Stage Experience
One of the most invaluable aspects of Academy training at KCBS is the opportunity for many students to gain stage experience at a young age.
Performing before a live audience teaches stage decorum, instills confidence and facilitates the transition from student to professional. Students must maintain a high level of excellence and attendance throughout the school year to be considered for Kansas City Ballet Company performances.
The opportunities available include:
Performing with Kansas City Ballet
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 25 professional dancers in this main stage production. Advanced students may also be asked to audition for roles in other Kansas City Ballet performances, such as A Midsummer Night's Dream, etc.
End of School Year Performances
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, Mo. Students in Fundamentals through Level 1 participate in an end of year
showcase and reception for family and friends at the Bolender Center.
Kansas City Youth Ballet (KCYB)
Kansas City Youth Ballet (KCYB) is the performing ensemble of the KCBS under the direction of Kimberly Cowen with Hyuk-Ku Kwon as ballet master. KCYB is designed to give aspiring young dancers the opportunity to develop their skills and love of dance through professionally structured training and performing.
In addition to KCBS classes, they rehearse and present two major performances each season, as well as many community events, showcasing original works by local and national choreographers, as well as new emerging artists.
There is an annual fee to participate with the KCYB in addition to school class fees. KCYB conducts annual auditions each spring for women enrolled or enrolling in KCBS Level 6 or higher and men enrolled or enrolling in Level 5 or higher.
