#53 – Kansas City Ballet
Kauffman Center for Performing Arts
1601 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Cost: $$$
Features: Gift shop, concessions, valet, box office, coat check.
Good for: Getting fancy and feeling an uncommon sense of astonishment.
Tip: Get there early. You’ll want to admire the Kauffman Center. Plus, if you’re late, you can’t sit down until after intermission.
Head to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts to witness the magic of the Kansas City Ballet. The 30-person company stuns, as does the gorgeous architecture of the building.
History of Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is one of the most beautiful additions of the Kansas City skyline. It’s my favorite by far. The stunning building is home to the Kansas City Ballet, Lyric Opera, the Kansas City Symphony and more.
The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts opened in 2011, after more than 20 years of planning, funding and construction. The building was designed famous architect, Moshe Safdie, whose notable works include, Habitat 67, The National Gallery of Canada and more.
Through its 6-year tenure, the Kauffman Center has been enjoyed by more than 2.5 million visitors.
About the Kansas City Ballet
Since 1957, the Kansas City Ballet has performed classic to contemporary productions for the greater Kansas City audiences. The 30-person professional company was founded by Tatiana Dokoudovska, who had the goal of bringing a regular ballet presence to the Midwest and Kansas City.
Now, after Dokoudovska’s commitment and hard work of community engagement and education, the Kansas City Ballet reaches over 24,000 students and adults each year. The Kansas City Ballet home studio is part of Union Station’s campus. The Kansas City Ballet School also provides dance training to over 2,000 students.
Kansas City Ballet Performance
I’ve never experienced ballet before, but Kansas City’s blew me away. We saw the Nutcracker, a story I wasn’t familiar with prior to the performance. It was such an enjoyable storyline full of magic and happiness – perfect for the holiday season.
The performers have so much talent and athleticism – I don’t know how it could be better. Even the young children as mice, toy soldiers and more were incredible throughout the performance.
Even the back drops and effects were stunning. All in all, the performance had me in awe.
Prior to experiencing the Kansas City Ballet, in my mind, ballet was for little girls and elderly couples. After watching the performance, I now know it is truly a wonderful experience all can enjoy. xx, Libbie.
