Kansas City Ballet has assembled an International Council of Artists to honor their 50th anniversary season and here's what they have to say.

“It is my great pleasure to pay tribute to Todd Bolender, William Whitener, and their company as they celebrate fifty years of bringing traditional and innovative works to the Kansas City Community.”
- Gerald Arpino, American dancer and choreographer, and Artistic Director of The Joffrey Ballet

"Congratulations to the Kansas City Ballet on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. Building on a strong artistic history, Tatiana Dokoudovska, Todd Bolender and William Whitener have developed an enviable repertoire to showcase 25 extraordinary dancers. We are all looking forward to the next 50 years!"
- Peter Boal, Artistic Director of Pacific Northwest Ballet

"Congratulations on 50 years -- a remarkable achievement!"
- Peter Martins, Artistic Director of New York City Ballet

"Having created a ballet for Kansas City Ballet, I can truly say it’s one of the finest ensembles with whom I’ve worked.  Congratulations to the dancers, my friend and colleague William Whitener, and the entire organization."
- Ann Reinking, Dancer, Choreographer and Actor

"All my very best wishes to Bill Whitener and to Kansas City Ballet for the next fifty years of outstanding dance and consistently thoughtful and interesting repertory.  Congratulations to all."
- Twyla Tharp, Dancer and Choreographer

"Top hats off to Kansas City Ballet as they celebrate their 50th anniversary!  They have made their mark with a dazzling array of ballet repertoire.  Here’s to another 50 years!"
- Tommy Tune, Award-Winning American Actor, Dancer, Singer, Director, Producer, and Choreographer