston Ballet professional training division, under the direction of Claudio Muñoz. In 2023, Wippel relocated to Chicago to join the Joffrey Ballet Studio Company for two years, working under the guidance of Ogulcan Borova and Raul Casasola. Wippel has had the opportunity to perform in various ballets, including Stanton Welch’s Bruiser, Liam Scarlett’s Frankenstein, Gerald Arpino’s Kettantanz and Reflections, and was a part of the American premiere of Christopher Wheeldon’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Wippel is incredibly excited for his first season with Kansas City Ballet.

Kansas City Ballet Company Apprentices are supported in part by the Estelle S. and Robert A. Long Ellis Foundation.

ZANDER JOHNSON

JOINED KCB II IN 2025

BROOKE NOSKA

JOINED KCB II IN 2024

KANSAS CITY BALLET SECOND COMPANY

AUDREY LYNN

JOINED KCB II IN 2024

OLIVIA PEARSALL

JOINED KCB II IN 2025

OWEN WATSON JOINED KCB II IN 2024

TROY MONGER-LEVIN

JOINED KCB II IN 2023

BEN WORKMAN JOINED KCB II IN 2024

TRAINEES

Ena Nomoto

Michelangelo Fante

Maggie De Groote

Madeleine Lee

Camille Jordan

Addison Jankauskas

Isabella Martino

Luke Eller

Payton Boddy

Reagan Kinney

Maya McDaniels

Julia Bellantoni

Joseph Moore

Corabelle Kennedy

Blair Mendes

Alessia Braggiato

Gracie Jean Joiner

Hiroaki Ikeda

Zoey Uhlman

Jack Hindocha-Daniels

Sage Guillot

KCB’s Second Company includes KCB II and the Trainee Program, both products of Kansas City Ballet School. These programs are for emerging professionals to give extraordinarily talented young dancers a professional company experience as prelude to their joining a professional company. The Second Company performs throughout the region at public performances, informances, residencies and workshops, enabling the community to experience live dance in a public setting. Those interested in learning more and/or booking them for a performance, email KCBII@kcballet.org.

All photography by Tom Styrkowicz/53TOM LLC

Swan Lake

Choreography by DEVON CARNEY after Marius Petipa & Lev Ivanov

Music by PETER I. TCHAIKOVSKY

Scenery & Costume Design by PETER CAZALET

Lighting Design by TRAD A BURNS

Guest Coach LARISSA PONOMARENKO

Repetiteurs KRISTI CAPPS, PARRISH MAYNARD, CHRISTOPHER RUUD

Children’s Coaches KIMBERLY COWEN, JENNIFER WELCH CUDNIK

Conducted by RAMONA PANSEGRAU

Music performed by KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY

Scenery and costumes by arrangement with Ballet West

World Premiere: Kansas City Ballet, February 19, 2016, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

Scan the QR code for performance dates.

The City of Kansas City, Missouri’s Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund (NTDF) program, established in 1989, helps promote Kansas City’s distinct and diverse neighborhoods. Through cultural, social, ethnic, historic, educational, and recreational activities, NTDF promotes the city as a premier convention, visitor and tourist center. Kansas City Ballet is grateful for NTDF’s support of Swan Lake.

Odette, Queen of the Swan Maidens & Odile, Von Rothbart’s Daughter

Prince Siegfried

Von Rothbart

Kaleena Burks

Sidney Haefs

Naomi Tanioka

Andrew Vecseri

Paul Zusi

Joshua Kiesel

Cameron Thomas

Andrew Vecseri

Angelin Carrant

Benno, Siegfried’s Friend

Aidan Duffy

Angelin Carrant

Gavin Abercrombie

Wolfgang, Siegfried’s Tutor

Pas de Trois

Siegfried’s Guests

Christopher Ruud

Naomi Tanioka, Marisa DeEtte Whiteman, Aidan Duffy

Taryn Pachciarz, Gillian Yoder, Angelin Carrant

Sidney Haefs, Maura Moody, Gavin Abercrombie

Julia Bellantoni, Payton Boddy, Alessia Braggiato, Sage Guillot, Amira Hogan, Olivia Jacobus, Addison Jankauskas, Gracie Jean Joiner, Camille Jordan, Corabelle Kennedy, Reagan Kinney, Madeleine Lee, Celeste Lopez-Keranen, Audrey Lynn, Isabella Martino, Mei McArtor, Maya McDaniels, Blair Mendes, Maura Moody, Ena Nomoto, Brooke Noska, Olivia Pearsall, Noura Sander, Zoey Uhlman

Gavin Abercrombie, Isaac Allen, Alladson Barreto, Joseph Boswell, Liam Colclough, Aidan Duffy, Luke Eller, Jack Hindocha-Daniels, Hiroaki Ikeda, Keaton Linzau, Joseph Moore, Elliott Rogers, Owen Watson, Derek Wippel, Ben Workman

Village Maidens Cast A:

Cast B:

Queen Mother

Queen Mothers’ Ladies in Waiting Cast A: Cast B:

Sofia Castagno, Molly Houck, Estella Newth, Audrey Pfeiffer, Anna Schilling, Ellie Sturgeon

Elaine Giroux, Paige Gurley, Katherine Jacobson, Charlotte Miller, Ines Nin, Anna Vande Krol

Pamela Carney

Whitney Huell

Kaelyn Bell, Ella Gampper, Eleanor Golda, Rebecca Hiles

Sophia Harris, Simone Parigo, Stella Rand, Anna Young

Guards

Servants

Pages Cast A:

Cast B:

Cygnets

Collin Brooks, Henry Bryan, Lorenzo Guezuraga, Dahir Klawonn

Collin Brooks, Henry Bryan, Johnny Castle, Lorenzo Guezuraga, Dahir Klawonn, Constantine Quintana

Abel Shaw, Cohen Stallbaumer

Lance DeMoss-Black, Owen Weeks

Amelia Meissner, Taryn Pachciarz, Marisa DeEtte Whiteman, Gillian Yoder

Celeste Lopez-Keranen, Amelia Meissner, Maura Moody, Marisa DeEtte Whiteman

Lead Swans

Kelsey Ivana Hellebuyck, Olivia Jacobus

Amira Hogan, Noura Sander

Swan Maidens

Hunters

Julia Bellantoni, Payton Boddy, Alessia Braggiato, Maggie De Groote, Sage Guillot, Kelsey Ivana Hellebuyck, Amira Hogan, Olivia Jacobus, Addison Jankauskas, Gracie Jean Joiner, Camille Jordan, Corabelle Kennedy, Reagan Kinney, Madeleine Lee, Celeste Lopez-Keranen, Audrey Lynn, Isabella Martino, Mei McArtor, Maya McDaniels, Amelia Meissner, Blair Mendes, Maura Moody, Ena Nomoto, Brooke Noska, Taryn Pachciarz, Olivia Pearsall, Noura Sander, Zoey Uhlman, Marisa DeEtte Whiteman, Gillian Yoder

Gavin Abercrombie, Isaac Allen, Alladson Barreto, Joseph Boswell, Liam Colclough, Aidan Duffy, Luke Eller, Jack Hindocha-Daniels, Hiroaki Ikeda, Keaton Linzau, Joseph Moore, Elliott Rogers, Owen Watson, Derek Wippel, Ben Workman

Princesses

Spanish Neapolitan

Amira Hogan, Olivia Jacobus, Celeste Lopez-Keranen, Mei McArtor, Maura Moody, Noura Sander

Kelsey Ivana Hellebuyck, Celeste Lopez-Keranen, Audrey Lynn, Olivia Pearsall, Zoey Uhlman, Gillian Yoder

Kelsey Ivana Hellebuyck, Audrey Lynn, Mei McArtor, Amelia Meissner, Brooke Noska, Gillian Yoder

Gillian Yoder & Joseph Boswell

Amelia Meissner & Alladson Barreto

Olivia Jacobus & Cameron Thomas

Taryn Pachciarz & Joshua Kiesel

Marisa DeEtte Whiteman & Elliott Rogers

Maura Moody & Isaac Allen

Neapolitan Students Cast A:

Cast B:

Hungarian Czardas

Kinley Buxton, Lindsey Kim, Sarah Grace McKinney, Scarlett Spaulding

Payton Ann Casey, Saige Stokley, Prisca Wiersma, Victoria Zaborny

Kelsey Ivana Hellebuyck & Gavin Abercrombie with Alessia Braggiato, Payton Boddy, Sage Guillot, Maya McDaniels, Jack Hindocha-Daniels, Landen Walker, Derek Wippel, Ben Workman

Noura Sander & Isaac Allen with Gracie Jean Joiner, Corabelle Kennedy, Isabella Martino, Brooke Noska, Liam Colclough, Zander Johnson, Keaton Linzau, Troy Monger-Levin

Amira Hogan & Aidan Duffy with Alessia Braggiato, Payton Boddy, Sage Guillot, Maya McDaniels, Michelangelo Fante, Joseph Moore, Landen Walker, Owen Watson

Master of Ceremonies

White Swan Vision

Parrish Maynard

Olivia Pearsall

Julia Bellantoni

Madeleine Lee

Aristocratic Women

Aristocratic Men

Trumpeter Cast A:

Cast B:

Cyndi James, Nanette Lippincott, Nancy Murdock Loren Ruud, Lisa Sirridge, Angela Walker

Nicolas Bosonetto, Henry Bryan, Collin Brooks, Johnny Castle, Lorenzo Guezuraga, David Harris, Dahir Klawonn, Constantine Quintana, Chuck Romero

George Malter

Maxwell Sady

– There will be a 20-minute intermission between Act II & III –

PROGRAM NOTES

ACT I

Prince Siegfried and his guests are gathered together in a forest glade on the outskirts of the castle to celebrate his coming of age, marked by his 21st birthday. Siegfried’s mother, the Queen, interrupts the revelries and offers him a finely crafted crossbow as a birthday gift. She reminds him that the time has come for him to choose a bride at the royal ball the following evening. Siegfried, dissatisfied that he will not marry for love, reluctantly agrees to attend but broods about his impending responsibilities as the Queen departs. Noticing his melancholy mood, Benno, Siegfried’s best friend, attempts to lift the prince’s spirits with a dance in his honor. As his friends leave to continue their revelry, Prince Siegfried remains alone with his thoughts. Benno returns and invites Siegfried to join them on their carefree hunt deep into the surrounding forest.

ACT II

Once Siegfried arrives at the lake to join Benno and the other hunters, Siegfried realizes he wishes to be left alone and dismisses the hunters as he is still unsettled by thoughts of his future. Suddenly Seigfried watches a flock of swans descend onto the waters. He is about to shoot at a swan when she transforms into a beautiful woman – it is Odette, Queen of the swan-maidens. Siegfried is instantly enchanted by this sight and Odette is terrified and tries to escape. The prince assures her that he means her no harm. Odette reveals that she and her companions are all victims of a terrible spell cast by an evil sorcerer, the von Rothbart. Doomed to live as swans by day, they return to human form only at night by the side of the enchanted lake, formed by the tears of their parents. The spell can only be broken by the oath of faithful love from one who has never loved before. The prince, enraptured, swears his eternal love to Odette. She warns Siegfried that if the vow is broken, all will be lost. As the sun begins to rise Odette bids Siegfried farewell. With the dawn, von Rothbart’s evil spell descends upon the maidens, causing them once

NOTEWORTHY

RAMONA PANSEGRAU MUSIC DIRECTOR/CONDUCTOR

Tchaikovsky’s beloved score to Swan Lake stands as a testament to the perfect melding of music and dance. But, it wasn’t always so. After its premiere in 1877, critic’s comments were lukewarm at best. It wasn’t until after Peter I. Tchaikovsky’s death that the score gained the popularity it rightly deserved. Changes by Tchaikovsky’s friend and student Sergei Taneyev, as well as revisions by the imperial court composer Ricardo Drigo, exposed the beauty in both the score and story line. The fouract ballet, with more than four hours of music, was

again to become swans. Siegfried is left alone to watch his love glide across the lake and fly away.

ACT III

A grand ball is in process at the castle with guests from many different countries. Many princesses arrive hoping to capture the prince’s favor. Thinking only of Odette, Prince Siegfried is disinterested in the other ladies and the evening’s entertainment. When his mother commands him to choose a bride, Prince Siegfried keeps his vow to Odette and will accept no one. Trumpets sound announcing the arrival of new guests. The evil magician, von Rothbart, appears disguised as a noble with his daughter, Odile. Siegfried is transfixed by Odile, as she has been bewitched to look like Odette. As Odile dances with Siegfried, Odette is seen in the far window of the castle trying to warn Siegfried of this deception. Von Rothbart makes sure she is not noticed so that Siegfried may announce his love for Odile, whom he believes to be Odette. Von Rothbart reveals himself and Odile for who they truly are. Siegfried realizes that he has broken his oath to Odette, dooming her forever to remain a swan. He rushes out of the castle toward the lake to find Odette.

ACT IV

Odette flees back to the lake where the swans lament over what has happened and attempt to console her. Siegfried finds Odette at the edge of the lake and begs her to forgive him. The swans leave, but Odette remains to feel her loved one’s embrace and sadly grants him her forgiveness. They are interrupted by von Rothbart and a fight ensues. Rather than live apart, Odette and Siegfried throw themselves into the lake to be consumed by the raging waters. Von Rothbart’s spell is broken! His power has finally come to an end and the swan-maidens are free. Although no longer in the world of the living, the spirits of Odette and Siegfried are together as a new dawn rises.

streamlined into a version of less than three hours with two intermissions. The 1895 version of the score is now the traditional format of the production, with the iconic Black Swan pas de deux in Act III instead of Act I. Drigo also inserted two of his own works to flesh out the story line – Odile’s striking Act III variation as well as the sometimes used Act IV Un Poco di Chopin for the Swan corps. In any order or format, though, this stunning score is a joy to hear. Swan Lake was groundbreaking in its use of the orchestra for a ballet score, with rich full-bodied thematic material. Enjoy the Kansas City Symphony as they play the sweeping, passionate phrases that only Tchaikovsky could conceive.

TRAD A BURNS

LIGHTING DESIGNER

Trad A Burns has been designing scenery and lighting professionally since 1989 for theatre, dance, and amusement parks. Recent dance credits include the world premiere of What’s Going On, choreographed by Val Caniparoli for Richmond Ballet, Soar!, choreographed by Jennifer Archibald, Hearts, choreographed by Julia Feldman for Sacramento Ballet, Romeo & Juliet, choreographed by Malcom Burn for Richmond Ballet, Tulsa Ballet’s world premiere Nutcracker, choreographed by Val Caniparoli and Ma Cong, and the world premiere of Sacramento Ballet’s new Nutcracker, choreographed by Colby Damon, Julia Feldman, and Nicole Haskins. Recent theatre designs include Gloria, directed by Jess Fiene at Texas State University, Assasins, directed by Dr. Martin Friedman at Lakeland Theatre, and The Ballad of Georgia McBride, directed by Eric Schmiedl at the Beck Center for the Arts. Burns has had the privilege of designing world premiere ballets for such notable choreographers as Trey McIntyre, Val Caniparoli, James Kudelka, Edwaard Liang, Matthew Neenan, Adam Hougland, Garrett Smith, Jessica Lang, Alejandro Cerrudo, Kirk Peterson, Donald Byrd, Jodie Gates, Gina Patterson, Amy Seiwert, Ma Cong, Andrea Schermoly, Jennifer Archibald, Penny Saunders, Septime Webre, Devon Carney, Victoria Morgan, Robert Curran, and Sarah Slipper. Over the years his dance lighting has been seen at American Ballet Theatre, National Ballet of Canada, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, The Joffrey Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Colorado Ballet, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Alberta Ballet, Ballet X, BalletMet, Louisville Ballet, Tulsa Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Grand Rapids Ballet, Sacramento Ballet, Hubbard Street, and 21 seasons with Cincinnati Ballet. As a theatre designer, Burns’ designs have been seen at New York Theatre Workshop (NYC), The Public Theatre (NYC), La Mama ETC (NYC), HERE (NYC), Classic Stage Company (NYC), North Shore Music Theatre, Cleveland Play House, Cleveland Public Theatre, Great Lakes Theatre Festival, Cain Park, Beck Center for the Arts, Dobama, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Cedar Point, Valleyfair, Knott’s Berry Farm, Kings Island, Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Japan, Disney Sea, Disney Cruise Lines, Carnival Cruise Lines, Universal Studios Florida and Japan, Woodstock Ice Productions and The Family of Charles M. Schulz.

PETER CAZALET

SCENIC & COSTUME DESIGNER

Peter Cazalet was born in Zambia and graduated with a degree in architecture from the University of Cape Town in South Africa, where he also received his ballet training. Following his graduation, Cazalet danced for various companies including London Festival Ballet, Ballet Rambert and Scottish Ballet, where he became a principal dancer. Cazalet began working in stage design in the late 1960s. After an injury, he returned to Cape Town to become Head of Design for Opera, Ballet

and Drama for the Cape Town Performing Arts Board. Cazalet’s collaborations with Ballet West began in 2002 and have come to include a number of classics, including two complete Swan Lakes, as well as The Sleeping Beauty He has designed for all the ballet classics and has recently extended his work base to include Tokyo, Hong Kong and other parts of Asia.

LARISSA PONOMARENKO GUEST COACH

Born in Odessa, Ukraine, Larissa Ponomarenko trained at the Vaganova Ballet Academy in Saint Petersburg and graduated under legendary Ninel Kurgapkina. In 1993, she joined Boston Ballet as a principal dancer, where she was hailed as “a great dance-actress” The Boston Globe, “poetry in motion” Boston Magazine, and “a symbol of harmonious order” Boston Herald, throughout her 18-year dance career with the company. After retiring from the stage in 2011, she joined Boston Ballet’s artistic staff as Ballet Master and Coach. Ponomarenko’s vast repertory includes principal and title roles in ballets by Petipa, Bournonville, Cranko, Ashton, MacMillan, Balanchine, Kudelka, Tudor, Taylor, and Caniparoli, as well as Jiří Kylián, Twyla Tharp, Mark Morris, Nacho Duato, Elisa Monte, and countless others. Ponomarenko originated roles in ballets by Christopher Wheeldon, Helen Pickett, Stephen Baynes, Daniel Pelzig, Viktor Plotnikov, and Boston Ballet’s resident choreographer Yorma Elo, for whom she served as muse and whose roles also involved speaking and singing on stage. Throughout her career, she has been lauded for her “true gift for comedy,” counter to her “triumphant dramatic portrayals in such ballets as Eugene Onegin and Giselle” Boston Herald. She has appeared in numerous international gala performances and festivals including Dance For Life in Toronto, Vail Dance Festival, and the 100th anniversary of Ballet Russes in New Orleans, and has performed as a guest artist with companies such as Teatro Comunale of Florence in Italy, English National Ballet of London, NBA Ballet Company of Tokyo, and Opera Theatre of Rome. In 2019, as Ballet Master and Coach, Ponomarenko debuted her adaptation of the full-length Giselle for Boston Ballet, resulting in a “traditional and resplendent” production staged by the “formidable” artist, The Harvard Crimson. Besides Boston Ballet, Ponomarenko has taught and coached at Washington Ballet, and at Harvard and Yale universities. Ponomarenko has been involved in masterclass workshops held in Prague in the Czech Republic; Essen and Dresden in Germany; and Palermo, Italy. She taught at summer intensive courses in schools at San Francisco Ballet, Boston Ballet, Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Kansas Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet, Colorado Ballet, First State Ballet Theatre in Delaware, Festival Ballet Providence in Rhode Island, and Southland Ballet in California. Ponomarenko was nominated for the Benois de la Danse award in 2005 for her interpretation of the role of Marguerite in Val Caniparoli’s Lady of the Camellias and is a recipient of the E. Virginia Williams Inspiration Award.

MEET THE ARTISTS

KRISTI CAPPS REHEARSAL DIRECTOR

Kristi Capps accepted the position of rehearsal director for the 2014-2015 season after serving as a rehearsal director in residence for the 20132014 season during the company’s production of Dracula as well as a repetiteur for its spring production of Cinderella. Capps began her professional career with the Atlanta Ballet and then joined Cincinnati Ballet. Rising quickly through the ranks to principal, Capps delighted audiences in leading roles in many major classical and contemporary ballets both within the company and abroad as a guest artist. With Kansas City Ballet, Capps has been given the opportunity to be the répétiteur for many of the company’s productions, including Devon Carney’s Sleeping Beauty for Ballet Hawaii, Cincinnati Ballet and Grand Rapids Ballet, Victoria Morgan’s Cinderella, Edwaard Liang’s Wunderland and Helen Pickett’s Petal. Additionally, she has staged Septime Webre’s The Wizard of Oz for Kansas City Ballet, Colorado Ballet, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Nevada Ballet, and most recently Hong Kong Ballet.

PARRISH MAYNARD REHEARSAL DIRECTOR

Parrish Maynard danced with American Ballet Theatre, where he was invited to join by Mikhail Baryshnikov, and as a principal dancer at The Joffrey Ballet and San Francisco Ballet. In addition to being a recipient of the Princess Grace Award and the Presidential Scholar Award, he was a silver medalist in the International Ballet Competition. Maynard has performed in Dance in America’s American Ballet Theatre Now, danced Nacho Duato’s Romanso, and danced in Lar Lubovich’s Othello at San Francisco Ballet in the role of Iago which was created on him. In 2005 Maynard joined the faculty of San Francisco Ballet School. In his 10 years at San Francisco Ballet, Maynard choreographed more than 20 ballets for the San Francisco Ballet School, some of which have been danced by companies around the world including Royal Ballet School, Royal New Zealand Ballet and National Ballet of Canada.

CHRISTOPHER RUUD SECOND COMPANY MANAGER & REHEARSAL DIRECTOR

Growing up backstage at the San Francisco Ballet, Ruud was immersed in the art of professional dance, performance and stagecraft from the start. Receiving the majority of his dance training at San Francisco Ballet School, Ruud was hired into Ballet West in 1998. Quickly moving through the ranks, he was named Principal Dancer in 2004. He spent 21 years as a leading artist for Ballet West performing a huge range of classical and contemporary repertoire. Ruud is grateful to have performed all over the United States, and internationally

most notably in China, Cuba, Scottland, Canada, New York and at the Kennedy Center. In his time with the company, he danced major roles in the great works of Balanchine, Kylián, Tharp, Forsythe, Ashton, Tudor and Cranko to name a few. He has been personally coached by some of the great names in the ballet world such as Sir Anthony Dowell, Cynthia Gregory, Hans Van Mannen, Bruce Marks, and Anna-Marie Holmes. Ruud has seen success as a choreographer having his ballets performed in the Ballet West Innovations program and at their annual gala performance garnering such awards as a New York Choreographic Institute Fellowship as well as several NEA grants. Ruud directed his own small company RUUDDANCES, which was a regular attraction at the annual Utah Arts Festival, and has toured to Jacobs Pillow. Retiring from being a professional dancer in 2019, Ruud joined the artistic team at Kansas City Ballet that same year. Since taking the position of KCB Second Company Manager and Rehearsal Director for the company he has created and ballet-mastered many new and existing works such as George Balanchine’s Rubies, Lila York’s Celts, and Alexander Ekman’s Cacti, while also spending time in the Kansas City community educating children and adults about ballet and live performance.

KIMBERLY COWEN

PRINCIPAL, KCYB DIRECTOR & CHILDREN’S COACH

Kimberly Cowen, a native of St. Louis, Missouri, received most of her ballet training from Nathalie LeVine. She also has studied at St. Louis Ballet under Ludmila Dokoudovsky and Antoni Zalewski, at Pacific Northwest Ballet with Fleming Halby and Nina Danilova and at The Joffrey Ballet with Francesca Corkle and Winthrop Corey. She studied at the Kansas City Ballet School with Todd Bolender, Una Kai, and Lisa Dillinger before joining the Kansas City Ballet in 1991, where she danced for 20 years. Cowen has danced as Swanilda in Coppélia, Odette in Swan Lake, Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty, the title role in Giselle, Carmen and Romeo & Juliet. She has had the pleasure of dancing a wide variety of styles by famous choreographers such as George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Anthony Tudor, Todd Bolender, David Parsons, Paul Taylor, Merce Cunningham, Twyla Tharp, Vincente Nebrada, Nacho Duato, Margo Sappington, Trey McIntyre, Jessica Lang, Val Caniparoli, Mary Wigman and William Whitener. Cowen began teaching at the Somerset Ballet in 1998 and joined the Kansas City Ballet School staff in 2002. Cowen is responsible for the students of the Upper School and is the director of the Kansas City Youth Ballet. She is dedicated to teaching the next generation of dancers and passing on all she has learned in her time as a student and a professional.

JENNIFER WELCH CUDNIK PRINCIPAL, DAYTIME PROGRAM & CHILDREN’S COACH

Originally from St. Louis, Welch Cudnik studied with Berkeley Evans, Nathalie LeVine and Alexandra Zaharias in St. Louis and Todd Bolender and Una Kai at the State Ballet of Missouri (now Kansas City Ballet). At age 15, she moved to NYC to study on full scholarship at the School of American Ballet; training under master teachers Stanley Williams, Hèléne Dudin, Elise Reiman, Antonina Tumkovsky, Suki Schorer, Kay Mazzo and Suzy Pilarre, among others. While there she performed Balanchine’s The Four Temperaments, Rubies, La Source and Concerto Barocco, Bournonville’s Napoli and originated roles in new works by Christopher Wheeldon and Damian Woetzel. She also trained with Pacific Northwest Ballet School, Wilhelm Burmann, David Howard and Nancy Bielski. Welch Cudnik danced professionally with Pennsylvania Ballet and Saint Louis Ballet for a decade. She had the honor of performing multiple roles in works by George Balanchine such as the Waltz Girl and Russian in Serenade, principal in Allegro Brillante, principal in Divertimento No. 15, principal in Valse Fantasie, Who Cares?, and Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, as well as roles in classical ballets such as Cinderella, Coppelia, Swan Lake, Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty, and the title role of Giselle. A dance educator for twenty-five years, Welch Cudnik was most recently the Principal of the Sarasota Ballet School. She has been an adjunct professor at Webster University, on faculty at the Center of Creative Arts (COCA) and Saint Louis Ballet and has taught in public schools and community centers. Welch Cudnik directed and co-founded the nonprofit, Ballet Initiative, which

AMY TAYLOR

DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION

Amy Taylor’s design credits for Kansas City Ballet include Giselle, Suite Kander, The Scarlatti Dances, Carmina Burana, Coppélia and On the Boulevard. Locally, she has also worked with Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company and the Kansas City Symphony. Before joining Kansas City Ballet, Taylor received her M.F.A. from the University of Missouri – Kansas City.

LAURA KRUS

PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER

Laura Krus is a graduate of Oklahoma City University’s Dance Management Program. Krus worked with Adams Davy Media as a Production Intern for productions like Batman Live and Arts

presented summer intensives and free performances in collaboration with the Saint Louis Symphony and the Missouri History Museum. Welch Cudnik is a commissioned choreographer, a career consultant for dancers, an adjudicator for dance and choreography competitions, and a curator for dance festivals and productions. She is certified in the American Ballet Theatre® National Training Curriculum and holds an MFA in Dance from Hollins University. As an educator who teaches future generations of dance advocates, Welch Cudnik cultivates with compassion and empathy, ensuring technique and artistry are instilled and achieved with pride and prowess. Her entire teaching career and MFA education is focused on equity, diversity and inclusivity being of paramount importance.

JORDAN VOTH COMPANY PIANIST/PRINCIPAL ACADEMY PIANIST

Kansas native Jordan Voth joined the accompanist staff of the Kansas City Ballet in the summer of 2015. Before arriving in Kansas City for graduate studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2013, Voth won the piano division of the 2010 Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition and studied at the International Keyboard Institute and Festival at Mannes College in New York City. As a class accompanist, Voth has played for masterclasses taught by Wendy Whelan, Victoria Simon, Robert Garland, Peter Stark, and Daniel Ulbricht. After graduating from UMKC with a Doctorate of Musical Arts in 2020, Voth joined the full-time staff of Kansas City Ballet in 2022, where he accompanies classes, rehearsals, and performances as Company Pianist / Principal Academy Pianist.

PRODUCTION STAFF

for Autism. She also has worked with various professional dance companies as a Production Stage Manager for the American Dance Festival. Krus began working with Kansas City Ballet in 2021. Krus wants to thank her family and friends for always believing in her and helping get her to where she is now.

SCOTT PARKS TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

A native of Northwest Arkansas, Scott Parks comes to Kansas City Ballet after many years on the road. Working with companies such as MOMIX and the Joffrey Ballet led to positions with the Broadway tours of Miss Saigon and the first National tour of Oklahoma! the musical. From there, Parks spent several years with Cirque du Soleil working on the big top tours of Dralion and Varekai as well as the resident show Zarkana at Radio City Music Hall. Most recently he has worked as a Carpentry Project

PRODUCTION STAFF

SCOTT PARKS cont.

and Logistics Coordinator for A7 Productions building some of the largest music festivals in north America such as Hangout fest, Outsidelands, and Bottlerock.

JENNIFER CARROLL

COSTUME DIRECTOR

Jennifer Carroll came to Kansas City Ballet in 2008 after touring with Broadway Shows for eight years. She toured with shows such as Victor, Victoria, Jekyll & Hyde, Cabaret, Oklahoma!, and Twyla Tharp and Billy Joel’s Movin’ Out. Her design credits for Kansas City Ballet include Concerto Grosso, Mercy of the Elements, Energy Made Visible, Vesna, and Klein Perspectives. Ms. Carroll received her M.F.A. in Costume Design and Technology from the University of Arkansas. She is a member of Kansas City’s IATSE Theatrical Wardrobe Union, Local #810.

BETTI JO DIEM

COSTUME SHOP MANAGER

Betti Jo Diem came to Kansas City Ballet in 2013 after touring with the Radio City Christmas Spectacular Arena Tour and the First National Tour of Rock of Ages. She is a member of

the IATSE Theatrical Wardrobe Union, Local #810 here in Kansas City. She began her theatrical wardrobe career in Branson, Missouri while working for Silver Dollar City’s Opera House theater and the Radio City Rockettes at the Grand Palace Theater. She feels extremely lucky to have a career she is passionate about and that allows her to learn something new every day!

MADELINE BRASGALLA

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER

Madeline Brasgalla was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. She has an M.F.A. in Theatre: Design and Technology from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and has a B.A. in Dance from Agnes Scott College in Atlanta, Georgia. Brasgalla has experience stage managing concert dance, ballet, opera, and theatre. She has previously worked with EPIC Arts and the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival. Brasgalla began working with the Kansas City Ballet in 2021 and is grateful to be back for her third season with the company!

Photography by Mark McDonald.

BALLET BUSINESS COUNCIL

Kansas City Ballet thanks the following business and corporate foundations for their support.

DIAMOND

($50,000-$99,999)

Bank of America

Hallmark Corporate Foundation

PLATINUM

($25,000-$49,999)

Encore Performance Rehab

KCOI, the Official Performance Rehabilitation Provider of Kansas City Ballet

The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center, Partner Hotel of Kansas City Ballet

YMCA of Greater Kansas City, Healthy Living Partner of Kansas City Ballet

GOLD

($10,000-$24,999)

Belger Cartage Service, Inc.

Elevé Dancewear, Kansas City Ballet’s School Uniform Partner

H & R Block Foundation

JE Dunn Construction

Lifted Logic

SS&C Technologies, Inc.

Stepp & Rothwell, Inc VanBrock

SILVER

($5,000-$9,999)

Burns & McDonnell

Cboe Global Markets

Commerce Bank

Craig Sole Designs

Dance Shoppe Inc.,

R.O.A.D. Uniform Partner

East Market StudiosBrett Pruitt

Lockton

MetLife

Parisi Coffee, Official Coffee Provider for Kansas City Ballet

Riley ABA & Autism Center

UnitedHealthcare

BRONZE

($2,500-$4,999)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City

BlueScope Steel

BNIM

Delta Dental of Kansas Evergy

Garmin

Global Prairie Foundation

Henderson Engineers

Kansas City Foot &

Ankle, The Official Podiatry Treatment Provider to Kansas City Ballet

Lathrop GPM LLP

Maquette Advisors LLC

Mineral Lounge/Tannin

Wine Bar & Kitchen

Panache Chocolatier

Soli Printing

State Street

OVATION

($1,000-$2,499)

Anderson & Associates

Chevron

Cigna Healthcare

Gill Studios, Inc.

Kansas City Life Insurance Company

Knapstein Design

Life Unlimited - Julie Edlund, CEO

Northern Trust

John Rufenacht

Associates, Inc.

Sanofi

Strauss Peyton Photography

Tito’s Handmade VodkaFifth Generation, Inc.

US Bank Foundation

BRAVO

($500-$999)

Back On Track

Chiropractic + Acupuncture

Park UniversityLaure Christensen

Federated Rural Five Elms Capital

Google Fiber

HCA Midwest Health System

Kendra Scott

Structurflex

Uhl Engineering, Inc.Mr. Terry Uhl

Partner with Kansas City Ballet to inspire our community through the power of dance.

As a partner, you help make dance accessible through our School and community programs while strengthening local culture.

You’ll also enjoy benefits such as:

• enhanced marketing visibility

• exposure to loyal Ballet patrons

• meaningful employee engagement opportunities

Let’s talk about how we can customize a partnership that meets your business goals.

Contact Kristin Castle, Chief Philanthropy Officer, at 816.216.5585 or kcastle@kcballet.org to get started.

PARTNER PROFILE: PERFORMANCE REHAB KCOI

Performance Rehab KCOI is honored to be the exclusive physical therapy provider for Kansas City Ballet. Our performing arts team, led by Kendra Gage, DPT, OCS works with the dancers year-round to provide education and treatment to prevent injuries while maximizing performance. Our team has a collective 50+ years’ experience rehabilitating recreational, pre-professional, and professional performers. It is a joy to utilize our passion and expertise for performing arts to work with the talented dancers at Kansas City Ballet. In addition to performing arts, Performance Rehab offers numerous specialties and facilities. We are proud to be the number one rated physical therapy provider in Johnson County with over 1000 5-star Google reviews.

“We are honored to continue to support the dancers to better health and maximal performance. They are inspiring and amazing athletes, and we look forward to many more stunning shows.”

–Kendra Gage, DPT, OCS, Performance Rehab KCOI

OCT 14-NOV 2

Copaken Stage

When the lines between predator and prey blur, the power of women’s strength rises from the shadows in this fearless adaptation of Bram Stoker’s iconic Dracula.

SEP 2-21

Spencer Theatre

Indulge in a world of soul-stirring music and unyielding hope with this award-winning stage musical based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize- winning novel.

FEB 7-MAR 8

Copaken Stage

The ultimate family showdown is on in this new comedy hailed as “genuinely funny, topical, and heartfelt” by Entertainment Weekly.

Spencer Theatre

Follow the yellow brick road to magic adventure!and MAY 5-24

SPECIAL EVENT! NOV 22-DEC 27

Spencer Theatre

Celebrating Gary Neal Johnson, as he prepares to take his final bow as Ebenezer Scrooge.

KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY

FIRST VIOLINS

Jun Iwasaki, Concertmaster

Miller Nichols Chair

Stirling Trent, Associate Concertmaster

Sunho Kim, Assistant Concertmaster

Anne-Marie Brown

Michael Brown

Betty Chen

Anthony DeMarco

Susan Goldenberg*

Tomoko Iguchi

Dorris Dai Janssen

Filip Lazovski∆

Chiafei Lin

Vladimir Rykov

Alex Shum*

SECOND VIOLINS

Tamamo Someya Gibbs, Principal

Carter Coleman, Associate Principal

Kristin Velicer, Assistant Principal

Minhye Helena Choi

Mary Garcia Grant

Kazato Inouye

Rena Ishii

Paul Kim

Stephanie Larsen

Jinyou Lee

Sodam Lim

Ayrton Pisco

VIOLAS

MingYu Hsu, Principal

Duncan Steele, Associate Principal

Jessica Nance, Assistant Principal

Kent Brauninger

Sean Brumble

Marvin Gruenbaum

Jenifer Houck

Duke Lee

Jesse Yukimura

CELLOS

Mark Gibbs, Principal

Robert A. Kipp Chair

Susie Yang, Associate Principal

Richard Hill Chair

Alexander East, Assistant Principal

Maria Crosby

John Eadie

Lawrence Figg

Sally Kim

Meredith McCook

Allen Probus

DOUBLE BASSES

Evan Halloin, Acting Principal

Richard Ryan, Acting Associate Principal

Nils Aardahl

Lena Goodson∆

Joseph Nuñez

Keith Wymer∆

FLUTES

Michael Gordon, Principal Marylou and John Dodds Turner Chair

Shannon Finney, Associate Principal

Liz Teplitsky∆

PICCOLO

Liz Teplitsky∆

OBOES

Kristina Fulton, Principal

Shirley Bush Helzberg Chair

Alison Chung, Associate Principal

Matthew Lengas

ENGLISH HORN

Matthew Lengas

CLARINETS

Javier Morales-Martinez∆, Principal

Bill and Peggy Lyons Chair

Raymond Santos‡

Trevor Stewart∆, Acting Associate Principal

John Klinghammer

E-FLAT CLARINET

Trevor Stewart∆

BASS CLARINET

John Klinghammer

BASSOONS

Ann Bilderback, Principal Barton P. and Mary D. Cohen Chair

Thomas DeWitt, Associate Principal

Maxwell Pipinich

CONTRABASSOON

Thomas DeWitt

HORNS

David Sullivan, Acting Principal Landon and Sarah Rowland Chair

Elizabeth Gray, Acting Associate Principal

David Gamble

Stephen Multer, Associate Principal Emeritus

Benjamin Bacni∆

TRUMPETS

Julian Kaplan, Principal James B. and Annabel Nutter Chair

Omri Barak^, Associate Principal

Shea Kelsay∆

TROMBONES

Evelyn Carlson, Principal Porter Wyatt Henderson, Associate Principal

Joseph Maiocco^

BASS TROMBONE

Joseph Maiocco^

TUBA

Joe LeFevre, Principal Frank Byrne Chair

TIMPANI

Timothy Jepson, Principal Michael and Susan Newburger Chair

PERCUSSION

David Yoon, Acting Principal

Justin Ochoa∆, Acting Associate Principal

Adrian and Nancy Kay Hertog Family Chair

HARP

Chai Lee^, Principal

LIBRARIANS

Elena Lence Talley, Principal Fabrice Curtis, Associate Principal

DAVID T. BEALS III ASSISTANT CONDUCTORS

Luke Poeppel

Daniel Wiley

Justin White, Director of Orchestra Personnel

Elena Collins, Assistant Personnel Manager

Tyler Miller, Stage Manager

Mark Watson, Asst. Stage Manager

Kristina Banton, Lighting Designer

* Non-Rotating Musician

^ New Member

‡ On Leave of Absence

∆ One-Year Member

inJohnsonCounty,PerformanceRehab offers11convenientlocationstoserve you.ScantheQRcodetorequestan appointmentorfreeconsultationtoday!

Photos by Mark McDonald. Named for Todd Bolender (1914-2006), Artistic Director from

Dancers: Sidney Haefs and Gavin Abercrombie. Photography: Kenny Johnson.

•

• BARRE KC Night performance post-parties

Photos by Mark McDonald.

You can impact future generations through a legacy gift to Kansas City Ballet. Legacy giving does not require a large income or vast estate. Legacy giving only requires a thoughtful intention to make a difference by remembering Kansas City Ballet in your will or estate plans.

Thank you to the following Legacy Society members:

Brad Allen and Gene Cooper

Mary Ann and Bill Allen

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

Leslie G. Anderson

Anonymous (4)

Peggy and Andy Beal

Jeffrey J. Bentley

Joe and Claire Brand

Mike and Vicki Bray

Jerry and Meghan

Carpenter Family Trust

Melissa Kelly Cavanaugh

Robert J. Cody

Don and Pat Dagenais

Kyle Danner

Dickerson Family Trust

Vicki Erickson

J. Scott Francis

Dr. Michael Frost

Marilyn A.W. Gaar and Norman E. Gaar, Esq.

Marilu Goodyear

David Gray

Cynthia Hampton

David and Beth Harris

John and Mary Hunkeler

Dr. Richard Jensen and Gay Dannelly

Estate of Lothar P. Krause

Art Lafex

Estate of Billie Mahoney

Julia Malter

Estate of Hazel Dean McClure

P. Alan McDermott

Lindsay Meyer

Dr. Linda E. Mitchell

Marcy Nelson

Kathy and Justin Nemechek

Bill Pallucca and Kevin Deen

Estate of Marilyn Pierson Patterson

Wendy and George Powell, III

Jean and Jack Rosenfield Trust

Jack and Paula Rowe

G. Mark Sappington

Dr. Richard Schupp

Suzanne Shank

Estate of James E. Taylor

Angela and John Walker

Jacquie and Kyle Ward

Estate of Shirley Weaver

Thomas F. and Loren Whittaker

Estate of Dr. Sonya Cornell Yarmat

Rebecca Zandarski

Please let us know if you’ve included Kansas City Ballet in your estate plans or if you’re actively considering ways in which to leave your legacy.

KANSAS CITY BALLET CONTRIBUTORS

Thank you to the 2025-2026 Bolender Society members for their dedication and transformational support.

BOLENDER SOCIETY LEADERSHIP

($100,000+)

Anonymous

Julia Irene DennieKauffman

Marilyn A.W. Gaar and Norman E. Gaar, Esq.

Kansas City Ballet Guild

Estate of Hazel Dean McClure

Missouri Arts Council

Muriel McBrien Kauffman

Family Foundation

Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts - Commerce Bank, Trustee

The Seeley FoundationDana Seeley

BOLENDER SOCIETY DIAMOND

($50,000-$99,999)

Evelyn R. Craft Belger and C. Richard Belger

Mike and Vicki Bray

City of Kansas City, Missouri

Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund

Estelle S. and Robert A. Long Ellis Foundation

Hall Family Foundation

John and Mary Hunkeler

Dennis and Susan Lordi

Marker

R and C Charitable Foundation

The Shubert Foundation

Dr. Michael J and Cindy S. Wurm

BOLENDER SOCIETY PLATINUM

($25,000-$49,999)

Brad Allen and Gene Cooper

Mr. and Mrs. A. Joseph Brandmeyer

Francis Family FoundationJ. Scott Francis

Michele Hamlett-Weith and Brian Weith

Richard Jensen and Melanie Jones

Linda and Topper Johntz

Timothy C. Liebert

National Endowment for the Arts

Oppenstein Brothers Foundation - Commerce Bank, Trustee

Zack and Christina Shafran

Suzanne Shank and John Lohmeyer

SkillBuilders Fund

Greg and Barbara Storm

Lynne and Carl Weilert

William T. Kemper Foundation - Commerce Bank, Trustee

BOLENDER SOCIETY GOLD

($10,000-$24,999)

Arvin T. Gottlieb Charitable Foundation - UMB Bank, Trustee

Bruce and Vicki Baxter

Mr. Blair Bieser

Carol Blum and Steven Wilson

Joe and Claire Brand

Janis E. Brewster

Stanley J. Bushman and Ann Canfield

Ms. Lisa Choules

Karen and Stephen Clegg

Fred and Lucy Coulson

Cathy and Steve Doyal

Elsberry Family Foundation -

Anne and Howard Elsberry

Sue Ann and Richard Fagerberg

Mr. and Mrs. Barnett C. Helzberg, Jr.

Joan Horan

Ingram Family FoundationBeth Ingram

Jill Ingram Reynolds

J.B. Reynolds Foundation

Dr. Roger and Sandy Jackson

Jerome Robbins Foundation

Kao Family Foundation

Kirk Foundation -

Julie and Mike Kirk

Ms. Victoria Lamkey

The Lighton Fund - Linda Lighton and Lynn Adkins

Louis & Elizabeth Nave

Flarsheim Charitable Foundation - Bank of America, Trustee

Patricia Martin and Brian Woolley

P. Alan McDermott

Edward P. Milbank

Miller Nichols Charitable Foundation

Dr. Linda E. Mitchell

Ms. Margot Patterson

Leslie A. Pfriem

Ms. Julie Phillips

George and Wendy Powell Fund of The Kuehn Foundation

R.C. Kemper Charitable Trust - UMB Bank, Trustee

Paula and Jack Rowe

Myron Sildon and Doris Hamilton

Dr. Christopher and Lisa Sirridge

Craig Sole

Sosland Foundation

Mr. Ian Spinks and Ms. Juliette Singer

Ms. Kathy Stepp and

Mr. Howard Rothwell

Mr. and Mrs. William

D. Sullivan

Deb and Tom Swenson

Thomas and Sally Wood

Family Foundation

Angela and John Walker

Mr. Bill Weaver and Ms. Crystal O’Dea

Dr. Loren and Thomas Whittaker

Sarah Ye

Dr. John and Karen Yungmeyer

BOLENDER SOCIETY SILVER

($5,000-$9,999)

Andy and Kathy Anderson

Anonymous

Andy and Peggy Beal

Family Fund

Dr. Stephen and Susan Bubb

Dennis and Marilyn

Christopher

Judith C. Clark

Vicki and Mark Dickerson

Jo Anne and Bill Dondlinger

Edie and Randy Downing

Ewing Marion Kauffman

Foundation

Mr. Michael D. Fields

Ron and Tricia Fredman

Drs. Nicholas and Stephanie Golda

Innes and John Hale

Susan and Zack Hangauer

Haverty Family FoundationMichael and Marlys Haverty

Rudy and Deb Herrmann

Bonne and Clifford Illig

Harold and Vicki James

William Lindsay and Jan Foletta

Colette and James Majerle

Austin and Kristin Massoth

Bobbie Mathes

Mr. Robert H. Maynard, in memory of Heather Maynard

Mary Anne and Steve McDowell

Teresa and Bruce McKinney

Mike Breedlove

Memorial Fund

Tracy and Jeff Musolf

Barbara Clarke Nash

George and Suzy Pagels

Carolyn and Bill Parkerson

Sarah and Jesse Pedraza

Fred and Jami Pryor

Gigi and Gary Rose

Susan and Glen Sands

Lisa and Charles Schellhorn

Jody Shelton Stephen

Raelee Wright

BOLENDER SOCIETY

BRONZE

($2,500-$4,999)

Aviva Ajmera and Wayne Strickland

Anna and John Allen

Anonymous

Dr. Lillard and DeVette Ashley

Marina and Matthew Bell

Sarah Bent and Craig Thompson

Angelo and Joan Brisimitzakis

Lynne and Peter Brown

Devon Carney and Pamela Royal Carney

Dr. Akin and Ms. Ayca Cil

City of Kansas City, MO

Dr. Robert Claassen

Vince and Julie Clark

Robert J. Cody

Copaken Family Foundation

Gene and Joy Cota

Don and Patricia Dagenais

Kyle Danner

Drs. Charles and Donna Davis

Peggy and Terry Dunn

Julia Kirk and John Duty

Joseph and Diana Eisenach

Vicki Erickson and Ron Keel

Melanie and Mike Fenske

Ms. Melissa Ford and Dr. Eric Molloy

A Friend of Kansas City Ballet

Mark and Nancy Gilman

Susan Gilmore and Barry Loughrige

David Gray and Kyra Nichols

Charles and Eileen Green

Ms. Cynthia L. Hampton

David and Beth Harris

Hank and Mary Beth Hershey

Lisa Merrill Hickok

Kim and Ted Higgins

Robert and Cindy Hisle

Cyndi James

Dr. William and Sheila Jewell

Dr. Karen Jordan

Mr. Steve Joss

Kansas Arts Commission

Charlotte Kemper Black

Dr. and Mrs. Howard Kilbride

Dana M. Koehn

Dr. and Mrs. William Kruse

William T. Laaser

Kim and Mike Lorenz

Julia and Greg Malter

Donna and Rex Martin

Carol and Dan McCartney

Siobhan McLaughlin Lesley

Rachel and Matt Merlo

Julia and Dennis Meyer

Miller-Mellor AssociationMr. JoZach Miller and Mr. Peter Bali

Dr. Dan and Rev. Jeanie Murphy

Kathy and Justin Nemechek

Barbara Nicely

Drs. Charles and Susan Porter

Melissa and Rob Price

Joe and Kelly Privitera

R.A. Long Foundation

Kathy and Michael Rainen

Mr. Mark Sappington and Dr. David S. McGee

Mark and Janice Schonwetter

Dr. Richard Schupp and Dr. Marilu Goodyear

Mrs. Sunday Siragusa

Meyer and Mindy Sosland

Marya and Kent Stallard

Michele and Jim Stowers

Stratus Group - Courtney and Peggy Jones

Bradley and Cynthia Strecker

Suhor Family Foundation -

Joe and Carol Suhor, Trustees

Fr. Paul Turner

Jennifer and Bryan Wampler

Myron and Nicole Wang

James and Michaela Waters

Keith and Margie Weber Foundation

Linda Weber

Darlus M. Wolff

Andy Zaborny and Karyn Clewes Zaborny

KANSAS CITY BALLET CONTRIBUTORS

Many thanks to the following individuals and charitable foundations for their support.

OVATION

($1,000-$2,499)

Anne Allen

Mary Cade Allen

Ms. Leslie G. Anderson

Thomas and Karen Badgett

Baseley Law Office

Ivan and Karla Batlle

Peter D. Beckett for Beckett

Ministries International

Ms. Kaylee Bergman

Ms. Nell M. Blatherwick

Cynthia J. Bleck

Tessa Bodnar

Cindy and Glenn Bowers

Diana M. Brady

Cynthia Bray

Dr. Robert and Pam Bruce

Mr. Ken Bush, in memory of

Mrs. Victoria Bush

Jerry and Meghan Carpenter

Kirk and Tamara Carson

Marcelle Cooper and Roger Arwood

Dale and Loire Cowen

Dr. Susie Cox

Dr. Suzanne C. Crandall

William and Amanda Dugan

Dr. Rachel Engelbarts

Jenny and Warren Erdman

Keelyn and Becky Ericson

William and Michelle Fasel

Bonnie Frederick

John and Sue Furla

Charles and Evelene Gallardo

Fran and George Gerritz

Ann and Douglas Ghertner

Lisa E. and Steven B. Glassman

Ellen R. and John R. Goheen

Bruce and Kathy Gordon

Gayle Gotcher

Ms. Anita Toby Grow and Dr. Jon Scheinman

Mr. Chris Lee Hafner

Ms. Pamela Hancock

George Helmkamp

Pamela T. Henderson

Henry E. Wurst Family

Foundation

Gary and Liddell Hobin

John and Sharon Hoffman

Lesley and Peter Holt

Richard and Kathleen Honan

Jessica Joseph and Vivek Dubey

Carol and John Kornitzer

Regina and Bill Kort

Thomas Kusnetzky

Art Lafex

Kathy and James Laursen

Benny and Edith Lee

Nanette and Ken Lippincott

Louis and Frances Swinken

Supporting Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Lyon

Patricia Macdonald

Phillip and Connie Mangiaracina

Martha Lee Cain Tranby Music

Enrichment Fund

Andrew P. McDonald

Martina and Patrick McLarney

Jackie and John Middelkamp

Denise Minet

Samantha Mockaitis

Troy and Angela Moore

Ms. Kelly L. Muehlberger

Marcy Nelson

Ron and Jane Nesemeyer

Brad and Dierdre Newcomer

Kismet Oettinger and Susan Neumann

Mr. Joab Ortiz

Bill Pallucca and Kevin Deen

Jillian Pence

John Pepper

Laura Ponce

Powell Family Foundation -

Nancy E. Powell

Patty and Jerry Reece

Mallory Robins

Connie and David Ross

Chad and Latrica Schnepf

Patricia Scott

Ms. Carol Nelson Shifflett

Pam and Gary Smedile

Rebecca and Phil Smith

Thomas and Sharon Soetaert

Ms. Colette Sorrell

Sara Stipkovits

Ms. Alexis Strauss

Pamela and Terrence Sullivan

Justin Turner and Wenfei Xie

Ms. Kristi Weaver Rowe

Sandy and Byron Whitaker

Jeff and Danielle Whitman

Mr. Ronald Wilson, in memory of Barbara Baer, PhD

Thomas and Patty Wood

Mrs. Margaret Wurst

Sophia C. Zetmeir

BRAVO

($500-$999)

Chris Ahrens

Andrew and Jeanne Alingh

Jacob and Catherine Ambrose

Joseph Appelt

Jennifer Artman

Pamela Bachman

Mrs. Tom E. Beal

Cathy Bennett and Mike McGuire

Marilyn and Robert Bowser

Tom and Judy Bowser

Angelo and Holly Brisimitzakis

Dr. Joan and Mr. David Brunfeldt

Matt Burns

Ms. Norma Butler

Craig Coen and Jeffrey Bellamy

Craig and Jill Connell

Steven S. Conway

Dr. Patricia Cox

Nicole and Bernard Craig

Norman and Rachelle Craig

Kim Crane

Mr. and Mrs. James C. Cusser

Jack and Nida Dillon

Derek Dummermuth and Allison Rank Dummermuth

Darci Emerson

Dan Flanigan

Dr. John and Julia Fritzlen

Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Gill

Mr. Ervin Gina

Phyllis Hart

Andy and Melissa Haskins

Teresa Hayes

Dr. Victoria Haynes

Humboldt Sax

Diana Ice

Jackson County - Venessa

Huskey, 2nd District

Denise and Mark Jacobson

Christina and Chris Johnson

Abby and Tyler Krampe

Tara LaCoe and Matt Schwartz

Ingrid Larson

Jana LeBaron

Mary Leonida

Margaret L. Lesher

Thomas and Joyce Lohmeyer

Jon and Stephanie Lumpkin

Megan Marshall

Jill McCarthy

Courtney and Tim McFadden

Wendy and Patrick Melland

Wendy Mendes

Ms. Patricia Miles

Charles Morffi

Phyllis Naragon

Jacque Nordhus

Dr. Robin Onikul

Jennifer Owen and Brad Cox

Jo Beth Paradis

Nisha Patel

Dr. Ron and Donna Patton

Eastin Pecota

Mr. and Mrs. Joel Pinkston

Ms. Lisa Pinsker

Carolyn Price and Lou Ferro

Ms. Joan Priolo

Ms. Rebecca Pycior

Richard and Sharyl Roady

Gary and Anita Robb

Marsha Schieber

Anastasia and Max Schlesinger

Mr. Alvin J. Schneider

Mrs. Shirley Schoenlaub

Veronica and Jere Sellers

Ms. Penny Shand and Marissa Lyons

Steve and Joan Sherman

Debbie and Tom Sherrer

Steve Short and Carl Welander

Jason and Bethany Sloderbeck

Lora Smith

Melissa Stanfield

Nadia Mikhova and Ronald Stanke

Mr. Chris Stanley

Linda S. Stevens

Will Stroman

Sven and Julie Sykes

Ms. Alarie Tennille and Mr. Christopher Purcell

Robert and Sandra Thompson

Geoff and Krista Tolsdorf

Dan and Karen Toughey

Michele Warnecke

Mrs. Barbara Weary

Lisa Weidmaier

Paul Wickens and Lisa Weixelman

Mary Ruud Wood and Lance Wood

Gregory Woodhams and Julia Gargallo

William Yeo

Mrs. Peggy Jean Younger

As a member, you’ll get exclusive access to guest artist talks, fun outings around ballet performances, and special social gatherings with the dancers. Want to learn more or join? Contact Chris Roady, Associate Director of Individual Giving, at 816.216.5582 or croady@kcballet.org.

KANSAS CITY BALLET SCHOOL

OLIVER TILL SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Oliver Till trained at The Royal Ballet School, and danced as a Soloist with Birmingham Royal Ballet under Sir David Bintley’s directorship. Through his career, he performed diverse roles from repertoires by renowned choreographers such as Peter Wright, David Bintley, Jessica Lang, Stanton Welch, Kenneth MacMillan, Michael Corder, Frederick Ashton, and Ninette de Valois. His performances took him on tours across the UK, Europe, USA, Japan, and China. Parallel to his ballet career, Till pursued a BA in Business with Environment and gained valuable experience interning at an investment bank in New York City. He later founded a video and distance coaching platform based in the US and gained his ABT-NTC Pre-Primary to Level 7 and Partnering certification. Till then transitioned to the role of ballet teacher at the Swedish National Ballet School, where he led the implementation of the ABT National Training Curriculum. As Mentor Team Leader for students aged 8 to 11, he focused on student wellbeing and transition to vocational training as well as supporting fellow teachers in their roles. As manager of the school’s outreach programs, he developed support for young dancers and the school’s teachers. Returning to the US, Oliver joined the Joffrey Ballet as Head of Children’s, Adult, and Adaptive Programs. There, he focused on curriculum development, program structure, and creating performance opportunities, aiming to enhance the student experience and

KANSAS CITY BALLET SCHOOL | STAFF

ARTISTIC

Devon Carney

Artistic Director

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

KANSAS CITY BALLET SCHOOL | FACULTY

Iyonna Barris

Brigitte Benyei

Chelsea Brown Villamayor

Winston Brown

Tara Burgat

Nora Burkitt-Davis

Christina Burton

Alexis Byerly

Pamela Carney

Tamara Carson

Christine Colby-Jacques

Kimberly Cowen

Jennifer Welch Cudnik

Caroline Dahm

Rachel Grisi Dugan

Olivia Emert

Stephanie Eppler

Melissa Ford

Tess Gadwood

Kendra Gage

Sidney Haefs

Maureen Hall

Michele Hamlett-Weith

Jeremy Hanson

Jaime Hickey

Lauren Holmes

Anna Hughlett

Debbie Jacobs-Huffaker

Tobin James

Alyssa Jones

support teacher development. Operationally he has driven efforts to streamline processes and effectively communicate to new and existing audiences. Till believes in making dance accessible to everyone, regardless of age or ability, ensuring high-quality support and expertise are available to all. In the pre-professional sphere, he champions a holistic approach to nurturing young students, integrating mental and physical methods to support their development. Till’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and excellence defines his vision for the future of dance education.

KANSAS CITY BALLET SCHOOL

Kansas City Ballet School is the Official School of Kansas City Ballet and offers two tracks of study: the Academy for the career-minded student who aspires to be a professional dancer; and the Open Division for youth and adults who wish to study for recreation. Classes are offered in ballet, pointe, men’s technique, tap, flamenco, modern, jazz and more. All classes are taught by highly-qualified professionals with the experience and dedication to guide, inspire and nurture all students in their dance training. The School uniform partner is Elevé Dancewear. Kansas City Ballet School was named “Outstanding School” by Youth America Grand Prix 2017-2022. There are two convenient locations: the Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity in downtown Kansas City and the South Campus at Meadowbrook at 95th and Nall. For more information: call 816.931.2299, email school@kcballet.org or visit our website at kcballet.org/school.

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

Olivia Kalamboukas

Joshua Kiesel

Elaine Kimble

Kramer Kreiling

Hannah Lareau

Susan Lewis

Skyler Linn

Audrey Lynn

Miyesha McGriff

Sam McReynolds

Robert Mills

Linda Mitchell

KANSAS CITY BALLET SCHOOL | ACCOMPANISTS

Brian Bates

Samuel Beckett

Nina Cherry

Catherine Clark

Inna Daniels

Alyssa Murray

Rosie O’Brien

Andrew Ouellette

William Puckett

Angie Roustio

Jaclyn Rylee

RJ Schultze

Erin Muenks

Tempe Ostergren

Taryn Ouellette

Monika Overend

Jennifer Owen

Taryn Pachciarz

Andrew Parker

Nadine Price-Rojas

Tina Ray

Megan Robinson

Elliott Rogers

Suzanne Ryanstrati

Jenny Schmidt

Emily Simpson

Cameron Thomas

Jacob Thomas

Jordan Voth

Yee-Sik Wong

Sarah Wilczewski South Campus Administrator

Staci Wittenberg Bolender Center Administrator

Adrienne Anderson Data & Process Analyst

Kira Dimarco Administrative Assistant

Allay Freeman Administrative Assistant

Lisa Sirridge

Toinette Tamayo

Cameron Thomas

Dmitry Trubchanov

Kim Trudell

Laura Vernaci

Lynley Von Engeln

Paula Weber

Marisa Whiteman

Latra Wilson

Susan Williams

Molly Yuelkenbeck

Paul Zusi

Hyerin Yang

Xiangyu Zhao

ARTISTIC

Devon Carney Artistic Director

Kristi Capps Rehearsal Director

Parrish Maynard Rehearsal Director

Christopher Ruud Second Company Manager & Rehearsal Director

PHILANTHROPY

Kristin Castle Chief Philanthropy Officer

Chris Roady, CRFE Associate Director of Individual Giving

Grace Ingham Manager, Events & Philanthropy

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

Oliver Till School Director

Ramona Pansegrau Music Director & Conductor

Jordan Voth Company Pianist

KANSAS CITY BALLET STAFF

ADMINISTRATIVE

David Gray

Executive Director

Kevin Amey Chief Operations Officer

George Hans Chief Financial Officer

Kelly Leahy Manager, Philanthropic Communications

Natalie Sextro Manager, Philanthropic Operations

Megan Robinson Philanthropy Assistant

Madeline Brasgalla Assistant Stage Manager

Connor Maloney Assistant Stage Manager II

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

Gregg Markowski Finance Director

Mary Allen Office Manager/Executive Assistant

Glenn Lewis Facilities Manager

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

PARTNERSHIP

Kim Trudell Manager, Strategic Partnerships

Ellen McDonald Publicist

Mark Volk Patron Services Manager

Kim Toigo Assistant Patron Services Manager

Alix England Patron Services Associate

Kansas City Ballet acknowledges the following professional service providers:

Lathrop GPM, Legal

Forvis Mazars, Auditors

Commerce Trust Company, Investment Advisors

AssuredPartners – A Gallagher Company, Insurance

Kansas City Foot & Ankle, Lead Podiatrist – Dr. John Riley

Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance

Lead Physicians – Dr. J.P. Halloran, Dr. Michael Khadavi, Dr. Kirk McCullough, Dr. Fermin Santos

Performance Rehab, Lead Physical Therapist –

Kendra Gage, DPT, OCS

Extraordinary Machine Massage, Stephen Jacoby, LMT

Dr. Nancy Murdock

Psychological Consultant

Lois Kauffman, Kansas City Ballet Archivist KEVRA: The Culture Company, Dr. Kevin Sansberry, Human Resources Consultant

Dr. Kevin Sansberry, Human Resources Consultant

PARK UNIVERSITY

INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR MUSIC

2025-26 CONCERT SEASON

September 5, 2025, 1900 Building

Molly Carr, Viola and Anna Petrova, Piano

October 3, 2025, Graham Tyler

Memorial Chapel

Park ICM Orchestra Fall Concert

Guest Conductor Timothy Hankewich

October 23, 2025, 1900 Building

Shmuel Ashkenasi, Violin, with ICM Faculty

November 13, 2025, 1900 Building

Stanislav Ioudenitch Piano Studio

December 5, 2025, Graham Tyler

Memorial Chapel

An Intimate Christmas with the ICM Orchestra

Conductor Steven McDonald

January 23, 2026, 1900 Building

Ben Sayevich, Violin and Lolita Lisovskaya-Sayevich, Piano

February 6, 2026, Graham Tyler

Memorial Chapel

Park ICM Orchestra Valentine Concert

Guest Conductor Filippo Ciabatti

March 13, 2026, 1900 Building

ICM String Studios

March 21, 2026, Kauffman Center

Stanislav & Friends Gala

April 17, 2026, Graham Tyler

Memorial Chapel

Park ICM Orchestra Season Finale

Guest Conductor Jason Seber

May 1, 2026, 1900 Building

Behzod Abduraimov, Piano

1900 BUILDING

Mission Woods, KS

KAUFFMAN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Kansas City, MO

GRAHAM TYLER

MEMORIAL CHAPEL

Parkville, MO

All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. except for Stanislav & Friends which begins at 7 p.m.