Academy eNews
School Director Emily Simpson

Letter from the School Director

Dear KCBS Parents and Students,

Welcome back from Winter Break! January and February are always two of my favorite months in the ballet school. During these months students are able to focus on attending class regularly and developing their technique after a long Nutcracker season and before Spring Performance preparations begin.

Spring Performance Contracts for students in Levels 2 – 7 and the KCYB will be sent home in a few days. They are due back to us no later than February 8. Please read the contract completely and don’t hesitate to ask questions. This year, there is a new performance opportunity for our students in Fundamentals – Level 1. More detailed information about this exciting program that will take place at the Bolender Center on May 11 will be available in February.

This summer we look forward to offering a wide variety of programs designed specifically for each class in our Academy. A full list of these classes can be found online and in our brochures beginning in February. Early Bird registration for the Summer Intensive and the Summer Programs will be held during Family Watch Week, February 25 – March 2 at both campuses. Many of these classes will fill on a first come first serve basis. The best way to ensure your child’s spot is to enroll early! We also look forward to welcoming John Gardner and Amanda McKerrow, former American Ballet Theater stars, back as guest teachers during our National Summer Intensive Program for students Levels 4 – 7. John and Amanda have traveled the world offering ballet students excellent training and have an approach that is positive and encouraging. Eligible students will be invited to take class with John and Amanda during the week of January 22 – 26 as a sneak peek into what summer may hold for them.

Many ballet schools from around the country will be coming through the Bolender Center conducting auditions for their Summer Intensive programs. These auditions can be utilized as master classes and are a great way for students to gain audition experience. Each school has different age requirements for students, usually ranging from 11 to 21 years old. Please be sure to check requirements before coming to an audition.

Updates to security procedures at the Bolender Center were sent home last month. I appreciate everyone’s help and cooperation in keeping the Bolender Center a safe place.

One final reminder, both campuses of KCBS will be closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 21.

Best,
Emily Simpson

Bolender Center Security Updates

  • The doors to the Bolender Center will be locked at 6 p.m. on a nightly basis beginning Jan. 7. To enter the building past this time, you will need to be 'buzzed' in by Dave, our security officer. Please use the second door from the left.
  • There are updates and changes to the parking guidelines, along with other security notifications. Please click HERE to download and view the email that was recently sent regarding this new information.

Summer Intensive

  • Reminder: Kansas City Ballet School Students do NOT need to audition for KCB's Summer Intensive.
  • Early Bird registration for the Summer Intensive will be held during Family Watch Week, February 25 – March 2 at both campuses. Many of these classes will fill on a first come first serve basis. Enroll early!
  • Click HERE to view our new Summer Intensive Promo Video!
Take Class with John & Amanda!