Kansas City Ballet School is recognized as one of the top ballet training institutions in the United States. Under the direction of Interim School Director Emily Simpson, the School offers a complete, professional curriculum for our Academy students. The School's Studio Program attracts teens and adults who wish to pursue recreational dance instruction in a supportive and encouraging setting.

Kansas City Ballet School is divided into two divisions.

The Academy
Creative Movement through Pre Ballet II take class one day a week and are introduced to music, movement and group interaction. Curriculum is developmentally appropriate and introduces students to the structure of class as well as stretching, coordination exercises, musical forms, improvisation and limited ballet vocabulary.

Beginning with Levels I – VII, girls and boys, attend the number of classes indicated by their level. Students are placed in one of seven divisions according to age, experience, and ability. They follow a structured sequence of training stages designed to increase their technical skills, stamina, and discipline in accordance with their age and physical development. The program includes classical ballet technique, pointe work, pas de deux, men's technique, variations, flamenco, jazz, pilates and coaching.

Classes are taught to live piano accompaniment, a crucial element in developing the child's understanding of the relationship between music and movement. Inherent in the teaching of ballet are frequent corrections. Students are verbally and/or physically guided by the teacher to ensure proper body alignment and body placement.

Studio Classes
The Studio Classes at KCBS replaces the Open Division program. These classes are open to youth, teens and adults who have never had a dance class, as well as those who have had dance training and wish to continue their dance education. The class schedule is flexible and students can take as many classes as their schedule allows.

The School offers full and partial tuition scholarships to Academy students who demonstrate artistic potential and financial need.

In addition to regular summer programs, KCBS holds an intensive, five-week Summer Intensive that attracts students from around the United States. Students are admitted by invitation only, based on the results of a national audition tour held in January, February and March.

With locations in downtown Kansas City and Johnson County, the School maintains a faculty of over 20 instructors, each with extensive performing backgrounds, and professional piano accompanists.