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TABLE OF CONTENTS THE NUTCRACKER December 1-24, 2023 7 I II III IV 26 27 28 37 38 46 47 49 50 52 53 54 V 84 85
LETTER FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR KANSAS CITY BALLET LEADERSHIP KANSAS CITY BALLET BOARD & AUXILIARIES EMERGENCY EXIT PROCEDURES THEATRE INFORMATION & PATRON SERVICES KANSAS CITY BALLET MOVING INTO THE FUTURE CAMPAIGN COMPANY BIOS SECOND COMPANY CASTING SYNOPSIS NOTEWORTHY ARTIST BIOS PRODUCTION STAFF NUTCRACKER DESIGN & BUILD TEAM BALLET BUSINESS COUNCIL THE TATIANA DOKOUDOVSKA LEGACY SOCIETY KANSAS CITY BALLET CONTRIBUTORS THE KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY KANSAS CITY BALLET SCHOOL KANSAS CITY BALLET STAFF
Kansas City Ballet is an American Guild of Musical Artists company. Dancers Amanda DeVenuta & Joshua Bodden. Cover Artwork | Dancer Whitney Huell. Photography by Kenny Johnson.
WELCOME TO KANSAS CITY BALLET Dear Dance Enthusiast, The Nutcracker is an annual holiday tradition for most ballet companies, but it’s also how dancers mark their growth. It’s a way for a company to mark its growth as well. Every year I revisit our beloved production and look for ways to infuse creativity and fresh takes, and this year, thanks to the way the weekends fall in December, there are even more performances than usual. In 2018, Kansas City Ballet introduced its Sensory-friendly Nutcracker performance for the first time. We built upon that successful event in 2019. Now 2023 marks the joyful return of the Sensory-friendly Nutcracker performance and we couldn’t be happier to be more accessible to our community both on and off stage. The kind of world class works we get a chance to do always impacts the next production. Our dancers are coming off of dancing Jekyll & Hyde, which was a show that elevated their acting prowess... a freshly honed skill that will only aid them in their beloved Nutcracker roles. I truly believe that each role a dancer conquers only strengthens them. Our artists now are that much more mature and a higher quality cast. That all adds to the growth of this company by instilling more confidence and broadening their capabilities. I think it’s also worth noting that for quite a few of our new Company and Second Company dancers, this is their first time performing in our KCB production. So I know you are in for a treat! For a lot of folks, perhaps even you, The Nutcracker is their introduction to the ballet art form. This opportunity to see a broad range of ages performing on stage—it’s a wonderful thing. It’s so inclusive and there’s something for everyone in The Nutcracker. We pride ourselves on delivering an amazing holiday spectacle that delights audiences from 2 to 102. May your holidays be merry and may you find joy in all of the special moments! Sincerely,
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 exclusive up-to-date information and presale notices on upcoming performances and special events, join our email list at kcballet.org. You can also visit our blog (kcballet.org/blog) and follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/kcballet, facebook.com/ kcbschool), X/Twitter (@kcballet), Instagram (@kc.ballet, @kc.balletschool), TikTok (@kansascityballet), YouTube (@kansascityballet), and LinkedIn (Kansas City Ballet). KCB AL L ET.ORG | 7
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Established 1899 | Kansas City’s Journal of Society
The first issue of The Independent was published on March 11, 1899. The magazine was the brainchild of Arthur Grissom and George Creel. Young Mr. Grissom soon returned to New York, where he was a founder of The Smart Set prior to his death at the age of 31. George Creel continued to run The Independent until 1909. (In later years, Mr. Creel would serve as chairman of the Committee for Public Information under President Woodrow Wilson. He devised much of the propaganda that encouraged Americans to support World War I.) The next owners of the magazine were Clara Kellogg and Katherine Baxter of the Kellogg-Baxter Printing Company, who lived and worked together. After Miss Baxter’s death from pneumonia at the age of 43 in 1924, Miss Kellogg published an annual tribute to her. Martha Nichols Gaylord (Mrs. Gleed Gaylord) became the editor and owner in 1939, a decade after she joined the staff. Mrs. Gaylord headed the magazine during a time when the arts were proliferating in Our Town: The Kansas City Ballet was founded in 1957, the Lyric Opera of Kansas City in 1958 and the Kansas City Repertory Theatre in 1964. Mrs. Gaylord sold The Independent to Robert P. Ingram in 1983. Laureen Ingram, Mr. Ingram’s daughter-in-law, purchased the magazine from him in 1996. Rachel Lewis Falcon became the new owner and publisher in 2017. The Independent Magazine Publisher ....................................................... Rachel Lewis Falcon Director of Program Guide Operations ........ Christin Painter Graphic Design ............................................. BurningStar Studios, LLC The Independent Magazine 2400 West 75th Street, Suite 120 • Prairie Village, KS 66208 • 816.471.2800 Christin Painter • Christin@kcindependent.com
kcindependent.com Kansas City Ballet program guides are a publication of the Performing Arts Division of The Independent magazine. Information in this publication was carefully compiled to ensure accuracy. However, the publisher does not assume responsibility for accuracy. Editorial program content was provided by the Kansas City Ballet. Copyright by The Independent magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.
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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. Mr. 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. Mr. Carney’s teaching credits include Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, Pittsburgh Ballet and many others. He has choreographed for Boston Ballet, Ballet Met, Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Kansas City Symphony, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival and Kansas City Ballet. He has served as a judge for the premier dance competition Youth America Grand Prix. In the summer of 2011, Mr. 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. Mr. Amey has had the pleasure of working at length 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 and Jeffrey Bentley, on 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. Mr. 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, Colorado, as well as production manager, for three seasons. While attending graduate school at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in Theatre Arts, Mr. 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.
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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, Mr. 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, Mr. Gray became the Executive Director of American Repertory Ballet and their Princeton Ballet School. Mr. 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 fulltime parenting as a trailing spouse when they moved to Indiana in 2017. He and his youngest son built a batting cage, and Mr. Gray spent many hours throwing baseballs for batting practice (sometimes even hitting the strike zone). During COVID lockdowns, Mr. Gray wrote screenplays, two of which were optioned, and a third, Chelsea and Charles, sold and is in production for release in 2023. Now empty-nesters, Mr. Gray returns to the energy and excitement of the ballet world and is overjoyed to have been chosen for his role at Kansas City Ballet.
RAMONA PANSEGRAU
MUSIC DIRECTOR & CONDUCTOR
Ramona Pansegrau has been music director for Kansas City Ballet for 17 years. She came to Kansas City via the Boston and Tulsa ballet companies, where she held the positions of principal pianist, solo pianist, music director and conductor. 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. Ms. 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. As a piano soloist for ballet, she has performed the piano concertos of Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Gottschalk, Hindemith, and Chopin to name a few, 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 now in the repertory of the Western Australia Ballet, Charleston Ballet Theatre, Tulsa Ballet, Louisville Ballet, Washington Ballet, Ballet West, the San Carlo Opera House in Italy, NBA Ballet in Tokyo, 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 will conduct the American premiere in Kansas City in October 2023. Her most recent score for the full-length ballet Aladdin and the Magic Carpet, with choreographer Jill Bahr premiered April 2022. Ms. 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 Ms. Pansegrau and the hushed anxiety of the dancing.” The Kansas City Star said Ms. 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.” Ms. Pansegrau’s other ongoing engagements include guest conductor for Orlando Ballet and performing with the Opus 76 string quartet.
KANSAS CITY BALLET BOARD & AUXILIARIES BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Julia Irene Dennie-Kauffman, Chairman Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation
Barbara Storm, President
Community Leader
CiCi Rojas, Immediate Past President
Stephen Doyal, Vice President
David Harris, Treasurer
David Gray, Executive Director
Kathleen Nemechek, J.D., Vice President, Governance
Carolyn W. Parkerson, Secretary
Devon Carney, Artistic Director
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Berkowitz Oliver LLP
US Bank
Community Leader
Kansas City Ballet
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Jack D. Rowe, J.D., Vice President Lathrop GPM LLP
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBERS Aviva Ajmera
Cindy Hampton
Steve McDowell
G. Mark Sappington, J.D.
Charlotte Kemper Black
John D. Hunkeler, M.D.
Rachel Merlo
Suzanne Shank, J.D.
SoLVE
Commerce Trust Company
Lucy Wells Coulson Community Leader
Derald Davis, Ed.D
Kansas City Public Schools
Donna M. Davis, Ph.D University of MissouriKansas City
Anne Elsberry, J.D.
DecoPac
Community Leader
Cyndi James
Kansas City Ballet Guild President
Linda Lenza
Bank of America
Patricia Macdonald
HI-IQ – Healthcare Institute for Innovations in Quality
BNIM
Google Fiber Kansas City
Community Leader Community Leader
Tracy Musolf Lockton
Kent V. Stallard, J.D.
Sarah J. Nelson
State Street Global Services
Angela Walker Community Leader
Joab Ortiz
Marissa Wickam
Burns & McDonnell
Stinson LLP
BARRE KC President
Community Leader
KANSAS CITY BALLET GUILD BOARD • KC BGUILD.ORG Jo Anne Dondlinger
Cyndi James
Teresa McKinney
Angela Moore
Marketing/PR Vice President
Gala Vice President 2023
Karen Yungmeyer
Juliette Singer
Cindy Wurm
Lynne & Carl Weilert
Lisa Hickok
Michele Hamlett-Weith
Melissa Ford
Juliette Singer & Cyndi James
President
President-Elect
Stephanie Eppler
Vice President & Treasurer
Ron Fredman
Recording Secretary
Penelope Vrooman
Corresponding Secretary
Membership Vice President Membership Data Vice President
Angela Walker Special Projects Vice President
John Walker
Education & Engagement Vice President
Social Activities Vice President Archives Vice President Immediate Past President
Peggy Beal Governance Chairman
Gala Vice Presidents 2024 Gala Vice President 2025
Gala Vice Presidents 2026
BARRE KC BOARD • BARREKC.ORG Marissa Wickam President
Melanie Clark
Zakry Akagi-Bustin
Morgan Holecek
Alexis Strauss
Quinn Harrold
Madison Moore
Jessica Whalen
Vice President
Katie Abbott Secretary
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.
KCB A L L ET.ORG | II
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AIZURI QUARTET Sep. 23 | 1900 Building
APOLLON MUSAGÈTE QUARTET Feb. 2 | The Folly Theater
“NEW HORIZONS” Oct. 7 | 1900 Building
J EREMY DENK Feb. 13 | The Folly Theater
VOCES8 Oct. 21 | Village Presbyterian
LE CONSORT Mar. 1 | Grace & Holy Trinity
QUARTETTO di CREMONA Oct. 28 | Grace & Holy Trinity
QUICKSILVER Apr. 5 | Grace & Holy Trinity
SIR ANDRÁS SCHIFF Nov. 14 | Kauffman Center
“SPARK OF GENIUS” Apr. 26 | The Folly Theater
ALESSIO BAX & LUCILLE CHUNG Dec. 5 | The Folly Theater
CHANTICLEER May 3 | Atonement Lutheran
“EXTRAORDINARY IMAGINATIONS” Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Jan. 20 | The Folly Theater
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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
III | KC B A L L E T.O R G
*Kauffman Center’s emergency egress plan, which includes an appropriate amount of investigational time to verify the source of an alarm, was developed with the assistance of the Kansas City, MO Fire Marshall’s Office.
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 theatre 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. Please note that all patrons, regardless of age entering the theatre 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 2 hours prior to the scheduled start of the show. CONCESSIONS Concession stands are located in the center of the Brandmeyer Great Hall, as well as on Levels 5 and 6. Food/ drink items are prohibited inside the theatre. Each bar offers options to preorder intermission drinks before the performance. 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. 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 box office for more information. PARKING There are 1,000 parking spaces available at a $13 charge in advance or $16 the day of per car. Valet services are also available at $22 in advance or $24 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, Missouri, 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 Box 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 our 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 this space. SENSORY KITS Patrons who would benefit from comforting sensory resources are invited to exchange an ID card for 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 for the Performing Arts. To inquire about a lost item, contact Kauffman Center Security at 816.994.7222. KANSAS CITY BALLET HOURS Kansas City Ballet administrative and box office hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Box office hours are extended during performance weeks. To contact us, phone 816.931.8993, fax 816.471.1314, or email boxoffice@ kcballet.org. Please visit our website to purchase tickets at kcballet.org. KAUFFMAN CENTER HOURS The Kauffman Center box office opens 90 minutes prior to performances and remains open through the first intermission during Kansas City Ballet performances.
KCB A L L ET.ORG | IV
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Beyond Babel
KANSAS CITY BALLET Devon Carney Artistic Director David Gray Executive Director Kevin Amey Chief Operations Officer
Ramona Pansegrau Music Director & Conductor Kristi Capps Rehearsal Director Parrish Maynard Rehearsal Director
Christopher Ruud Second Company Manager & Rehearsal Director Amy Taylor Director of Production
Laura Krus Stage Manager Madeline Brasgalla Assistant Stage Manager Jordan Voth Company Pianist
ARTISTS Gavin Abercrombie
Georgia Fuller
Joshua Kiesel ‡
Naomi Tanioka
Isaac Allen
Sidney Haefs
Gabriel Lorena
Cameron Thomas
Alladson Barreto
Chase Hanson
Brock Maye *
Andrew Vecseri
Joshua Bodden
Kelsey Ivana Hellebuyck
Amelia Meissner
Marisa DeEtte Whiteman
Kaleena Burks
Sophie Hod
Emily Mistretta ◊
Kevin Wilson
Angelin Carrant
Amira Hogan *
Taryn Pachciarz
Paul Zusi
Amanda DeVenuta
Whitney Huell
Amaya Rodriguez ∞
Aidan Duffy
Olivia Jacobus *
Elliott Rogers *
Ian Anderson-Conlon
Troy Monger-Levin
McKibben Needham
Lauryn Brown
Malerie Moore
Trinity Santoro
Aysia Bates
Gordon Camplejohn
Mei McArtor
Elena Victoria
Ava Bernardo
Sage Guillot
Olivia Pearsall
Hannah Waldon
Emma Blake
Jake Lapham
Reagan Pender
Aaron Williamson
Natalie Boese
Laila Madison
Maya Sprague
Dylan Wills
KCB II Gillian Yoder
TRAINEES
Kansas City Ballet Dancers in George Balanchine’s Serenade. Photo by Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios.
◊ Sally and Thomas J. Wood Senior Dancer ∞ The John Hunkeler Senior Dancer ‡ Greg and Barbara Storm Emerging Dancer
26 | KC B A L L E T.O R G
* Company Apprentice, supported in part by the Estelle S. and Robert A. Long Ellis Foundation
MOVING INTO THE FUTURE CAMPAIGN Your investment in Kansas City Ballet will secure the future of dance in our community. Through a perpetual fund, legacy commitment, or sustaining program gift, you provide a strong future and ensure Kansas City Ballet’s forward momentum. Over the years you have helped us build this treasure, we invite you to help us sustain it. We gratefully recognize the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation for their most recent $2 million grant which matches all gifts to this campaign. The Ballet acknowledges the following supporters for their generous gifts and pledges totaling $5,000 or more through November 1, 2023. LEADERSHIP NAMED FUNDS
($100,000+) Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation The Thomas and Sally Wood Family Foundation (Senior Dancer) The John Hunkeler Senior Dancer Endowment Fund Susan Lordi Marker Fund for Excellence in Choreography Greg and Barbara Storm Emerging Dancer Fund Estelle S. and Robert A. Long Ellis Foundation (Company Apprentices) Bill and Ginny Shackelford The Stanley J. Bushman and Ann Canfield Fund for the Reach Out And Dance (R.O.A.D) Scholarship Program Joan J. Horan Fund (Live Music) Wendy and George Powell Family Fund (New Works) Howard Rothwell and Kathy Stepp Rothwell Operations Fund
NAMED FUNDS
($50,000+) Richard Belger and Evelyn Craft Belger Carol Blum and Steven Wilson (School) Brand Family Fund Mike and Vicki Bray (Mixed Repertoire) Dave and Dee Dillon Family Fund Cathy and Steve Doyal (Live Music) Sue Ann & Richard E. Fagerberg Ballet Performance Enhancement Fund (Live Music) Shirley & Barnett Helzberg Foundation Gay Dannelly and Richard Jensen Fund George Hodges Langworthy, Jr., David Evans Langworthy, and George Hodges Langworthy, Sr. Fund
Linda Lighton and Lynn Adkins Dr. Linda E. Mitchell Dr. Robert and Barbara Clarke Nash Fund (Dancers) R and C Charitable Foundation Fund for Community Engagement Tannye Shafran Fund (Audience Development) Suzanne Shank Derek and Linda Shoare Gary A. and Kay M. Smith Fund (Dancers) The John and Angela Walker Fund for Live Music Dr. Michael J. and Cindy S. Wurm
POOLED FUNDS (UP TO $50,000)
UNRESTRICTED FUND The Beal Family Fund Vince and Julie Clark Ally, Dr. Jessie Ng, and Dr. Tom Curran Fund Don and Pat Dagenais Jo Anne and Bill Dondlinger Edie and Randy Downing Joseph and Diana Eisenach Susan and Zack Hangauer Hank and Mary Beth Hershey Dr. and Mrs. Edward and Kimbrough Higgins Dr. Roger and Sandy Jackson Colette and James Majerle McDowell Family Fund Siobhan McLaughlin Lesley Miller Family Fund, in memory of Alan McMillan Sarah Nelson and Jesse Pedraza John and Linda Nobles OCS Builders/Mike Nikolai, in honor of Marisa Whiteman George and Suzy Pagels Carolyn and Bill Parkerson Margot Patterson Fred and Cindy Rock Christopher and Lisa Sirridge Stratus Group/Courtney and Peggy Jones Chris and DeEtte L. Whiteman Thomas F. and Loren Whittaker Patricia Martin and Brian Woolley
Estate of Dr. Sonya Cornell Yarmat Rebecca and Ken Zandarski
MARIE TAGLIONI POINTE SHOE FUND Dr. Linda E. Mitchell
JEFFREY J. BENTLEY FUND FOR INNOVATION & CREATIVITY Peggy and Andrew Beal Richard Belger and Evelyn Craft Belger Joe and Claire Brand Mike and Vicki Bray Stanley J. Bushman and Ann Canfield Vince and Julie Clark Steve and Cathy Doyal Anne and Howard Elsberry Richard and Sue Ann Fagerberg Sally Firestone J. Scott Francis Susan and Zack Hangauer Joan Horan Linda Houston Foundation John and Mary Hunkeler Dr. Roger and Sandy Jackson Kansas City Ballet Guild Linda Lighton and Lynn Adkins Estate of Billie Mahoney P. Alan McDermott Siobhan McLaughlin Lesley Dr. Linda Mitchell Gigi and Gary Rose Suzanne Shank Christopher and Lisa Sirridge Kathy Stepp and Howard Rothwell Greg and Barbara Storm Angela and John Walker Jennifer and Bryan Wampler
JAMES TAYLOR FUND FOR PRODUCTION EXPENSES Estate of James Taylor
TODD BOLENDER SCHOLARSHIP FUND Joseph Appelt Sally Firestone
SHIRLEY WEAVER SCHOLARSHIP FUND Mr. Robert H. Maynard, in memory of Heather Maynard Shirley Weaver Trust ARCHIVES FUND Peggy and Andrew Beal Carol Blum and Steven Wilson Jo Anne and Bill Dondlinger Joan Horan Kansas City Ballet Guild Zachary H. Shafran Greg and Barbara Storm Angela and John Walker DANCER FUND Elsberry Family Foundation Charlotte Kemper Black LIVE MUSIC FUND Brad Allen and Gene Cooper Gigi and Gary Rose Jennifer and Bryan Wampler NEW REPERTOIRE FUND P. Alan McDermott SCHOLARSHIP FUND FOR BUILDING DIVERSITY IN BALLET Fred and Lucy Coulson Sally Firestone Dr. Linda E. Mitchell
TATIANA DOKOUDOVSKA SCHOLARSHIP FUND Kim and Ted Higgins John and Mary Hunkeler William T. Laaser Suzanne Shank Jennifer and Bryan Wampler Brian Weith and Michele Hamlett-Weith
We would gladly assist you with ways to make a gift that is meaningful to you and has a lasting impact for Kansas City Ballet. Please contact Jennifer Wampler at 816.216.5585 or jwampler@kcballet.org. KCB A L L ET.ORG | 27
THE COMPANY
All photography by Tom Styrkowicz/53TOM LLC
GAVIN ABERCROMBIE | JOINED KCB IN 2018, +2 YEARS – SECOND COMPANY Gavin Abercrombie was born in 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 Theatre School and the San Francisco Ballet School where he was taught by individuals such as Marjorie Grundvig, Andre Reyes, Patrick Armand, and Parrish Maynard. After joining Kansas City Ballet, Mr. Abercrombie has had the opportunity to perform leading roles such as Albrecht in Devon Carney’s Giselle, Jonathan Harker in Michael Pink’s Dracula, and Cavalier in Devon Carney’s The Nutcracker. Mr. Abercrombie also has had the opportunity to perform in ballets by choreographers such as; Jiří Kylián, Alexander Ekman, Val Caniparoli, 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, Mr. 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. Mr. Allen spent three years in the second company before being promoted to the main company as an apprentice where he danced for two years. This is his second season with Kansas City Ballet.
ALLADSON BARRETO | JOINED KCB IN 2022 Alladson Barreto was born in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. In 2015, he began his career in classical ballet at the Alberto Maranhão Theater Dance School (EDTAM) in Natal. While on full merit scholarship at The Rock School in Philadelphia between 2018 and 2019, he was instructed by Bo Spassoff, Stephanie Spassoff, Justin Allen, Telmo Moreira, Natalya Ziegler, and Jody Anderson. Mr. Barreto was a Só Dança Ambassador from 2018 to 2020 and was a Finalist for Youth America Grand Prix in 2018. From 2019 to 2022 he was a member of Ballet West II dancing The Nutcracker, Giselle, Chant du Rosignol, Dracula, Romeo and Juliet, Diamonds, Glass Pieces, Raymonda, Don Quixote, Divertimento and Sleeping Beauty. In October 2021 he began working with ballerina Kathryn Morgan, performing lead roles in The Nutcracker.
JOSHUA BODDEN | JOINED KCB IN 2014 Joshua Bodden began his ballet training at age 10 at Miami City Ballet School, he also attended The HARID Conservatory and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. He also trained at the School of American Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and North Carolina School of the Arts. Mr. Bodden was a member of Miami City Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Ensemble and Cincinnati Ballet. Mr. Bodden has the prestigious honor of being the first African American male to perform the role of a Ballet Boy in Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room with Cincinnati Ballet. With Kansas City Ballet, he has been featured in Alice (in wonderland), Giselle, Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker, In The Upper Room, The Wizard Of Oz, The Four Temperaments, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Lady of the Camellias, Dracula and works by Mark Morris, Jiří Kylián, Edwaard Liang, Amy Seiwert, Yuri Possokhov, Adam Hougland, Jennifer Archibald, Stephanie Martinez, Gabrielle Lamb, Haley Kostas, Andi Abernathy and Stephanie Ruch. In 2022 Mr. Bodden was invited to The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C to be a part of the “Reframing The Narrative” project highlighting the contributions of dancers of color to classical ballet.
KALEENA BURKS | JOINED KCB IN 2010
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Kaleena Burks was raised in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where she received training from Magda Auñon and Magaly Suarez. In 2005, she was awarded first place in the pre-professional division of the American Ballet Competition and has since been invited to perform in many galas, including the International Ballet Festival of Miami as well as Moving Arts Dance Festival. Ms. Burks has danced with Cincinnati Ballet, Columbia Classical Ballet, and the Cuban Classical Ballet of Miami. With Kansas City Ballet, she has been featured as the title role in Giselle, Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Juliet in Romeo & Juliet, Marguerite in Lady of the Camellias, Chosen One in Rite of Spring, Sugar Plum in The Nutcracker, Lilac Fairy in Sleeping Beauty, along with principal roles in Diamonds, Dracula, In the Upper Room, Interplay, Serenade, Tulips and Lobster, and The Wizard of Oz.
All photography by Tom Styrkowicz/53TOM LLC
THE COMPANY
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, Mr. 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 the Kansas City Ballet Second Company in 2017 and the following year was promoted to the main company. As a dancer with KCB, Mr. Carrant has danced leading roles in William Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated, Elegy in George Balanchine’s Serenade and Snow King in Devon Carney’s The Nutcracker. He has also danced in many productions such as Septime Webre’s The Wizard of Oz, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Tulips and Lobster, Michael Pink’s Dracula and Edwaard Liang’s Wunderland among many others.
AMANDA DEVENUTA | JOINED KCB IN 2014 Amanda DeVenuta is from New York. At the age of 13 she trained with Fabrice Herrault in New York City. She made the move to Boston Ballet’s pre-professional program until becoming a trainee in 2012. There, she performed in The Nutcracker, Sleeping Beauty, Symphony In C, Fanfare, and Coppelia. Ms. DeVenuta apprenticed with Minnesota Dance Theatre where she performed in Nutcracker Fantasy and other works. With Kansas City Ballet, she has performed in Cacti, Petite Mort, Rite of Spring, Diving Into The Lilacs, The Three Musketeers, Alice (in wonderland), Giselle, Wunderland, The Four Temperaments, Interplay, Theme and Variations, Diamonds, The Uneven, Play and Romeo & Juliet along with featured roles in Cinderella, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, The Lottery, The Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan and as Dorothy in Septime Webre’s world premiere of The Wizard of Oz. In 2017, she was named one of Dance Magazine’s Top 25 Dancers to Watch.
AIDAN DUFFY | JOINED KCB IN 2023 Originally from Philadelphia, Mr. Duffy began his training with the School of Pennsylvania Ballet and the Rock School. 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 School of American Ballet, San Francisco Ballet School, Miami City Ballet School, and Ellison Ballet. Mr. Duffy’s repertoire includes George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker, Angel Corella’s Don Quixote, and Ben Stevenson’s Cinderella (Pennsylvania Ballet), Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker and Petipa/Ashton’s Sleeping Beauty (Boston Ballet), and Coppélia Act 3 (Franz), Le Corsaire pas de trois, and various new works (Boston Ballet School), as well as performances alongside the Philadelphia and Cleveland Orchestras.
GEORGIA FULLER | JOINED KCB IN 2020, +3 YEARS – SECOND COMPANY Georgia Fuller was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and trained at Cincinnati Ballet Academy since the age of 7. Starting at the age of 15, she performed corps de ballet roles in many productions including The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Raymonda, and Coppélia. Ms. Fuller was a 2017 National YoungArts Winner, and performed in Miami and New York City. Ms. Fuller joined Kansas City Ballet’s Second Company in 2017 where she performed in works such as Romeo & Juliet, The Nutcracker, The Wizard of Oz, and Lady of the Camellias She was featured in works by Price Suddarth, Edwaard Liang, and Marika Brussel as an apprentice. Ms. Fuller was promoted to the Kansas City Ballet Company and has performed in Alexander Ekman‘s Cacti and Jiří Kylián‘s Petite Mort. She is also a teacher for the Kansas City Ballet School. In addition, she is currently pursuing a degree in Secondary Education with a focus in English, and is a National Merit Scholar. In her free time, she volunteers for local Kansas City Public School organizations that focus on inner city education.
SIDNEY HAEFS | JOINED KCB IN 2019, +1 YEAR – SECOND COMPANY Sidney Haefs was born in Los Angeles, California. She began her training at the Santa Clarita Ballet Academy. Participating in Royal Academy of Dance Exams, she holds her Advanced 2 certificate with distinction. Ms. Haefs graduated magna cum laude from University of Utah with a BFA in Ballet and a Minor in Human Development and Family Studies. From there, she was offered a traineeship with Kansas City Ballet where she spent a year before joining the company as an apprentice in 2019. With KCB, she has performed featured roles in Devon Carney‘s The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and Giselle, and Emerald Ballerina in Septime Webre’s The Wizard of Oz. She has also danced in Val Caniparoli’s Lady of the Camellias, Adam Hougland’s Carmina Burana, George Balanchine’s Serenade, Edward Liang’s Wunderland, Jirí Kylián’s Petite Mort, Mark Morris’ Sandpaper Ballet, and Alexander Ekman’s Cacti. KCB A L L ET.ORG | 29
The Beloved Holiday Tradition Continues
Presented by
December 15 - December 23 LyceumTheatre.org 114 High Street, Arrow Rock, MO
660-837-3311
All photography by Tom Styrkowicz/53TOM LLC
THE COMPANY
CHASE HANSON | JOINED KCB IN 2023 Chase Hanson began his dance training at the Connecticut Ballet Center and Greenwich Ballet Academy. In 2019, he received a full scholarship to attend the ABT JKO school, where he trained for 3 years. After competing in the 2022 Prix de Lausanne in his final year at the JKO school, Mr. Hanson joined the San Francisco Ballet Trainee program under the direction of Patrick Armand, where he performed works by Val Caniparoli, Miles Thatcher, Davide Occipinti, and Dana Genshaft. He also performed with the Corps de Ballet in The Nutcracker, Giselle, Romeo and Juliet, and Christopher Wheeldon’s Cinderella. Mr. Hanson is looking forward to his first season with the Kansas City Ballet.
KELSEY IVANA HELLEBUYCK | JOINED KCB IN 2016 Kelsey Ivana Hellebuyck received her ballet training at San Francisco Ballet School, spending 11 years there. At age 16, she joined the Corps of Boston Ballet, performing not only in Boston but also touring the world. Then joined Philadelphia Ballet where she was featured in works by William Forsythe, Jiří Kylián, Alexei Ratmansky, Jerome Robbins & Angel Corella. In 2016 she joined KCB, some of her favorite roles being Dark Angel in George Balanchine‘s Serenade, Yoomi in Helen Pickett‘s Petal, Petite Mort, Brown Couple in Lila York‘s Celts, Arabian and Snow Queen in Devon Carney‘s The Nutcracker. Ms. Hellebuyck has appeared in Pointe Magazine & The Ballerina Project amongst others. Follow her Instagram (@IvanaDance) for a from the wings view into her life.
SOPHIE HOD | JOINED KCB IN 2022, +3 YEARS – SECOND COMPANY Sophie Hod was born in Great Neck, New York, and began her dance training at Studio Maestro. In 2007, Ms. Hod began training at The School of American Ballet, the official school of the New York City Ballet. In 2013, Ms. Hod began training at Ballet Academy East and in 2017, she went on to dance with Miami City Ballet School. Ms. Hod joined Cincinnati Ballet as a trainee for the 2018-2019 season, where she performed corps de ballet roles in many of the company’s productions. In 2019, Ms. Hod joined Kansas City Ballet’s Second Company. She spent two years as a Trainee, and one year as a KCB II dancer. In 2022, she was promoted to Company Apprentice, and in 2023, she was promoted to a full member of the Main Company. Over the years she has performed in many ballets with the company. As an apprentice, Ms. Hod performed in Alexander Ekman‘s Cacti and Jiří Kylián‘s Petite Mort. She also choreographed her first work for the Main Company during New Moves, and co-choreographed a work on the Second Company the year prior.
WHITNEY HUELL | JOINED KCB IN 2014 Whitney Huell trained at the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities under the tutelage of Stanislav Issaev and Robert Barnett. She attended Indiana University earning a B.S. in Ballet and Psychology before joining Ballet West. With Ballet West, Ms. Huell performed featured roles in Paquita, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Petite Mort, and Jewels. In January 2011 she was one of Dance Magazine’s Top 25 to Watch and was also featured in Pointe Magazine‘s September 2012 issue. With Kansas City Ballet, she 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 and has been featured as The Lead Woman in The Man in Black, In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated as Jeté Woman, Dark Angel in Serenade and Myrtha in Giselle. In 2018 she was featured as the Sugar Plum Fairy in Devon Carney’s The Nutcracker becoming the first African American in KCB history to perform the role.
JOSHUA KIESEL | JOINED KCB IN 2021, +2 YEARS – SECOND COMPANY Greg and Barbara Storm Emerging Dancer Joshua Kiesel began his professional training in Hanover Park, Illinois at the Faubourg School of Ballet. In 2017 he competed in Youth America Grand Prix and received a full scholarship to train at the Washington School of Ballet. He spent two years there as a student and a trainee before joining Kansas City Ballet as a KCB II dancer in 2019. Mr. Kiesel spent two years in the Second Company before being promoted to apprentice. While an apprentice, Mr. Kiesel performed featured roles such as Green Man in Celts and Center Russian in The Nutcracker. This past June Mr. Kiesel won third prize among senior males at the Helsinki International Ballet Competition in Finland. This season will be Mr. Kiesel’s third with the company. KCB A L L ET.ORG | 33
THE COMPANY
All photography by Tom Styrkowicz/53TOM LLC
GABRIEL LORENA | JOINED KCB IN 2022 Born in São Paulo, Brazil, dancer, choreographer and photographer Gabriel Lorena started his ballet training at the Municipal Theater of São Paulo at age 13. In 2016, he received a full scholarship to train as a pre-professional student at Miami City Ballet School under the direction of Arantxa Ochoa. In 2019, he joined Sarasota Ballet as an apprentice and in 2020 he joined Boston Ballet II. Mr. Lorena has created works for Kansas City Ballet’s New Moves, Boston Ballet II, Moving Arts featuring dancers from Cincinnati Ballet and Kansas City Ballet, BostonBallet@yourhome: The Gift, Miami City Ballet School, Boston Ballet School and for companies in Brazil. Mr. Lorena’s repertoire includes Alexander Ekman’s Cacti, Jiří Kylián’s Petite Mort, Jorma Elo’s Ruth’s Dance, Andonis Foniadakis’s Someone Else, Mikko Nissinen’s Swan Lake, Lia Cirio’s Lenore, Sir Frederick Ashton’s Les Rendezvous, George Balanchine’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Theme and Variations, and Western Symphony, and Paul Taylor’s Brandenburgs.
AMELIA MEISSNER | JOINED KCB IN 2023 Amelia Meissner was born in San Antonio, Texas, and began her ballet training with the Ballet Conservatory of South Texas. She attended multiple summer intensives at Houston Ballet Academy and was invited to join the professional training division in 2017 at 15. She progressed through the academy levels and joined Houston Ballet II in 2020 under the direction of Claudio Muñoz. During her time in the second company, Ms. Meissner performed in featured roles with the academy, including Kitri in excerpts of Ben Stevenson’s Don Quixote and Raymonda in Claudio Muñoz’s Raymonda and Corps de Ballet roles with the company. Ms. Meissner was promoted to apprentice with Houston Ballet in 2022 and performed corps roles in Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker and Romeo and Juliet, Trey Mcntyre’s Peter Pan, and more. In 2022, she traveled with the company to Tokyo to tour Stanton Welch’s Swan Lake. When she is not dancing, Ms. Meissner is an avid reader, enjoys travel, the outdoors, and following the PGA Tour. She is pursuing her bachelor’s degree.
EMILY MISTRETTA | JOINED KCB IN 2016 • Sally & Thomas J. Wood Senior Dancer Emily Mistretta began her training at Inland Pacific Ballet Academy in Montclair, California. In 2005, Emily attended Boston Ballet’s Summer Dance Program, where she was asked to join the Boston Ballet School and received a tuition scholarship with generous funding from Jack Rugheimer. In 2006, Ms. Mistretta joined Boston Ballet II, and she was promoted to Corps de Ballet in 2008. Ms. Mistretta was featured in several works throughout her career with Boston Ballet, including various works by George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins, Florence Clerc’s La Bayadère, Michel Fokine’s Les Sylphides, The Sleeping Beauty, Jirí Kylián’s Bella Figura, Wings of Wax, Tar and Feathers and Symphony of Psalms and Alexander Ekman’s Cacti.
TARYN PACHCIARZ | JOINED KCB IN 2012 Taryn Pachciarz was born in Kansas City, Missouri and received a majority of her training on full scholarship at the Kansas City Ballet School and the School of American Ballet. Ms. Pachciarz was given a Corps de Ballet contract with the New York City Ballet and performed numerous Balanchine and Robbins ballets. Ms. Pachciarz is in her 12th season with the company and has been featured in The Nutcracker, The Four Temperaments, Jiří Kylián’s Petite Mort, Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room, Wendy in Peter Pan, Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Sylvie Pas from William Forsythe’s In The Middle, Somewhat Elevated, and as the Lead Woman in James Kudelka’s The Man in Black, Myrtha in Giselle, Russian Girl in Serenade and the Principal Girl in Balanchine’s Theme and Variations and Diamonds.
AMAYA RODRIGUEZ | JOINED KCB IN 2016 • John Hunkeler Senior Dancer Amaya Rodriguez began her ballet training in Cuba in 1997 under the direction of Laura Alonso. In 2003, she entered the National School of Ballet of Cuba and graduated in 2006. She immediately joined the National Ballet of Cuba under the artistic direction of Alicia Alonso. In 2013, she was promoted to principal dancer. Ms. Rodriguez has performed in Europe, the Americas, Egypt, and Australia. In 2012, she toured throughout Spain, and in 2014, she was a guest artist at the International Gala of Augsburg, Germany. In 2015 she joined the Ballet of Monterrey. She has performed leading roles in Giselle, Swan Lake, Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Sleeping Beauty, Coppelia, Cinderella, Le Corsaire, and in many contemporary works. 34 | KC B A L L E T.O R G
All photography by Tom Styrkowicz/53TOM LLC
THE COMPANY
NAOMI TANIOKA | JOINED KCB IN 2019 Naomi Tanioka, originally from Sapporo, Japan, started her training with Chida Toshiko Ballet Studio. Ms. Tanioka was accepted to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School in Canada, where she concluded her 6 years of professional ballet training, and one year of the Aspirant Program. In 2014, Ms. Tanioka joined Ballet Arizona, where she performed many Balanchine and Bournonville ballets. She then joined Cincinnati Ballet in 2016, where she was pushed out of her box with a variety of repertoire performed there. Since joining Kansas City Ballet in 2019, she has been featured as Cinderella in Devon Carney’s Cinderella, Lucy in Michael Pink’s Dracula, Sugar Plum and Snow Queen in The Nutcracker, and performed works by Adam Hougland, Alexander Ekman, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Edwaard Liang, George Balanchine, Helen Pickett, Jiří Kylián, Lila York, Mark Morris, and Septime Webre.
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 regularly with the Rochester City Ballet. In 2015, Mr. Thomas received a full scholarship to attend the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at American Ballet Theatre. He then joined Kansas City Ballet II for the 2016-2017 season and was promoted to the company the following season. Now in his sixth season with Kansas City Ballet, Mr. Thomas has performed featured roles in William Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated, Septime Webre’s The Wizard of Oz, Val Caniparoli’s Lady of the Camellias, and Devon Carney’s The Nutcracker and Swan Lake.
ANDREW VECSERI | JOINED KCB IN 2022 Andrew Vecseri was born and raised in Houston, Texas. He began his training in 2010 at Houston Repertoire Ballet under the direction of Victoria Vittum before he joined the Houston Ballet Academy in 2013. In 2015 he was promoted to Houston Ballet’s second company in which he performed ballets such as Yondering, A Garden of Mirth, Flower Festival, and as Prince Desire in Sleeping Beauty. In 2017 he was chosen to compete in the Prix De Lausanne, where he was offered a company 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 Stanton Welch’s The Nutcracker before joining Kansas City Ballet in 2022.
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. Ms. 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 Main Company. Some of her favorite roles have included Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room, George Balanchine’s Diamonds, 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 10th season with KCB.
KEVIN WILSON | JOINED KCB IN 2016 Kevin Wilson studied at The HARID Conservatory where he was awarded the dance achievement award for two consecutive years. Upon graduating he joined the Colorado Ballet where he had the opportunity to dance a number of roles. Some of Mr. Wilson’s favorites include Quincy in Dracula, Puss in Boots in Sleeping Beauty and Glen Tetley’s Rite of Spring.
KCB A L L ET.ORG | 35
THE COMPANY
All photography by Tom Styrkowicz/53TOM LLC
PAUL ZUSI | JOINED KCB IN 2021 Paul Zusi began his training at Southold Dance Theater at the age of 6, inspired by his mother’s lifelong love of dance. Mr. Zusi attended summer programs at The School of American Ballet in 2018 and Boston Ballet School in 2019. Following the summer of 2019, he joined Boston Ballet as a member of their second company, working closely with renowned choreographers and teachers such as Jorma Elo, Peter Stark, Kathleen Mitchell, Larissa Ponomarenko, and Mikko Nissinen. Mr. Zusi’s professional repertoire includes Jorma Elo’s Carmen, Jerome Robbins’ Glass Pieces, Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker, and other classics including Giselle, Swan Lake, Serenade, The Little Humpbacked Horse, and Don Quixote. Mr. Zusi would like to thank his family and friends for their continued love and support.
AMIRA HOGAN | APPRENTICE, JOINED KCB IN 2023 Texas native Amira Hogan began her dance journey at age 6 at the YMCA and fell in love with ballet. She continued her training at Robert Underwood’s School for dance, TKB Center for Ballet & Dance and graduated from Vitacca Vocational School for Dance in 2023 Ms. Hogan is a Youth America Grand Prix Hope Award recipient, a three-time YAGP Finalist, two-time YAGP Final Round participant, YAGP Champion and YAGP Nervi Intensive Festival participant. Ms. Hogan was also selected as an ADC/IBC Finalist and advanced to the final round twice. She received the World Ballet Competition’s Promise Award and was awarded Emerging Artist. She has received numerous scholarships and offers worldwide. Ms. Hogan is excited and honored for her newest chapter as a company member of Kansas City Ballet.
OLIVIA JACOBUS | APPRENTICE, 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, Ms. Jacobus was accepted into Colburn Dance Academy’s pre-professional program where she performed works from George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins, including Valse Fantasie, The Four Temperaments, Sleeping Beauty, Who Cares?, and Antique Epigraphs. In 2020, she joined Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Professional Division where she performed Swan Lake, Beauty and the Beast, Divertimento No. 15, and George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. Some of her favorite moments from the 22/23 season were the classical challenges of Devon Carney’s Giselle, the creative process that came with dancing a brand new production of Cinderella, and learning iconic works like Cacti, Petite Mort, and Sandpaper Ballet. Ms. Jacobus is working towards a degree in business, and in her spare time, enjoys reading, baking, photography, video editing, and creating ballet-themed social media content that resonates.
BROCK MAYE | APPRENTICE, JOINED KCB IN 2022 Brock Maye began his ballet training under the direction of Stanislav Issaev at the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, D.C. and CityDance School and Conservatory in Maryland. He then received a full scholarship to attend the HARID Conservatory in Boca Raton, Florida, under the direction of Meelis Pakri. In 2019 he was accepted into John Cranko-Schule in Stuttgart, Germany where he graduated from Akademie A in 2021. He danced with Boston Ballet II for the 2021-2022 season. There he performed in Mikko Nissinen’s Nutcracker and Swan Lake, George Balanchine’s Allegro Brilliante, and Pas de Six from Giselle.
ELLIOTT ROGERS | APPRENTICE, JOINED KCB IN 2023 Elliott Rogers is a native Chicagoan and began dancing at the age of 2. He trained with Ruth Page where he received many opportunities such as participating in an exchange program with the Cuban National Ballet School and a partner Spanish school. At 14, he moved to Houston and began training with the Houston Ballet Academy’s Professional Division for 4 years. After his time in the Professional Division, he joined Houston Ballet II for 2 years. He widely expanded his repertoire and in 2023 he was selected to represent HB II in “Assemblé International”, a program where 37 schools from all over the world come together to perform hosted by the National Ballet School of Canada. Completing his training with the HBA, he joins the Kansas City Ballet as an apprentice as his first step as a professional dancer. 36 | KC B A L L E T.O R G
Kansas City Ballet Company Apprentices are supported in part by the Estelle S. and Robert A. Long Ellis Foundation.
KANSAS CITY BALLET SECOND COMPANY
IAN ANDERSON-CONLON JOINED KCB II IN 2022
LAURYN BROWN JOINED KCB II IN 2022
MCKIBBEN NEEDHAM JOINED KCB II IN 2023
TROY MONGER-LEVIN JOINED KCB II IN 2023
TRINITY SANTORO JOINED KCB II IN 2022
MALERIE MOORE JOINED KCB II IN 2022
GILLIAN YODER JOINED KCB II IN 2022
TRAINEES Sage Guillot
Reagan Pender
Natalie Boese
Ava Bernardo
Gordon Camplejohn
Maya Sprague
Aaron Williamson
Hannah Waldon
Dylan Wills
Jake Lapham
Emma Blake
Olivia Pearsall
Elena Victoria
Mei McArtor
Laila Madison
Aysia Bates
KCB’s Second Company includes KCB II and the Trainee Program, both products of KCB 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, lecture demonstrations, 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
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CASTING
Choreography by DEVON CARNEY Music by PETER I. TCHAIKOVSKY Scenery and Properties Design by ALAIN VAËS Costume Design by HOLLY HYNES Lighting Design by TRAD A BURNS Conducted by RAMONA PANSEGRAU Music performed by KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY Repetiteurs KRISTI CAPPS, PARRISH MAYNARD, CHRISTOPHER RUUD Children’s Ballet Coaches KIMBERLY COWEN & LAUREN FADELEY VEYETTE Flying Illusions provided by FLYING BY FOY All children appearing are students of Kansas City Ballet School Company Casting Key
Scan the QR code for company casting dates. :
Clara Casting Key Cast 1: Dec. 1, 3m, 9, 10, 13, 15, 17m, 21, 23m Cast 2: Dec. 2m, 8, 10m, 14, 16, 17, 20, 22m, 23 Cast 3: Dec 2, 3, 7, 9m, 16m, 21m, 22, 24 Children's Casting Key Cast A: Dec. 1, 2m, 3m, 8, 9, 10m, 13, 15, 16m, 17, 20, 21, 22m, 23 Cast B: Dec. 2, 3, 7, 9m, 10, 14, 16, 17m, 21m, 22, 23m, 24
For the most up-to-date casting, please scan the QR code above.
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CASTING
ACT I Drosselmeier’s Workshop Dr. Drosselmeier
Gavin Abercrombie Angelin Carrant Cameron Thomas Andrew Vecseri Kevin Wilson
The Party Frau Silberhaus
Kaleena Burks Kelsey Ivana Hellebuyck Whitney Huell Emily Mistretta Amaya Rodriguez
Herr Silberhaus
Alladson Barreto Angelin Carrant Gabriel Lorena Cameron Thomas Andrew Vecseri
Clara
Samantha Lopez-Duarte (1) Scarlett Spaulding (2) Kinley Buxton (3)
Fritz
Samuel Stein (A) Luke Overton (B)
Grandmother
Amanda DeVenuta Georgia Fuller Kelsey Ivana Hellebuyck Sophie Hod Emily Mistretta Marisa DeEtte Whiteman
Grandfather
Gavin Abercrombie Joshua Bodden Angelin Carrant Gabriel Lorena Kevin Wilson
Maid
Amanda DeVenuta Georgia Fuller Amelia Meissner Naomi Tanioka Marisa DeEtte Whiteman
Butler
Isaac Allen Brock Maye Cameron Thomas Elliott Rogers Kevin Wilson
Harlequinade
Amanda DeVenuta Sidney Haefs Amelia Meissner Naomi Tanioka Marisa DeEtte Whiteman
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CASTING Harlequin
Dancing Bear
The Parents
Isaac Allen Joshua Bodden Aidan Duffy Chase Hanson Brock Maye Elliott Rogers Ian Anderson-Conlon Gordon Camplejohn Jake Lapham Troy Monger-Levin McKibben Needham Aaron Williamson Ava Bernardo, Natalie Boese, Lauryn Brown, Georgia Fuller, Sage Guillot, Sidney Haefs, Sophie Hod, Amira Hogan, Olivia Jacobus, Laila Madison, Mei McArtor, Amelia Meissner, Malerie Moore, Olivia Pearsall, Trinity Santoro, Maya Sprague, Elena Victoria, Hannah Waldon, Dylan Wills, Gillian Yoder Isaac Allen, Ian Anderson-Conlon, Alladson Barreto, Gordon Camplejohn, Angelin Carrant, Aidan Duffy, Chase Hanson, Jake Lapham, Gabriel Lorena, Brock Maye, Troy Monger-Levin, McKibben Needham, Aaron Williamson, Paul Zusi
The Children
Cast A:
Delila Gardner, Lorenzo Guezuraga, Rylie Keefe, Caroline Kruse, George Malter, Analucia Oyler, Greta Pilgreen, Maxwell Sady
Cast B:
Meila Ashman, Collin Brooks, Kellan Collado, Eden Dessert, Mary Eppler, Ethan Hausner, Samantha Stortzum, Lilly Walker
The Battle The Nutcracker Prince
The Mouse King
Mice
Baby Mice
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Cast A:
Isaac Allen Josh Bodden Aidan Duffy Elliott Rogers Kevin Wilson Alladson Barreto Angelin Carrant Aidan Duffy Gabriel Lorena Andrew Vecseri Paul Zusi Isaac Allen, Ian Anderson-Conlon, Alladson Barreto, Andrew Bogdanowicz, Ben Brandmeyer, Gordon Camplejohn, Angelin Carrant, Jasiah Doyle, Aidan Duffy, Chase Hanson, Dahir Klawonn, Jake Lapham, Gabriel Lorena, Brock Maye, Troy Monger-Levin, McKibben Needham, Elliott Rogers, Milo Sapien, Aaron Williamson, Kevin Wilson Genevieve Clymer, Natalie Forni, Tina Hammoud, Caroline Kimbrough, Nazra Searle, Georgia Spears, Edith Wenzel, Elsie Winter
CASTING
Soldiers
Dolls
Cast B:
Becca Fields, Fiona Gertken, Paige Gurley, Margaret Jolley, Amelie Rivillo, Alexandria Valencia, Caroline Yoder, Kris Zheng
Bunny
Henley Spaulding (A) Estella Newth (B)
Cast A:
Sophia Brehm, Reagan Cheshier, Kerrigan Cunningham, Madeleine Edwards, Ella Gampper, Katherine Jacobson, Evangeline Juraschek, Julissa Kennedy, Ellen Koch, Charlotte Munce, Juliet Parigo, Annabelle Pontier, Olivia Rogers, Anna Schilling, Da’Riah Stevens, Eleanor Winslow
Cast B:
Brynn Battleson, Cecilia Bondon, Grace Brooks, Elizabeth Cameron, Adeline Gall, Sophia Harris, Clare McCall, Charlotte Miller, Paige Piper, Charlotte Purinton, Sofia Soden, Amelia Stallbaumer, Mary Clare Stanislav, Ari Vega, Amelia Wagner, Josephine Zavagnin
Cast A:
Cecilia Cox, Bibi King, Willa Scheidegger, Iris Straight, Owen Weeks
Cast B:
Evelynn Elazegui, Everly Eye, Emi Kawano-sanchez, Adele Osbern, Cohen Stallbaumer
Kingdom of the Snow Snow Queen and Snow King
Georgia Fuller & Andrew Vecseri Sidney Haefs & Gabriel Lorena Kelsey Ivana Hellebuyck & Alladson Barreto Whitney Huell & Angelin Carrant Emily Mistretta & Paul Zusi Naomi Tanioka & Gavin Abercrombie
Ice Crystals
Amaya Rodriguez & Whitney Huell Emily Mistretta & Taryn Pachciarz Kelsey Ivana Hellebuyck & Kaleena Burks Naomi Tanioka & Taryn Pachciarz Emily Mistretta & Whitney Huell Marisa DeEtte Whiteman & Kaleena Burks Amaya Rodriguez & Taryn Pachciarz Emily Mistretta & Amelia Meissner Marisa DeEtte Whiteman & Amanda DeVenuta
Snowflakes
Aysia Bates, Ava Bernardo, Natalie Boese, Lauryn Brown, Georgia Fuller, Sage Guillot, Sidney Haefs, Amira Hogan, Olivia Jacobus, Laila Madison, Mei McArtor, Amelia Meissner, Malerie Moore, Olivia Pearsall, Reagan Pender, Trinity Santoro, Maya Sprague, Elena Victoria, Hannah Waldon, Dylan Wills, Gillian Yoder
Female Reindeer
Cast A:
Kaelyn Bell, Madison Kohler, Simone Parigo, Nadine Peck
Cast B:
Adley Couch, Julia DeMarco Juliana Lane, Jessica Maloney
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CASTING Male Reindeer
Andrew Bogdanowicz, Ben Brandmeyer, Henry Bryan, Gordon Camplejohn, Dahir Klawonn, Jake Lapham, Milo Sapien, Aaron Williamson
20 MIN. INTERMISSION
ACT II Land of the Sweets The Sugar Plum Fairy and Her Cavalier
Angels
Cherubs
Kaleena Burks & Alladson Barreto Amanda DeVenuta & Cameron Thomas Whitney Huell & Angelin Carrant Taryn Pachciarz & Paul Zusi Amaya Rodriguez & Andrew Vecseri Naomi Tanioka & Gavin Abercrombie
Cast A:
Tayten DeGarmo, Zuzu Donovan, Grace Price, Sophia Olsen, Elsie Williams, Carys Yarwood
Cast B:
Ava-Grace Fowler, Cordelia Leff, Grace Lockett, Makenna Miller, Amiyah Torres, Ashby Wilson
Cast A:
Cora Foy, Genevieve Guevel, Caroline Kimbrough, Bibi King, Hattie Kruse, Willa Scheidegger, Henley Spaulding, Iris Straight
Cast B:
Evelynn Elazegui, Daphne Funk, Ava LeFebvre, Evelyn Quach, Catherine Streb, Lily Trum, Eloise Yoder, Kris Zheng
Land of the Sweets Attendants
Spanish (Chocolate)
Andrew Bogdanowicz, Ben Brandmeyer, Henry Bryan, Gordon Camplejohn, Dahir Klawonn, Jake Lapham, Milo Sapien, Aaron Williamson Kelsey Ivana Hellebuyck, Olivia Jacobus Alladson Barreto, Paul Zusi or Aidan Duffy, Brock Maye Amira Hogan or Georgia Fuller, Kaleena Burks Paul Zusi or Chase Hanson, Alladson Barreto Naomi Tanioka, Amanda DeVenuta Joshua Bodden, Isaac Allen or Brock Maye Georgia Fuller, Amelia Meissner Andrew Vecseri, Cameron Thomas Sophie Hod, Sidney Haefs or Amelia Meissner Gabriel Lorena, Kevin Wilson Amira Hogan, Olivia Jacobus Paul Zusi, Isaac Allen Amira Hogan, Amaya Rodriguez Aiden Duffy, Brock Maye Georgia Fuller, Kaleena Burks Aiden Duffy, Isaac Allen
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CASTING Sophie Hod, Sidney Haefs or Amelia Meissner Chase Hanson or Aidan Duffy, Kevin Wilson Kelsey Ivana Hellebuyck, Amelia Meissner Andrew Vecseri, Brock Maye Georgia Fuller, Kaleena Burks Gabriel Lorena, Alladson Barreto Sophie Hod, Amaya Rodriguez Gabriel Lorena, Isaac Allen Amira Hogan, Amaya Rodriguez Chase Hanson, Alladson Barreto Kelsey Ivana Hellebuyck, Kaleena Burks Chase Hanson, Cameron Thomas Naomi Tanioka, Sidney Haefs Joshua Bodden, Kevin Wilson or Gabriel Lorena, Alladson Barreto Georgia Fuller, Amanda DeVenuta Joshua Bodden, Cameron Thomas Amira Hogan, Sidney Haefs Chase Hanson, Isaac Allen Arabian (Coffee)
Amaya Rodriguez with Andrew Vecseri, Paul Zusi, Ian Anderson-Conlon, Troy Monger-Levin or McKibben Needham, Gordon Camplejohn or Jake Lapham, Ian Anderson-Conlon Whitney Huell with Andrew Vecseri, Angelin Carrant, Jake Lapham, Troy Monger-Levin or Ian Anderson-Conlon or Ian Anderson-Conlon, Troy Monger-Levin Taryn Pachciarz with Gavin Abercrombie, Brock Maye, McKibben Needham, Aaron Williamson or Jake Lapham, Ian Anderson-Conlon or Troy Monger-Levin Kelsey Ivana Hellebuyck with Alladson Barreto, Angelin Carrant, Brock Maye, Gordon Camplejohn or Ian Anderson-Conlon, Troy Monger-Levin or Ian Anderson-Conlon, Jake Lapham or Jake Lapham, Troy Monger-Levin Sidney Haefs with Cameron Thomas, Gabriel Lorena, Ian Anderson-Conlon or Jake Lapham or Brock Maye, Troy Monger-Levin or Jake Lapham, Troy Monger-Levin or Brock Maye, Troy Monger-Levin or McKibben Needham, Gordon Camplejohn
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CASTING Chinese (Tea)
Amanda DeVenuta & Joshua Bodden or Cameron Thomas or Elliott Rogers with Fu Lion: Gordon Camplejohn or Jake Lapham, Aaron Williamson Amelia Meissner & Gavin Abercrombie or Joshua Bodden with Fu Lion: Ben Brandmeyer, Aaron Williamson or Andrew Bogdanouicz Amelia Meissner & Paul Zusi with Fu Lion: Milo Sapien, Aaron Williamson or Henry Bryan, Dahir Klawonn Marisa DeEtte Whiteman & Cameron Thomas or Paul Zusi with Fu Lion: Dahir Klawonn, Milo Sapien Taryn Pachciarz & Gavin Abercrombie with Fu Lion: Jake Lapham, Ian Anderson-Conlon Olivia Jacobus & Joshua Bodden or Elliott Rogers with Fu Lion: Henry Bryan, Andrew Bogdanouicz Taryn Pachciarz & Elliott Rogers with Fu Lion: Henry Bryan or Ben Brandmeyer, Andrew Bogdanouicz or Gordon Camplejohn, Aaron Williamson Marisa DeEtte Whiteman & Gavin Abercrombie with Fu Lion: Jake Lapham, Ian Anderson-Conlon Olivia Jacobus & Paul Zusi with Fu Lion: Gordon Camplejohn, Milo Sapien Marisa DeEtte Whiteman & Elliott Rogers with Fu Lion: Ben Brandmeyer, Dahir Klawonn or Milo Sapien, Aaron Williamson Olivia Jacobus & Cameron Thomas with Fu Lion: McKibben Needham, Andrew Bogdanouicz or Ben Brandmeyer, Henry Bryan Taryn Pachciarz & Paul Zusi with Fu Lion: Ben Brandmeyer, Andrew Bogdanouicz
Umbrella Tea Children
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Cast A:
Illiana Dyer-Beale, Clara George, Anna Sawafuji, Skylar Saragusa, Araceli Shaw, Agnes Tunkunas
Cast B:
Eliane Aptilon, Lilli Curtin, Izzi Osman Cecilia Stanislav, Lillian Torres, Victoria Zaborny
French Shepherds (Marzipan)
Emily Mistretta & Gabriel Lorena or Gavin Abercrombie Amanda DeVenuta & Kevin Wilson or Angelin Carrant or Gabriel Lorena or Chase Hanson or Gavin Abercrombie Georgia Fuller & Andrew Vecseri or Angelin Carrant Sidney Haefs & Chase Hanson or Gabriel Lorena Naomi Tanioka & Angelin Carrant or Gavin Abercrombie or Chase Hanson Marisa DeEtte Whiteman & Gavin Abercrombie or Andrew Vecseri or Kevin Wilson
Shepherdesses
Aysia Bates, Ava Bernardo, Emma Blake, Natalie Boese, Lauryn Brown, Sage Guillot, Sophie Hod, Amira Hogan,
CASTING Olivia Jacobus, Laila Madison, Mei McArtor, Amelia Meissner, Malerie Moore, Olivia Pearsall, Reagan Pender, Trinity Santoro, Maya Sprague, Elena Victoria, Hannah Waldon, Dylan Wills, Gillian Yoder Lambs
Cast A:
Elaine Giroux, Anabella Julianto, Cecilia Guezuraga, Audrey Pfeiffer
Cast B:
Lucy Mae Amey, Vivian Hudgens, Elanora Jordan, Montserrat Llauger
Russian (Trepak)
Isaac Allen Elliott Rogers Kevin Wilson Brock Maye Paul Zusi with Isaac Allen, Ian Anderson-Conlon, Alladson Barreto, Gordon Camplejohn, Aidan Duffy, Chase Hanson, Jake Lapham, Gabriel Lorena, Brock Maye, Troy Monger-Levin, McKibben Needham
Matryoshka Children
Cast A:
Sophia Beran, Megan Legate, Sarah McKinney, Uma Meyers, Claire Silta, Eden Whalen
Cast B:
Anne Bowser, Tess Gottschall, Isabella Puckett, McKinley Stallbaumer, Maely Weaver, Cory Zoeller
Mother Ginger
Polichinelles
Ian Anderson-Conlon Gordon Camplejohn Jake Lapham Troy Monger-Levin McKibben Needham Aaron Williamson
Cast A:
Sofia Castagno, Molly Houck, Kitty King, MacKenzie Mejia, Inés Nin, Beatrice Patterson, Natalia Powers, Emerson Williams
Cast B:
Hannah Carr, Tinsley Guzman, Ramiya Hamlett, Brynlee Larson, Avery Messner, Clara Pierzchalski, Charlotte Stenger, Ellie Sturgeon
The Rose
Flowers
Kaleena Burks Amanda DeVenuta Sidney Haefs Whitney Huell Taryn Pachciarz Amaya Rodriguez Aysia Bates, Ava Bernardo, Emma Blake, Natalie Boese, Lauryn Brown, Sage Guillot, Sophie Hod, Amira Hogan, Olivia Jacobus, Laila Madison, Mei McArtor, Amelia Meissner, Malerie Moore, Olivia Pearsall, Reagan Pender, Trinity Santoro, Maya Sprague, Hannah Waldon, Elena Victoria, Dylan Wills, Gillian Yoder
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SYNOPSIS ACT I Dr. Drosselmeier, a mysterious magician and creator of mechanical toys and clocks, puts the finishing touches on some magical dolls and a very special Nutcracker in his workshop on Christmas Eve. He has made them as gifts to entertain his relatives and friends at the Silberhaus home later that night. In the parlor, the Silberhaus family, their children Clara and Fritz and their staff are anxiously finishing preparations for their annual Christmas Eve party. Friends and relatives arrive from near and far. The tree is trimmed, the children receive special gifts from the Silberhauses and there is much celebratory dancing. Suddenly, almost from nowhere, Dr. Drosselmeier makes his appearance with his arms full of gift boxes. He is full of surprises to entertain everyone, like his presentation of a miniature toy theatre. He presents Clara with the special Nutcracker he has made just for her, and she immediately becomes enchanted. Then he brings out his mechanical dolls who, to the amazement of all, come to life at his command and dance. Dinner is served and all depart except Clara, who dances a special dance with her Nutcracker, imagining someday he could be her Prince. She is rudely interrupted by her brother Fritz who, in a jealous fit, steals her Nutcracker and breaks him. The commotion draws the guests back to the parlor to see Dr. Drosselmeier repairing Clara’s Nutcracker. The girls join together to soothe the Nutcracker by dancing a lullaby with their dolls, but they are suddenly interrupted by the mischievous Fritz and the boys who create a cacophony with their noise makers. Then Clara’s Grandfather invites all the parents to one last dance led by him and her Grandmother before it gets late and the party guests depart. Clara and Fritz are sent to bed to dream of all their presents under the tree. As the lights dim, Clara returns to search for her Nutcracker until she becomes tired and falls asleep on the couch. Dr. Drosselmeier appears in the parlor to cast his magical spell. Maniacal mice begin to emerge
as midnight falls and Clara is awakened. She is terrified but then sees her Nutcracker has been transformed to human size by Dr. Drosselemeier. The mice scatter and Dr. Drosselmeier alters the room, making everything larger than life. A battle ensues between the mice, led by the Mouse King, and the Nutcracker, with his regiments of tiny soldiers, culminating in a sword fight between the two leaders. Just when hope seems lost, Clara throws her slipper at the Mouse King, distracting him long enough for the Nutcracker to vanquish him. Clara receives a crown for her efforts and the Nutcracker is transformed into a handsome prince. The two are magically transported to the Kingdom of the Snow where the Snow King and Queen greet them and send them on a beautiful sleigh ride. A whirlwind of snowflakes dance at their command. At the culmination of this dreamlike scene, Clara and her Nutcracker Prince board a magical vessel to journey to the Land of the Sweets, guided by Dr. Drosselmeier.
ACT II As the scene opens, we find ourselves in the clouds with dancing angels who watch over the Land of the Sweets. Clara and her Nutcracker Prince arrive in the enchanted Candy Palace. They are welcomed by the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier who are preparing a spectacular confection-filled festival in their honor. Those who have gathered begin to dance representing various lands and treats including chocolate, a Spanish Dance; coffee, an Arabian Dance; and tea, a Chinese Dance. French Shepherds, a band of Russian dancers, and the always gregarious, larger-than-life Mother Ginger also have a few surprises for Clara. Following that, Clara enjoys a lush Waltz of the Flowers led by the most beautiful Rose in the entire Land of the Sweets. Then the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier dance a grand pas de deux in honor of their guests. A magnificent grand finale brings the festival to its thrilling conclusion as Clara and her Nutcracker Prince begin their journey home. Was it all a dream or did it really happen?
NOTEWORTHY RAMONA PANSEGRAU
MUSIC DIRECTOR/CONDUCTOR Peter I. Tchaikovsky’s wonderful score for The Nutcracker was written in 1892. Even today, it is an indispensable part of the holidays – the music of the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Trepak covering the airwaves even as we speak. We are so fortunate to have the music performed live, as audiences would have first heard it 131 years ago. Utilizing the full breadth of the Kansas City Symphony in our performances, nearly every section of the orchestra has a solo somewhere in the score. Of special note is the music written for the celesta – an instrument Tchaikovsky first heard at the Paris Exposition in 1890, and was determined to have Russian audiences first hear in his score. Unfortunately for Tchaikovsky, Nikolai RimskyKorsakov had also heard the same magical instrument
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at the Paris Exposition, and he was equally determined to premiere the celesta. Tchaikovsky, however, would not be deterred. The premiere date for the ballet – and his score – was after the work by Rimsky-Korsakov was due to be performed. Tchaikovsky came up with the perfect solution – he would create a suite and premiere it in concert well before the ballet was due to open. And in the suite would be The Sugar Plum Fairy music, with the magical sound of the celesta. Tchaikovsky‘s innovative solution gave him the winning edge, and the suite is still performed today without dancers. Luckily for us, we have the entire score and a stage full of dancers to bring it to life. The holidays would be incomplete without it. The position of music director is generously supported by a gift from Bill and Ginny Shackelford.
MEET THE ARTISTS ALAIN VAËS
SCENIC & PROPERTIES DESIGNER
Born in the South of France, Alain Vaës studied at the Ecole des BeauxArts in Montpellier and the Ecole des Arts Decoratifs in Nice while playing volleyball for the French national team. Since moving to the United States in 1981, he has worked as an artist, a set and costume designer, and as an author and illustrator of children’s books. He has designed sets and costumes for 25 productions, including Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, La Sonnambula, Songs of the Auvergne, Don Quixote and Cinderella, principally for New York City Ballet, but also for Boston Ballet, Fort Worth Ballet, the National Ballet of Flanders, North Carolina Dance Theater, Cincinnati Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, Sacramento Ballet, and the Royal Danish Theater. His children’s books, published by Little Brown, are The Porcelain Pepper Pot, The Wild Hamster, The Steadfast Tin Soldier, The Princess and the Pea, and Puss in Boots, a collaboration with Lincoln Kirstein, plus Reynard the Fox and 29 Bump Street, published by Turner. His paintings have been exhibited in galleries in Paris and Honfleur, and most recently at the George Adams gallery in NYC. His work is in the collection of the French government. He has had exhibitions at the Pierpont Morgan Library, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Norman Rockwell Museum, the Fort Worth Art Museum, the Hudson River Museum, the DeCordova Museum and the McNay Art Museum.
HOLLY HYNES
COSTUME DESIGNER
Holly Hynes is an accomplished costume designer with over 200 ballets to her credit, including more than 70 at the New York City Ballet. A graduate of Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, she headed to New York City with a suitcase and fifty dollars after college and has been there ever since. Her designs have been acclaimed worldwide by the audiences of American Ballet Theatre, National Ballet of Canada, San Francisco Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, Kirov Ballet in Saint Petersburg, Russia, Bolshoi in Moscow, Royal Ballet in London, Royal Danish Ballet in Copenhagen, Houston Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Joffrey Ballet in Chicago, and La Scala in Milan. Hynes has collaborated with such famous choreographers as Alexei Ratmansky, Christopher Wheeldon, Helgi Tomasson, Jorma Elo, Benjamin Millepied and Stanton Welch. Her artistry has been seen on Broadway and at the Metropolitan Opera but ballet is where her heart is. She has been the resident designer for The Susanne Farrell Ballet based at The Kennedy Center for over 15 years. For 21 years, she was director of costumes for The New York City Ballet. She is also the leading costume consultant for the George Balanchine Trust and the Jerome Robbins Estate. She is thrilled to have worked with Devon, Alain and Trad on Kansas City Ballet’s The Nutcracker, joining her other designs in the rep for Lynne Taylor-Corbett’s Mercury and William Whitener’s full-length Tom Sawyer (A Ballet in 3 Acts).
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. Trad 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, Trad’s 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.
KRISTI CAPPS
REHEARSAL DIRECTOR Kristi Capps began her professional career with the Atlanta Ballet and then joined Cincinnati Ballet. Rising quickly through the ranks to principal, Ms. Capps delighted audiences performing the principal role in ballets such as Coppelia, Don Quixote, Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Cinderella and many of George Balanchine’s ballets. She performed the leading role in George Balanchine’s Chaconne with The Suzanne Farrell Ballet at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. She was a guest artist with many ballet KCB A L L ET.ORG | 47
MEET THE ARTISTS KRISTI CAPPS cont. companies and galas such as the Chautauqua Ballet Company, International Ballet Festival of Miami, Florida, International Dance Festival in Vail, Colorado, and with Angel Corella and Stars of American Ballet in Spain. Ms. Capps performed original works by Luca Veggetti at New York City’s Guggenheim Museum “Works in Process” series as well as additional works of Veggetti’s with the Morphoses dance company in Paris, France. She was part of the faculties of the Cincinnati Ballet Academy and Colorado Ballet Academy, as well as a guest teacher at numerous universities and ballet academies throughout the country. Ms. Capps served as ballet mistress in residence for Kansas City Ballet’s 2013-2014 season during the production of Dracula as well as a repetiteur for its spring production of Cinderella before joining the artistic staff permanently.
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. Mr. 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 Mr. Maynard joined the faculty of San Francisco Ballet School. In his 10 years at San Francisco Ballet, Mr. 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 Christopher Ruud has been a part of the performing arts since birth. Growing up backstage at San Francisco Ballet he was immersed in the art of professional dance, performance and stagecraft. Receiving the majority of his dance training at San Francisco Ballet School he began his performing career on the War Memorial Opera House stage at the age of 9. Mr. 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 seen sold out houses in Utah, all over the United States, and internationally most notably in China, Cuba, New York and at the Kennedy Center. He has directed his own small company, RUUDDANCES, which was a regular attraction in the Annual Utah Arts Festival and toured to Jacobs Pillow. Having retired from being a professional dancer in 2019, he is thrilled to have joined the artistic team at Kansas City Ballet that same year. Since taking the position of KCB Second Company 48 | KC B A L L E T.O R G
Manager and Rehearsal Director for the company, he has created, and rehearsal directed the creation of many new and existing works while also spending time in the Kansas City community educating children about ballet and performance with the Lecture Demonstration program “Studio to Stage”.
KIMBERLY COWEN
PRINCIPAL & KCYB DIRECTOR 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 Ludmilla 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. Ms. 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. Ms. Cowen began teaching at the Somerset Ballet in 1998 and joined the KCBS staff in 2002. Ms. 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
LAUREN FADELEY VEYETTE
PRINCIPAL & YAGP COORDINATOR
Lauren Fadeley Veyette trained at the Orlando Ballet School and the School of Performing Arts in Florida before moving to New York City to study full time at the School of American Ballet. She began her professional career at 16 with New York City Ballet at the invitation of Peter Martins, performing works by George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Christopher Wheeldon, and Martins. After two years with NYCB, she chose to further her academic and dance education by attending Indiana University. In 2007, she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Ballet Performance and an Outside Field in Kinesiology. Ms. Fadeley joined the corps de ballet of the Pennsylvania Ballet in 2007. She was promoted to Soloist for the 2011 season and Principal Dancer in 2012. Lauren joined Miami City Ballet as a Soloist in 2016 and was promoted to Principal Soloist in 2017. Over the past 10 years, Lauren has taught summer intensives and master classes at the Cincinnati Ballet School, Indiana University Ballet Theater, The Colburn Academy, Nantucket Dance Festival, Westside School of Ballet, Swarthmore Ballet, Pennsylvania Regional Ballet, Juneau Dance Theater, Ballet Elite and Virginia Regional Ballet. In 2018, together with her husband Francis, they founded Veyette Virtual Ballet School, which
MEET THE ARTISTS LAUREN FADELEY VEYETTE cont. specializes in private instruction, coaching and mentoring for dancers of all ages. She retired from Miami City Ballet and dancing professionally in 2021 after accepting the position of Principal of the Kansas City Ballet School.
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 MissouriKansas City in 2013, Jordan 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, Jordan 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, Jordan joined the full-time staff of Kansas City Ballet in 2022, where he accompanies classes, rehearsals, and performances as Company Pianist / Principal Academy Pianist.
CAROLYN WATSON GUEST CONDUCTOR
Carolyn Watson is Music Director of La Porte County Symphony Orchestra in Indiana and Principal Guest Conductor of the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra. Originally from Australia, she has been based in the United States since 2013 during which time she has led performances with the Austin Symphony, Catskill Symphony, Detroit Symphony Civic Orchestra, Interlochen Philharmonic, Kansas City Ballet, Kansas City Chamber Orchestra, St. Joseph Symphony and World Youth Symphony Orchestra. Carolyn’s 22-23 season sees debuts with the Cape Symphony, Monash Academy Orchestra (Australia), Traverse Symphony Orchestra and Columbus Indiana Philharmonic as a Music Director candidate, as well as return engagements with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City and Kansas City Ballet. An experienced conductor of opera, recent engagements have seen Carolyn lead Hansel and Gretel for Amarillo Opera and Fellow Travelers at Des Moines Metro Opera, along with a production of As One. In 2020 she conducted And Still We Dream for the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, her third engagement for the Lyric. This production was featured in the Emmy-Award winning PBS documentary, Higher Octaves: Leading Women in the Arts. In 2017 Carolyn was one of six conductors selected for the Hart Institute for Women Conductors, where she led the Dallas Opera in two public performances.
PRODUCTION STAFF 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, Ms. Taylor received her M.F.A. from the University of Missouri – Kansas City.
LAURA KRUS
STAGE MANAGER Laura Krus is a graduate of Oklahoma City University’s Dance Management Program. Laura worked with Adams Davy Media as a Production Intern for productions like Batman Live and Arts for Autism. She also has worked with various professional dance companies as a Production Stage Manager for the American Dance Festival. Laura began working with Kansas City Ballet in 2021. Laura wants to thank her family and friends for always believing in her and helping get her to where she is now.
JENNIFER CARROLL
COSTUME SUPERVISOR 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
ASSISTANT COSTUME SUPERVISOR Betti Jo Diem came to Kansas City Ballet 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. KCB A LL ET.ORG | 49
PRODUCTION STAFF 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. Maddie has experience stage managing concert dance, ballet, opera, and theatre. She has previously worked with EPIC Arts and the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival. Maddie is excited to be part of the Kansas City Ballet full-time after working on previous season shows (The Nutcracker, The Wizard of Oz).
NUTCRACKER DESIGN & BUILD TEAM SCENERY & PROPERTIES
Alain Vaës, Designer Jeff Ridenour, Design Assistant Amy Taylor, Coordinator Brett Engle, Properties Artisan Trevor Frederiksen, Artisan Assistant
COBALT STUDIOS WHITE LAKE, NEW YORK
Rachel Keebler, Sarah Keller, Alison Fox, Cydny Rodgers, Sophie Horsley, Ivan PotterSmith, Stephanie Wheaton, Lillie Wheaton, Kim Williamson, Jannetta Carney, Kristin Kifer, Misty Pelas, Alexa Busnot, Rochelle Voyles
RAVENSWOOD CHICAGO, ILLINOIS Nate Combs, Project Manager
MICHAEL HAGAN STUDIOS SOUTH GLEN FALLS, NEW YORK Michael Hagan
50 | KC B A L L E T.O R G
SCENIC SOLUTIONS DAYTON, OHIO
Dan McLaughlin, Brian Altiere, Doug Zinn, Josh McEwen, Lydia Watson, Thomas Clinch, Britney Accrocco, Mary Beth McLaughlin, Hannah Blosser, Charis Weible, Doug Chaney, Peter Johnson, Jon Lamm, Wally Lugo, Eric McNutt, Eli McLaughlin, Andrew Persson
KANSAS CITY BUILDERS Eli Yaffe, James Hare, Steve Cochran IATSE Local #31
Gen Goering, Scenic Artist
LIGHTING
Trad A Burns, Designer Ben Gantose, Assistant to the Designer Flying by Foy
COSTUMES
Holly Hynes, Designer Ricky Lurie, Assistant to the Designer
BUILDERS BY SHOP
Arnold S. Levine – NYC Caryn Wells Design – NYC Cygnet Studios – NYC Halsey Onstage – Chicago Jan Parron LLC – NYC Jennifer Chapman Studios LLC – NYC John Kristiansen Studios – NYC Joni Johns LLC – Redding, CT JRenee Designs – Athens, OH KC Ballet Costume Shop – KCMO Kansas City Costume – KCMO Lisa Waering Sacaris – Houston, TX Lynn Baccus – NYC M&S Schmalberg Inc – NYC Monica Guerra – Houston, TX Pat Sullivan – Savannah, GA Prima Donna – Newport Beach, CA Redthreaded – Denver, CO Satellite Costumes – NYC SEW Good It Hurts – Houston, TX Timberlake Studios – NYC Vogue Pleating II – NYC
KANSAS CITY BALLET COSTUME SHOP
Jennifer Carroll, Shop Supervisor Betti Jo Diem, Johanna Gee, Mary West, Heather Allan, Jana Jessee, Nancy Robinson, Mandy McCarty, Colleen May, Joshua Bodden IATSE Local #810
MOTHER GINGER PUPPET
Halsey Onstage – Chicago, IL
SPECIAL THANKS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Don Hovis, Steven Lurie, Victoria Baylor, Katina Zulakis, Aaron Keppel, Ohio University Costume and Lighting Departments, Chris Zulakis, Katherine O’Neil, Johanna Gee, Matt Perdersen
PARTNER PROFILE: YMCA Driven by its founding mission, the YMCA of Greater Kansas City has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community since 1860. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across communities. The Y has the longstanding relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. YMCA of Greater Kansas City is thrilled to be the official healthy living partner of KC Ballet and supporting sponsor of The Nutcracker.
accessible to All! YOU MAKE DANCE
As a Kansas City Ballet enthusiast, you know how much joy dance brings to the community, especially during the holidays. KC Ballet’s sensory-friendly production of The Nutcracker aims to ensure that EVERYONE in the community, including families who face challenges attending performances, can experience that joy. Because of the reduced capacity and reduced price, ticket sales cover just 30% of what it actually costs to produce this performance. Please consider a year-end gift today. Your support will promote inclusion and accessibility and create lasting memories. Your impact will be doubled thanks to a dollar-for-dollar match from the Kirk Foundation up to $10,000 for all gifts received by December 31st!
MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY AT
GIVE.KCBALLET.ORG/SUPPORT Dancer Kelsey Ivana Hellebuyck with an audience member. Photo by Elizabeth Snell.
For more information, contact Chris Roady, Manager, Corporate Partnerships & Data at 816.216.5582 or croady@kcballet.org KCB A L L ET.ORG | 51
BALLET BUSINESS COUNCIL Kansas City Ballet thanks the following corporations and corporate foundations for their support from November 1, 2022 - October 31, 2023. DIAMOND
SILVER
Bank of America Cumulus Media Hallmark Corporate Foundation
ArtsKC Assured Partners Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City Bluefox Live Event Production Burns & McDonnell Cboe Global Markets CIGNA Healthcare of Kansas and Missouri Commerce Bank Elevé Dancewear, Kansas City Ballet’s School Uniform Partner Mark One Electric Company, Inc. Panache Chocolatier Parisi Coffee, Official Coffee Provider for Kansas City Ballet
($50,000-$99,999)
PLATINUM
($25,000-$49,999)
The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center, Partner Hotel of Kansas City Ballet YMCA of Greater Kansas City
GOLD
($10,000-$24,999)
Belger Cartage Service, Inc. Encore H&R Block Foundation JE Dunn Construction Company Performance Rehab KCOI, the Official Performance Rehabilitation Provider to Kansas City Ballet SS&C Technologies, Inc. State Street Stepp & Rothwell, Inc. VanBrock
($5,000-$9,999)
BRONZE
($2,500-$4,999)
Aetna BlueScope Steel BNIM Architects Craig Sole Designs Delta Dental of Kansas East Market Studios Brett Pruitt Evergy Henderson Engineers, Inc.
Kansas City Foot & Ankle, The Official Podiatry Treatment Provider to Kansas City Ballet Lathrop GPM LLP OCS Builders - Mike Nikolai, in honor of Marisa Whiteman Tito’s Handmade Vodka Fifth Generation, Inc. UMB Financial Corporation United Healthcare XS Lighting, LLC
PATRON
($1,500-$2,499)
Berkowitz Oliver LLP The Big Biscuit Crossroads Hotel The Dance Shoppe, Inc. FORVIS Gill Studios, Inc. Google Fiber The Independent Johnson & Johnson Foundation Kansas City Bone & Joint Clinic Kansas City Life Insurance Company Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance MC Realty Group, LLC
Carol Meierotto Meierotto Jewelers New York Life Insurance Company Park University Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company Sanofi The Standard - Standard Insurance Company US Bank Foundation
PRINCIPAL
($500-$1,499) Aristocrat Motors Kansas City Southern Industries Inc. Charitable Fund Meritage Portfolio Management Microsoft Matching Gifts Scotwood Industries Uhl Engineering, Inc. Mr. Terry Uhl
SOLOIST
($250-$499) Abbott Laboratories Kendra Scott Macquarie Asset Management State Farm - Emmett Thompson Agency T-Mobile Wee Create
CORPS DE BALLET
($100-$249) Equifax Kramer Commercial, Inc. Printing Services, Inc. - 2 Friends Printing REACH Healthcare Foundation
A Kansas City Ballet Business membership offers companies of all sizes the opportunity to join other leaders with a commitment to their community to help Kansas City Ballet fulfill its vision and mission. To become a member, please contact Chris Roady, Manager, Corporate Partnerships and Data at 816.216.5582 or croady@kcballet.org.
PARTNER PROFILE: BANK OF AMERICA A VALUED PARTNERSHIP Bank of America has been an exceptional partner of Kansas City Ballet since 2006. Charitable giving to KC Ballet from Bank of America Corporate and the Foundation have totaled more than $1.5 million dollars. Through their generosity, Bank of America has been the Presenting Sponsor of The Nutcracker annually since 2010, invested in the Ballet’s home, the Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity, supported the Artistic Director search which brought the remarkable Devon Carney to Kansas City, contributed to the annual Ballet Ball and the Sugar Plum Fairy Children’s Ball, as well as provided general operating support. Bank of America’s investment as Presenting Sponsor of The Nutcracker has had an economic impact on our community of more than $2.8 million dollars and has attracted more than 25,000 people from outside of the area to Kansas City. Integral to Bank of America’s support is Linda Lenza, Senior Vice President and Market Executive. She has served on the KC Ballet Board of Directors for 10 years, providing time, leadership, and personal support of the Ballet. Thank you! 52 | KC B A L L E T.O R G
LEGACY SOCIETY
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: Mary Ann and Bill Allen The Amelia Fund/ Nancy L. Murdock, Ph.D. Leslie G. Anderson Anonymous (2) Peggy and Andy Beal Jeffrey J. Bentley Brand Family Fund Mike and Vicki Bray Jerry and Meghan Carpenter Family Trust Melissa Kelly Cavanaugh Robert J. Cody Don and Pat Dagenais Dickerson Family Trust J. Scott Francis Dr. Michael Frost
Norman E. and Marilyn A.W. Gaar David and Beth Harris John and Mary Hunkeler Dr. Richard Jensen and Gay Dannelly Estate of Lothar P. Krause Hazel Deana McClure P. Alan McDermott Lindsey Mayer and Corey Brunk Dr. Linda E. Mitchell Marcy Nelson 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
If you have included Kansas City Ballet in your estate plans, please let us know. We would like to thank you now for your thoughtful gift.
HONORING OUR PAST, CELEBRATING OUR PRESENT, AND PLANNING FOR OUR FUTURE
KCB A L L ET.ORG | 53
KANSAS CITY BALLET CONTRIBUTORS Thank you to the 2023-2024 Bolender Society Members for their dedication and transformational support. BOLENDER SOCIETY LEADERSHIP
($100,000+) Estelle S. and Robert A. Long Ellis Foundation Francis Family Foundation J. Scott Francis Marilyn A.W. Gaar and Norman E. Gaar, Esq. Hall Family Foundation John and Mary Hunkeler Julia Irene Dennie-Kauffman Kansas City Ballet Guild Dennis and Susan Lordi Marker Missouri Arts Council Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts - Commerce Bank, Trustee The Seeley Foundation Dana Seeley Bill and Ginny Shackelford
BOLENDER SOCIETY DIAMOND
($50,000-$99,999) Evelyn R. Craft Belger and C. Richard Belger Carol Blum and Steven R. Wilson R and C Charitable Foundation The Shubert Foundation Dr. Michael J. and Cindy S. Wurm
BOLENDER SOCIETY PLATINUM ($25,000-$49,999) Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. A. Joseph Brandmeyer Innes and John Hale Ms. Joan Horan
Bonne and Clifford W. Illig
The Estate of Billie Mahoney Sosland Foundation Greg and Barbara Storm Angela and John Walker William T. Kemper Foundation - Commerce Bank, Trustee
BOLENDER SOCIETY GOLD ($10,000-$24,999)
Brad Allen and Gene Cooper Anonymous Arvin T. Gottlieb Charitable Foundation - UMB Bank, Trustee Bruce and Vicki Baxter Mr. Blair Bieser Joe and Claire Brand Mike and Vicki Bray Janis E. Brewster Stanley J. Bushman and Ann Canfield 54 | KC B A L L E T.O R G
Karen and Stephen Clegg Fred and Lucy Coulson Daniel Keating Foundation Bill and Jo Anne Dondlinger Cathy and Steve Doyal Elsberry Family Foundation Anne & Howard Elsberry Richard and Sue Ann Fagerberg Mr. Michael D. Fields Linda Houston Foundation J.B. Reynolds Foundation Jackson and Gamble Family Dr. Roger and Mrs. Sandy Jackson Jerome Robbins Foundation Kao Family Foundation Kirk Foundation Julie and Mike Kirk William T. Laaser The Lighton Fund - Linda Lighton and Lynn Adkins Louis & Elizabeth Nave Flarsheim Charitable Foundation - Bank of America, Trustee The Edward G. and Kathryn E. Mader Foundation Mary Anne and Steve McDowell Teresa and Bruce McKinney Miller Nichols Charitable Foundation Dr. Linda E. Mitchell Barbara Clarke Nash National Endowment for the Arts Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund Sarah Nelson and Jesse Pedraza Leslie A. Pfriem George and Wendy Powell Fund of The Kuehn Foundation Paula and Jack Rowe Suzanne Shank Derek and Linda Shoare Dr. Christopher and Mrs. Lisa Sirridge Ms. Kathy Stepp and Mr. Howard Rothwell Mr. and Mrs. William D. Sullivan The Thomas and Sally Wood Family Foundation Mr. Bill Weaver and Ms. Crystal O’Dea Brian Weith and Michele Hamlett-Weith William T. Kemper Charitable Trust, UMB Bank Patricia Martin and Brian Woolley Sarah Ye
BOLENDER SOCIETY SILVER ($5,000-$9,999)
Andy and Kathy Anderson Dr. Lillard and DeVette Ashley Peggy and Andrew Beal Dr. Stephen and Susan Bubb Ms. Lisa Choules Vicki and Mark Dickerson
Dee and Dave Dillon Joseph and Diana Eisenach Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Carol and Tony Feiock Sally Firestone Ms. Melissa Ford and Dr. Eric Molloy Park University Drs. Nicholas and Stephanie Golda Susan and Zack Hangauer David and Beth Harris Haverty Family Foundation Michael and Marlys Haverty Mr. and Mrs. Barnett C. Helzberg, Jr. Kim and Ted Higgins Ingram Family Foundation Beth Ingram Cynthia James Dr. Richard Jensen Melanie Jones and Susan Johnson Mr. Jerry T. Katlin and Mr. Dan DeLeon Charlotte Kemper Black Jonathan and Nancy Lee Kemper Ms. Victoria Lamkey George H. Langworthy, Sr. Christopher and Gretchen Leff Colette and James Majerle Julia and Greg Malter Maria Manosa Rachel and Matt Merlo Edward P. Milbank Troy and Angela Moore Ms. Sherrill Mulhern Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Musolf John and Linda Nobles George and Suzy Pagels Carolyn and Bill Parkerson Ms. Margot Patterson Ms. Julie Phillips R.A. Long Foundation Gigi and Gary Rose Mr. and Mrs. Glen Sands Zachary H. Shafran Mr. Ian Spinks and Ms. Juliette Singer Stratus Group LLC Courtney and Peggy Jones Deb and Tom Swenson Jennifer and Bryan Wampler Lynne and Carl Weilert Raelee Wright Dr. John and Karen Yungmeyer
BOLENDER SOCIETY BRONZE ($2,500-$4,999)
Ms. Jane Abildgaard Chris Ahrens Anonymous (2) Marina and Matthew Bell Sarah Bent and Craig Thompson Dr. Angelo & Mrs. Joan Brisimitzakis Lynne and Peter Brown Mr. and Mrs. Michael Burke Devon Carney and Pamela Royal Carney Ms. Patricia A Chasnoff
Dennis and Marilyn Christopher City of Kansas City, MO Dr. Robert Claassen Vince and Julie Clark Robert J. Cody Gene and Joy Cota Dr. Suzanne C. Crandall Don and Pat Dagenais Kyle Danner Drs. Charles and Donna Davis Edie and Randy Downing Peggy and Terrence Dunn Julia Kirk and John Duty Melanie and Mike Fenske Mark and Nancy Gilman Susan Gilmore and Barry Loughrige Bruce and Kathy Gordon David Gray and Kyra Nichols Ms. Cynthia L. Hampton George and Sharon Harter - A Night on the Town Theater Trips Rudy and Deb Herrmann Lisa Merrill Hickok Robert and Cindy Hisle Ms. Jill Ingram Reynolds Dr. Karen M. Jordan Mr. Steve Joss Dana M. Koehn Dr. and Mrs. William Kruse Siobhan McLaughlin Lesley Bill Lindsay and Jan Foletta Mrs. Bobbie A. Mathes Mr. Robert H. Maynard, in memory of Heather Maynard P. Alan McDermott Julia and Dennis Meyer Katherine A. Miller Dr. Dan and Rev. Jeanie Murphy Kathy and Justin Nemechek Barbara Nicely Kathy and Michael Rainen CiCi Rojas and Oscar Monterroso Mr. Mark Sappington and Dr. David S. McGee Mark and Janice Schonwetter Dr. Richard Schupp and Dr. Marilu Goodyear Sherman Family Foundation Marny and John Sherman Mrs. Sunday Siragusa Craig Sole Marya and Kent Stallard Bradley and Cynthia Strecker Aviva Ajmera and Wayne Strickland Suhor Family Foundation Joe and Carol Suhor, Trustees Fr. Paul Turner Mr. Jeff Van Slyke Dr. and Mrs. Charles W. Van Way III Linda Weber Keith and Margie Weber Foundation Chris and DeEtte L. Whiteman Dr. Loren and Thomas Whittaker Mr. Ronald Wilson, in memory of Barbara Baer, PhD Darlus M. Wolff Mrs. Margaret Wurst Andy Zaborny and Karyn Clewes Zaborny
KANSAS CITY BALLET CONTRIBUTORS Many thanks to the following individuals and charitable foundations for their support from November 1, 2022 – October 31, 2023 PATRON
($1,000-$2,499)
John and Anna Allen Mary Cade Allen Ms. Leslie G. Anderson Anonymous (3) Mr. Roger Arwood and Ms. Marcelle Cooper Ivan and Karla Batlle Mr. and Mrs. Jack Beal Melinda Beal Cynthia J. Bleck Dr. Robert and Pamela Bruce Dr. Kenneth and Mrs. Norma Buchwach Robert Butler Michael and Michelle Castagno Copaken Family Foundation Dale and Loire Cowen Creative Planning Foundation Ericson Family Michelle and William Fasel Kim Garcia Frances and George Gerritz Ann and Douglas Ghertner Ellen R. and John R. Goheen Gayle Gotcher Mr. Chris Lee Hafner Mr. Donald J. Hall, Sr. Ms. Pamela Hancock George Helmkamp Henry E. Wurst Family Foundation Mary Beth and Hank Hershey Sharon and John Hoffman Ms. Angela Hudson Linda and Topper Johntz Mr. Alex Keiffer Dr. and Mrs. Howard Kilbride Regina and Bill Kort Art Lafex Laura T. Landmann Peter and Monica Lane Linda Lenza Ken and Nan Lippincott Mr. Wayne E. Lippman Louis and Frances Swinken Supporting Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Michael Lyon Patricia Macdonald Donna and Rex Martin Mr. G. Dale Mathey McAnany Construction Patrick and Martina McLarney Mr. and Mrs. William McVay Joshua and Abigail Millan Miller-Mellor Association - Mr. JoZach Miller and Mr. Peter Bali Dr. and Mrs. Robert E. Moffat Ms. Kelly L. Muehlberger Dr. Amy Patel Diana and Rick Poccia Drs. Charles and Susan Porter Mr. Hal Douglas Quinn Connie and David Ross John Rufenacht Associates Lisa and Charles Schellhorn Stephen and Delores Schroff Ms. Carol Nelson Shifflett Pam and Gary Smedile Rebecca and Phil Smith
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas and Sharon Soetaert Jody Shelton Stephen Michele and Jim Stowers Pamela and Terrence Sullivan Don and Robin Sumple The Trudy Foundation Unified Government-Hollywood Casino of Wyandotte County Dr. Angela Valadez and Mr. Patrick Valadez Lauren Vohland Sandy and Byron Whitaker Mr. Jeff Whitman Marissa Wickam PURE Workplace Solutions Jean-Paul Wong Mrs. Peggy Jean Younger Sophia C. Zetmeir
PRINCIPAL
($500-$999)
Ms. Kathryn Abbott Tricia Adolphson Anne Allen David and Jennifer Anderson Anonymous Mr. Joseph Appelt Pamela Bachman Thomas and Karen Badgett Margaret Perkins-McGuinness and Nathan Benjamin Ms. Laura Bentley Joan and Bert Berkley Blue Heron Foundation Lillian Berry Ms. Mary Best Dr. and Mrs. Michael Borkon, in honor of Mary Lynn and Kamal Mikhail Tom and Judy Bowser Diana and Mike Brady Cynthia Bray Dr. Joan and Mr. David Brunfeldt Jillian Leigh Bush Mr. Ken Bush, in memory of Mrs. Victoria Bush Ms. Norma Butler Kirk and Tamara Carson Brenda Cauthen Craig and Jill Connell Christine Copeland Dr. Patricia Cox Nicole and Bernard Craig Mr. and Mrs. James C. Cusser David Donovan, PhD Stephen Eads George and Mary Edwards Michelle Ekstam Jones Dr. and Mrs. Jason W. Eppler Ana C Espinosa Joni and Chuck Etherington Mr. Brett D. Fadeley Connie and Richard Fey Dan Flanigan Ron and Tricia Fredman Kent Galley Ms. Astra Garner Mr. Ervin Gina Ms. Anita Toby Grow and Dr. Jon Scheinman
Matt and Haley Haar Gary and Liddell Hobin Jim Hoenscheidt Lesley and Peter Holt Brenda L Hulse Humboldt Sax Mrs. Marsha L. Hunt Diana Ice Kristen and Ryan Jacobs Denise and Mark Jacobson Harold and Vicki James Jessica and Malik James Christina and Chris Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Johnson Jessica Joseph and Vivek Dubey Dr. and Mrs. Steven Joyce Renate Julian Ms. Sue Ann Knight Randee and Will Krumwiede Mr. and Mrs. James Laursen Mary Leonida Skylar Povala Linn and Aaron Linn Jenny Manka Robert and Terri Marx Jill and Sean McCarthy Ms. Trish Miles Mrs. Samantha Mockaitis Phyllis Naragon Mrs. Barbara Nelson Ronald Newton Emily and Todd Novicoff Mr. Joab Ortiz Mr. Andrew Osman and Mrs. Deb Feder Bill Pallucca Jo Beth Paradis and Bill Steeb Eastin Pecota Mr. and Mrs. Joel Pinkston Mr. and Mrs. Adam Pontier Ms. Joan Priolo Emilia Ann Rivera Dick and Sharyl Roady Ruthie Russell Ms. Christine Sanders Anastasia and Max Schlesinger Mrs. Latrica R. Schnepf Mrs. Shirley Schoenlaub Mr. Jim Schraeder Veronica and Jere Sellers Ms. Penny Shand and Marissa Lyons Ms. Mary Shearer Kristine Sheridan-Harris Steve and Joan Sherman Linda Singer and Louis Klein Jr. Ms. Alexis Strauss Will Stroman Dan and Karen Toughey Kyle and Jacquie Ward Brad Warden Ms. Kristi Weaver Rowe Christa Wisniewski Joyce and Gregory Wolfe Mary and Lance Wood Gregory Woodhams and Julia Gargallo Kevin and Brooke Yoder
Kansas City Ballet could not function without the generosity of you, our Family of Supporters. For more information or to become a member of The Bolender Society, contact Rebecca Zandarski, Director of Gift Planning at 816.216.1307 or rzandarski@kcballet.org.
Learn more about The Bolender Society
KCB A LL ET.ORG | 55
Kansas City Ballet — We’re proud to support you Bank of America is honored to partner with arts institutions that make a difference in our community. We’re excited to enjoy this year’s performance of The Nutcracker with you!
Visit us at bankofamerica.com/KansasCity
©2023 Bank of America Corporation | ENT-297-AD
56 | KC B A L L E T.O R G
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KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY FIRST VIOLINS
CELLOS
E-FLAT CLARINET
TIMPANI
Jun Iwasaki, Concertmaster
Mark Gibbs, Principal
Silvio Guitian
Timothy Jepson, Principal
Susie Yang, Associate Principal
BASS CLARINET
Sunho Kim, Assistant Concertmaster
Alexander East, Assistant Principal
BASSOONS
Anne-Marie Brown
Matt Beckmann ∆
Michael Brown
Maria Crosby
Betty Chen
John Eadie
Anthony DeMarco
Miller Nichols Chair
Stirling Trent, Associate Concertmaster
Robert A. Kipp Chair
Richard Hill Chair
John Klinghammer
Ann Bilderback, Principal
Michael and Susan Newburger Chair
PERCUSSION David Yoon, Acting Principal
Barton P. and Mary D. Cohen Chair
Justin Ochoa ∆, Acting Associate Principal
Lawrence Figg
Thomas DeWitt, Associate Principal
HARP
Susan Goldenberg*
Meredith McCook
Maxwell Pipinich
Tomoko Iguchi
Allen Probus
Katie Ventura ∆, Acting Principal
Dorris Dai Janssen Filip Lazovski ∆ Chiafei Lin Vladimir Rykov Alex Shum*
SECOND VIOLINS Tamamo Someya Gibbs, Principal Kristin Velicer, Acting Associate Principal
CONTRABASSOON
DOUBLE BASSES
Thomas DeWitt
Evan Halloin, Acting Principal
HORNS
Richard Ryan, Acting Associate Principal
David Sullivan, Acting Principal
Nils Aardahl Lena Goodson ∆ Joseph Nunez Keith Wymer ∆ Caleb Quillen‡
Landon and Sarah Rowland Chair
Alberto Suarez‡, Principal Elizabeth Gray, Acting Associate Principal David Gamble
Minhye Helena Choi, Acting Assistant Principal
FLUTES
Arianna Brusubardis^
Stephen Multer, Associate Principal Emeritus
Michael Gordon, Principal
Benjamin Bacni ∆
Mary Garcia Grant Kazato Inouye Rena Ishii Paul Kim^ Stephanie Larsen Jinyou Lee^ Sodam Lim James Zabawa-Martinez ∆
VIOLAS MingYu Hsu, Principal
Marylou and John Dodds Turner Chair
Shannon Finney, Associate Principal
Duke Lee Jesse Yukimura
Tyler Miller, Stage Manager * Non-Rotating Musician
PICCOLO
∆ One-Year Member
Kayla Burggraf
OBOES Kristina Fulton, Principal
Shirley Bush Helzberg Chair
ENGLISH HORN Matthew Lengas
CLARINETS Raymond Santos, Principal Bill and Peggy Lyons Chair
Silvio Guitian, Associate Principal John Klinghammer
V | KC B A L L E T.O R G
Kirsten Loynachan, Assistant Personnel Manager
George Goad, Acting Associate Principal
Matthew Lengas
Jenifer Houck
Justin White, Director of Orchestra Personnel
^ New Member
Jessica Nance, Assistant Principal
Marvin Gruenbaum
Fabrice Curtis
Kayla Burggraf
Duncan Steele^, Associate Principal
Sean Brumble
Julian Kaplan, Principal
Elena Lence Talley, Principal
James B. and Annabel Nutter Chair
Alison Chung, Associate Principal
Kent Brauninger
TRUMPETS
LIBRARIANS
Steven Franklin‡, Associate Principal Shea Kelsay ∆
TROMBONES Evelyn Carlson^, Principal Porter Wyatt Henderson, Associate Principal Jahleel Smith ∆
BASS TROMBONE Jahleel Smith ∆
TUBA Joe LeFevre, Principal Frank Byrne Chair
‡ On Leave of Absence
KANSAS CITY BALLET’S MONTHLY GIVING PROGRAM
The plié is fundamental to every move in ballet, and Plié Partners are the foundation of Kansas City Ballet. By giving monthly, you contribute what makes sense for you AND make an incredible impact in the lives of so many in our community.
BECOME A PLIÉ PARTNER TODAY
Photography by Mark McDonald & Kenny Johnson.
Kansas City Ballet Guild The primary volunteer and fundraising organization supporting the Kansas City Ballet Impacting all facets of Kansas City Ballet: The Company, School, Archives, Endowments and Community Engagement Programs
• Annual Guild Ballet Ball • Nutcracker Boutique • Special engagement & education events
Dancer Sophie Hod. Photo by Elizabeth Snell.
nce.
GIVE.KCBALLET.ORG/ PLIE-PARTNERS
• Luncheons & social events • Open rehearsals, meet the dancers & staff • Book club & movie nights
J O I N TO DAY AT
KCBGUILD.ORG
@KCBGUILD @KCBGUILD
Performance.
b is proud physical ss provider Performance Rehab is proud to y Ballet. be the exclusive physical therapy
y provider e Rehab o serve est an n today!
kc.com
and wellness provider for Kansas City Ballet.
As the #1 rated physical therapy provider in Johnson County, Performance Rehab offers 11 convenient locations to serve you. Scan the QR code to request an appointment or free consultation today! Dancers: KaleenaBurksand Humberto RiveraBlanco. Photography: Kenny Johnson.
performancerehabkc.com Dancers: Sidney Haefs and Gavin Abercrombie. Photography: Kenny Johnson.
KCB A LL ET.ORG | VI
KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY
TICKE TS FOR OUR 202 3/24 SE A SON ARE NOW AVAIL ABLE Join us f or Music Direc tor Michael S tern’s f inal season.
T H E M U S I C I S C A L L I N G . W H E R E W I L L I T TA K E Y O U ? Joy-filled per formanc e s from only $25.
Clas sic al, Pop s, Family, Holiday and Film + L ive Orche stra
(816) 4 7 1-0400 kcsymphony.org
A Full-Service Law Firm Experienced Attorneys Serving the Midwest and Beyond • Trusted by Prominent Organizations for Business Law and Litigation • 19 Practice Groups in Seven Industries
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The KANSAS CITY ROSE SOCIETY offers: A FREE, World-Class Rose Garden in Loose Park Affordable Memberships • A Network of Gardening Enthusiasts • Rose Care & Tips Annual Rose Show • Seasonal Garden Parties
love is a rose program
Have a rose bush planted and dedicated to your loved one! A truly unique gift or memorial. LEARN ABOUT ALL THAT WE OFFER AT
kansascityrosesociety.org
GrandmasCatering.com
#1 Favorite and #1 Friendliest U.S. Small Town TravelAwaits (2022)
Destination of the Year Midwest Travel Network (2022)
Best Historic Small Town
st e d u o pr e Th “ thingimI cisan cla I am f rom
that
Abilene.”
- Dwight
ower D. Eisenh
USA Today (2022)
Visit the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum to experience Ike and Mamie’s story in their own words.
WORLD-CHANGING CREATIVITY
We invite you to experience the transformative power of dance, music and theatre at the UMKC Conservatory.
Photo: Brandon Parigo. UMKC
conservatory.umkc.edu
"The art challenges the technology, and the technology inspires the art." - John Lasseter
At ECCO Select, our people combine art and technology for extraordinary client experience. We offer specialized talent and technology solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs.
THE TALENT BEHIND THE TECHNOLOGY KANSAS CITY, MO | WASHINGTON, DC | ST. LOUIS, MO WBE/MBE CERTIFIED | WWW.ECCOSELECT.COM | 888.567.ECCO
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Fantastic dry-aged steaks, classic cocktails and live Jazz nightly in KC’s historic Downtown saloon. 931 Broadway Kansas City, MO 64105 816-221-1888 www.majestickc.com Featuring a daily Happy Hour and Sunday Brunch
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BARRE KC is the leading group for young professionals interested in supporting Kansas City Ballet Share your love of ballet with other like-minded individuals at a variety of social, educational, and networking events year-round.
INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP – $75/ANNUALLY or $6/MONTH • Discounted pricing for performances up to 50% off • Invitation to all BARRE KC events • 5 free KCB School Dance & Fitness classes
SIGN UP TODAY AT
BARREKC.ORG
• Drink tickets at BARRE KC pre- and post-parties • Discounted pricing for BARRE KC’s Soiree fundraising event • Open rehearsals to meet dancers
@BARRE.KC @BARREKC
Photography by Brett Pruitt & East Market Studios.
Photos by Mark McDonald & Brian Rice.
At KC Ballet School, we believe dance is for everyone, including adults with little or no dance experience. Our dance & fitness classes are drop-in style and meet weekly.
ALL ABILITY LEVELS START ANYTIME! CLASSES START AT $15 Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity 500 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO 64108
South Campus at Meadowbrook 9415 Nall Ave Ste 101 Prairie Village, KS 66207
SIGN UP TODAY AT KCBALLET.ORG
VII | KC B A L L E T.O R G
Enjoy opportunities to learn more and grow closer to the Ballet - our dancers, guest artists and others like you who are passionate about Kansas City Ballet! Join KCB’s premiere philanthropic support group with a monthly gift of $200 or an annual gift of $2,500. Named for TODD BOLENDER (1914-2006) Artistic Director 1981-1995
KCBALLET.ORG/BOLENDER-SOCIETY
Photo by Andrea Wilson.
Kansas City Ballet Comes to You! An exciting, interactive lecture demonstration that offers a range of classic and contemporary ballet excerpts in a 50-minute program that includes a Q & A. Narration is provided by KC Ballet directors and dancers from Kansas City Ballet’s Second Company, who also perform. Great for schools, libraries, and community organizations! KC Ballet’s Studio to Stage Lecture Demonstrations are offered on specific dates in October and November 2023 and in January- April 2024.
FOR QUESTIONS AND TO PURCHASE:
If you are a community organization, school, library, or senior center, and want more information or bring this program to your venue, email aberry@kcballet.org or call 816.216.5583.
KCB A LL ET.ORG | VIII
AD Meierotto - KC Ballet.indd 1
14/06/23 08:52
PARK
I N T E R N AT I O N A L
CENTER
FOR
MUSIC
When Stanislav loudenitch first started the Park International Center for Music, he began with a simple concept. Find exceptional music teachers, and give them the time, tools, focus, and dedication needed to transform exceptional students into masters themselves. An internationally-recognized Van Cliburn gold medalist, Ioudenitch assembled a team that shared his world-class skills and his passion for teaching. Other outstanding programs have great master instructors. But no other American conservatory lets those masters devote the time to their students like they do at Park ICM. Not even storied programs like Juilliard, Curtis, or Eastman.
Come experience the birth of our international stars. Visit ICM.PARK.EDU for our concert schedule today.
“These featured soloists from Park University’s International Center for Music represent not only the quality of performance in Kansas City, but the future of it, too.” – THE KA N S A S CI TY S TA R
Discover nature with us.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Conservation Nature Centers Open SaturdayS
Burr Oak Woods Nature Center
1401 NW Park Road, Blue Springs 816-228-3766 www.mdc.mo.gov/burroakwoods
Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center
4750 Troost Aveue, Kansas City 816-759-7300 www.mdc.mo.gov/discoverycenter
M i s s o u r i D e p a r t M e n t o f C o n s e r v at i o n
APRIL 13, 2024
All photography by Elizabeth Snell.
SAVE THE DATE! Join us for a memorable evening at Crossroads Hotel for the 7th annual BARRE KC Soirée! Dance the night away and celebrate with other fun-loving young adults who share a passion for the arts – complete with drinks, appetizers, entertainment by Kansas City Ballet’s Second Company and more! Proceeds help fund Kansas City Ballet’s Reach Out And Dance Scholarship Program.
LE ARN M O RE AT
BARRESOIREE.ORG
82 | KC B A L L E T.O R G
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS PRESENTING SPONSOR Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation
CLARA BENEFACTOR
Claire and Joe Brand Matoaka Custalow and Nahanni Hamm Joshua and Abigail Millan
CAVALIER TABLE HOST
Ms. Angela Hudson Jessica Joseph and Vivek Dubey Laura Landmann and Karen Seitter Ms. Kelly L. Muehlberger
DROSSELMEIER & FRITZ BENEFACTOR
Tricia Adolphson Anne Allen Brenda Cauthen Craig and Jill Connell Carol Espinosa Ms. Astra Garner Mr. Ervin Gina Ms. Tiffany Huddleston
Christopher Kurtz Dr. Stephanie Lumpkin Mrs. Bobbie A. Mathes Ms. Catherine Middleton Mr. and Mrs. Joel Pinkston Katie Rasmussen Mrs. Latrica R. Schnepf Ms. Mary Shearer
KCB A L L ET.ORG | 83
KANSAS CITY BALLET SCHOOL GRACE M. HOLMES
KANSAS CITY BALLET SCHOOL
SCHOOL DIRECTOR
Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, she began her ballet training with Audrey Maduell, Lelia Haller and Harvey Hysell. She was a soloist with New Orleans Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet, England. Her repertoire includes over 100 ballets spanning both classical and modern genres. She created leading roles with choreographers of international fame and has performed at major theaters across the globe. After retiring from the stage, she worked in Education and Outreach for Birmingham Royal Ballet and became the ballet education manager for the Royal Opera House in London. Upon returning to the United States, she became academy director for Tapestry Dance Company and was a professor of dance at University of Texas at Austin. She is thrilled to be at the helm of 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 Studio 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 & Nall. Call 816.931.2299 for more information or email school@kcballet.org.
KANSAS CITY BALLET SCHOOL | STAFF Grace M. Holmes School Director Kimberly Cowen Principal & KCYB Director Lauren Fadeley Veyette Principal & YAGP Coordinator
Taryn Ouellette Principal, South Campus at Meadowbrook Dmitry Trubchanov Men’s Program Coordinator & KCYB Associate Director
Monica Cameron School Operations Manager Nora Burkitt-Davis Children’s Program & Adaptive Dance Coordinator Megan Robinson School Administrator
PART-TIME ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS/RECEPTION Miana Abramson, Allaylu Freeman, Aspen Ross, Sarah Wilczewski, Susan Williams
KANSAS CITY BALLET SCHOOL | FACULTY Iyonna Barris April Berry Joshua Bodden Chelsea Brown Tara Burgat Nora Burkitt-Davis Christina Burton Kristi Capps Devon Carney Pamela Carney Tamara Carson Courtney Collado Mary Kay Cottrill Kimberly Cowen Caroline Dahm
Rachel Dugan Sean Duus Stephanie Eppler Lauren Fadeley Veyette Melissa Ford Georgia Fuller Tess Gadwood Sidney Haefs Maureen Hall Michele HamlettWeith Grace Holmes Debbie JacobsHuffaker
Macy Jordan David Justin Joshua Kiesel Elaine Kimble Haley Kostas Kramer Kreiling Hannah Lareau Susan Lewis Skyler Linn Gabriel Lorena Michael Martin Parrish Maynard Troy Monger-Levin Erin Muenks Tempe Ostergren
Taryn Ouellette Jennifer Owen Logan Pachciarz Taryn Pachciarz Andrew Parker Nadine Price-Rojas Tina Ray Megan Robinson Amaya Rodriguez Aspen Ross Christopher Ruud Suzanne Ryanstrati Jenny Schmidt Emily Simpson Lisa Sirridge
Dmitry Trubchanov Laura Vernaci Francis Veyette Lynley Von Engeln Paula Weber Marisa DeEtte Whiteman Sarah Wilczewski Susan Williams Latra Wilson
KANSAS CITY BALLET SCHOOL | ACCOMPANISTS Jordan Voth Principal Academy Pianist
84 | KC B A L L E T.O R G
Brian Bates Samuel Beckett Nina Cherry John Currey Inna Daniels Phillip DeWalt
Jonathan Doram Ian Evans Guthrie Noila Ortega Andrew Ouellette William Puckett Angie Roustio
Jaclyn Rylee Cameron Thomas Jacob Thomas Yee-Sik Wong Xiangyu Zhao
KANSAS CITY BALLET STAFF ARTISTIC
ADMINISTRATIVE
Devon Carney Artistic Director
Grace M. Holmes School Director
David Gray Executive Director
Kristi Capps Rehearsal Director
Ramona Pansegrau Music Director & Conductor
Kevin Amey Chief Operations Officer
Parrish Maynard Rehearsal Director
Jordan Voth Company Pianist
George Hans Chief Financial Officer
Christopher Ruud Second Company Manager & Rehearsal Director
Gregg Markowski Finance Director
PHILANTHROPY
MARKETING
Jennifer J.E. Wampler, MBA, CFRE Chief Philanthropy Officer
Natalie Sextro Manager, Research & Stewardship
Rebecca Zandarski, CFRE, CSPG Director of Gift Planning
Chris Roady Manager, Corporate Partnerships and Data
Maya Collins Associate Director of Individual Giving
Ian Boyd Philanthropy Assistant
Kenneth Madlock Facilities Management
David Anderson Director of Marketing
Nicole Dolan Marketing Coordinator
Andrea S. Wilson Associate Director of Marketing
Ellen McDonald Publicist
Savanna Daniels Design & Digital Marketing Manager Beeh Becvar Creative Content Producer
Grace Ingham Manager, Events & Philanthropy
Mary Allen Office Manager/Executive Assistant
Mark Volk Patron Services Manager Kim Toigo Assistant Patron Services Manager
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & EDUCATION
PRODUCTION
April Berry Director of Community Engagement and Education
TEACHING ARTISTS April Berry Sean Duus Brittany Moss Tina Ray
Amy Taylor Director of Production
Bailey Kirk Student Stage Manager
Laura Krus Stage Manager
ACCOMPANISTS Sam Beckett Andrew Ouellette
Jennifer Carroll Costume Supervisor
Bethany “Bee” Gradwohl Aspen Ross Assistant Student Stage Managers
Sean Duus R.O.A.D. Residency Coordinator
Betti Jo Diem Assistant Costume Supervisor April Madden Costume Shop Assistant Madeline Brasgalla Assistant Stage Manager
Mike Brigetta Security Brigetta Security IATSE LOCAL #31, STAGE CREW Greg Brown Head Electrician
Josh Beasley Head Carpenter Dale Klamm Head Properties Rick Knapp, Programmer Ryan Lewis, Steward & Head Flyman Phil Rebel, Audio Engineer IATSE LOCAL #810, WARDROBE ATTENDANTS Desiree Story Head of Wardrobe
Kansas City Ballet acknowledges the following professional service providers: Lathrop GPM, Legal Stinson Leonard Street LLP, Legal Husch Blackwell LLP, Legal BKD, LLP, Auditors Commerce Trust Company, Investment Advisors SRA Benefits, Insurance KC Foot & Ankle Dr. John J. Riley, DPM
Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance Lead physicians - Dr. Michael Khadavi, Dr. JP Halloran and Dr. Fermin Santos The Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Clinic of Kansas City Lead physician - Dr. Kirk McCullough Dr. Nancy L. Murdock, PhD, Psychological Consultant
Performance Rehab, Kansas City Ballet's Physical Rehabilitation Provider (Lead Physical Therapist, Kendra Gage) Extraordinary Machine Massage, Stephen Jacoby, LMT Lois Kauffman, Kansas City Ballet Archivist
KCB A L L ET.ORG | 85
165 YEARS WITH YOU. Since 1857, we’ve been with you, supporting our community, lifting up the arts, and helping you earn, save and do more.
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“Providing care to people is a privilege. I never forget that.”
- Becky N. Lowry, MD Physician Internal Medicine
For me, there’s nothing more rewarding than the meaningful connections I make with my patients. Maybe it’s growing up in a small town where those personal values remain strong. Or maybe it’s the belief, shared with all of my co-workers, that people come first. Whatever it is, the opportunity to provide care is a privilege I never forget. To schedule an appointment, call 913-588-1227 or visit KansasHealthSystem.com/Appointments.