Kansas City Ballet’s 2020-2021 season features three full-length ballets along with two annual programs.
The three headline performances of the upcoming season invite audiences to join our talented company on a breathtaking journey into Gothic darkness, then into abandonment followed by a love-inspired, glass-slipper rescue, and finally into Balanchine’s grandeur and wit revealed through the music of three very different composers,”
– Kansas City Ballet Artistic Director Devon Carney
Kansas City Ballet 2020-2021 Season Performances ⤞
New Moves
New Moves, one of Kansas City Ballet’s most popular performances, showcases contemporary ballet in an intimate setting. The limited-run production gives audiences a chance to see tomorrow’s sought-after choreographers today. With all performances in the Bolender Center’s Michael and Ginger Frost Studio Theater, New Moves is an up close, visceral experience for audience and dancer alike. It’s an opportunity to see Kansas City Ballet artists and emerging choreographers discover bold new ways of expression, and to experience the athleticism, beauty, power and passion of never-before-seen dance creations.
Dracula
Based on Bram Stoker’s classic tale of horror, this spellbinding story of the nocturnal count who survives on the blood of the living peels back the curtain on the dark and eerie world of the infamous vampire. Dramatic choreography, a haunting score, dazzling costumes, cinematic scenery, shocking visual effects and the frightened voices of Dracula’s victims create an experience that is both sinister and sensual.
The Nutcracker
Kansas City Ballet’s beloved annual tradition entices the young and young-at-heart to let wonder ignite as childhood dreams dance once again. Clara, The Nutcracker Prince, Dr. Drosselmeier and the Sugar Plum Fairy unveil a magical theatrical experience wrapped
with exquisite costumes, grand sets and captivating choreography.
Cinderella
The ballet is faithful to Charles Perrault’s beloved 1697 tale in which the heroine’s father fails to protect his daughter from the wickedness of a stepmother and two stepsisters. After the intervention of her Fairy Godmother, however, the underappreciated Cinderella is transformed, and her beauty and grace are revealed as she finds love in the arms of a prince. Kansas City Ballet last performed Cinderella in 2014.
Jewels
Balanchine was inspired by the music of three very different composers and by the fiery beauty of precious gems. As a result, the three acts of the ballet are distinct in both music and mood.
Emeralds, with music by Gabriel Fauré, evokes the elegance, comfort, couture and perfume of the French Romantics’ 19th century dances.
Rubies, with music by Igor Stravinsky, is crisp and witty, epitomizing the collaboration of Stravinsky and Balanchine.
Diamonds, with music by Peter I. Tchaikovsky, recalls the essence of Imperial Russia, where Balanchine was trained.
Kansas City Ballet 2020-2021 Season Trailer
Source: Kansas City Ballet