Kansas City Ballet School (KCBS) is the official ballet school of Kansas City Ballet and is committed to providing the highest quality dance instruction to its students. Currently, the Academy has more than 450 students, making it one of the largest ballet schools in the region.

The Academy offers Lower School classes for children ages 3 to 11. These classes introduce children to dance, ballet and movement while focusing on creativity and group interaction.

The Upper School division provides the young student the greatest potential for securing technical strengths, musical sensitivity and artistic awareness. The varied curriculum and progression of levels allows for the development of a strong, versatile dancer. All classes are taught by KCBS' acclaimed faculty in our state-of-the-art studios to live piano accompaniment.

Each area has, at its core, a codified syllabus designed to facilitate the maximum physical, mental and emotional development appropriate to the age and physical ability of each student. Once a student enters Level 1, the official training of ballet technique starts. While the benefits of this training are all inclusive, the Academy's focus is to provide what is necessary for a professional career in dance.

The KCBS Academy has as its mission to provide excellence in dance training to a diverse body of students. Our comprehensive approach is based on the traditions of classical ballet and prepares students for the widest spectrum of opportunities within the artistic community and professional dance world. Students develop skills associated with academic success including self-discipline, self-confidence and the ability to concentrate and collaborate. Our students recognize the importance of process and quality of work at the same time setting high standards for themselves in all areas.

Stage Experience
Throughout the year, students may be selected by the artistic staff to perform with Kansas City Ballet in Company performances. Only Academy students are eligible to audition for roles in these productions, including Kansas City Ballet's annual production of The Nutcracker. Over 200 Academy students augment Kansas City Ballet's 28 professional dancers in this main stage production.

KCBS students in Levels 2 through 7 present a School Performance at the end of May at the historic Folly Theater in downtown Kansas City. Students in Creative Movement through Level 1 participate in an end of year showcase for family and friends.

Kansas City Ballet Season Subscription
Each Academy student who attends KCBS receives one complimentary season subscription to Kansas City Ballet repertory performances at the new Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts with the purchase of a full-priced season subscription. Students are encouraged to attend Company performances. Additional children under the age of 21 will be given half-priced season subscriptions. Offer not applicable for Studio students.

Academy eNews
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