Dance Organization List

Arts & AGEing KC

Art ; Dance ; Education ; Family ; Music ; Non-Profit ; Theatre

We serve the community as catalyst, convener and connector for enriching lives through creative aging.

Located in downtown Kansas City in the Power & Light District, the original Midland Theatre opened in 1927 and has hosted well-known artists throughout its history. Under the new name, Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland, the venue will continue that tradition and is projected to host more than 125 concerts, family shows, awards shows, corporate and charitable events each year. The venue officially becomes the Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland on Friday, September 13, 2013, for the Jim Breuer performance. “Arvest Bank is proud to partner with AEG Live and Cordish by becoming the naming rights partner of the iconic Midland Theatre,” said Mark Larrabee, President and CEO of Arvest Bank in Greater Kansas City. “As a bank that fosters a thriving community, this partnership will facilitate the tradition of the Midland as a gathering place to enjoy cultural events of all genres in Kansas City. Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland is a new name for an established cornerstone of our community and the downtown revitalization.” The Midland features flexible seating configurations from standing to theatre-style to full banquet seating, with live-show capacity ranging from 1300-3000. The venue features state-of-the-art sound, lighting and amenities that enhance the historic ambiance providing a premium entertainment experience to guests. In addition to live concerts and events, the theatre hosts corporate events, wedding receptions and private parties.

Ballet North Inc

Dance ; Education ; Non-Profit

Ballet North seeks to perform rarely seen full length classical and modern ballets to widespread audiences throughout the semi-rural and rural communities of the Northern tier of Kansas City. Ballet North is comprised of a complete ballet training and education program along with a youth based audition selected company plus a host of adult and guest artist performers enabling the performance of virtually any ballet plus Ballet North has many unique ballets created by Artistic Director Laura Reinschmidt rounding out it’s repertoire. The company also seeks to provide ballet education and training to all students regardless of financial or economic condition through the Three Faces of Dance initiative.

City in Motion Dance Theater

ArtsKC Supported ; Dance ; Non-Profit

City in Motion Dance Theater, Inc. is a professional dance company, a presenter of dance and a school of dance. Its mission is to foster the development of high quality contemporary dance programming and expand the dance audience in the Kansas City metropolitan region.

City of Lee's Summit Cultural Arts

Art ; Dance ; Government ; Music

The mission of the City of Lee’s Summit Cultural Arts Division is to build community with a drive towards economic vitality and cultural vibrancy, ensuring that the arts and creative industries have a voice in making our community a great place to live, work and play.

Crescendo Conservatory

Art ; Dance ; Studio

Crescendo Conservatory is a dance studio founded in 2015. We offer quality dance instruction in ballet, pointe, contemporary, jazz, tap and musical theater. The art of dance gives structure, instills discipline and rewards with a sense of accomplishment. Crescendo in Motion (CiM) is the official performance company of Crescendo Conservatory. At Crescendo Conservatory we are inspired by and celebrate artistry in all its forms. We strive to redefine the relationship between art, music and dance and to celebrate dance on our own terms. Looking back over the history of music, dance, and visual art, we combine the past with present to reach new audiences. During this global pandemic, Crescendo has turned to new avenues to share our love of dance via digital platforms in addition to live performances. Crescendo in Motion performs in city-wide collaborative art events including the Future Stages Festival at the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts, Kansas City Chalk and Walk Festival, Chinese New Year Celebration at Yardley Hall, The Nutcracker Tea Party and numerous other performances around our community.

E2 Dance Company

Dance

E2 Dance Company, in association with Empire Dance Academy, is an innovative dance training program designed to help direct students toward being better dancers, artists, and individuals. We provide practical experience by being the city’s only pre-professional dance company to offer professional performance opportunities. Dancers train for all aspects of the industry from commercial to concert dance and members are encouraged to create and collaborate by inspiring one another to become stronger artists. Company members receive weekly advanced level classes and unique training opportunities like on camera work, acting, voice, careers in dance, audition prep, resumes, headshots, demo reels and more.

Empire Dance Academy

Dance ; Family ; Studio

“Named “Best Dance Studio of the Decade” by Broadway World, Empire Dance Academy is Kansas City’s drop-in dance studio offering adult and youth dance classes in Hip Hop, Contemporary, Jazz, Jazz Funk, Musical Theater, Ballet and more. By bringing together the areas most renowned choreographers and instructors, under one roof, we have become the most sought after dance studio in Kansas City and the industry leader in dance training. In addition, we host workshops with guest artists from LA, NY and around the world, and are home to the city’s preeminent young artist, pre-professional and professional dance companies.

Englewood Arts

Art ; Dance ; Education ; Family ; Festival ; Film ; Gallery ; Music ; Non-Profit ; Studio ; Theatre

Englewood Arts is a new and innovative nonprofit organization focused on creating a diverse and sustainable community in harmony with the arts. Englewood Arts is a two-prong organization. The first phase of our project is to renovate a recently purchased three-story 30,000 square foot former medical building into a community-based arts center that will provide programming for all ages in performing, culinary, and visual arts. The second phase will address affordable and sustainable housing that will complement and play a part in supporting the arts center on-going.

First Act Theater Arts

Dance ; Music ; Non-Profit ; Theatre

First Act Theatre Arts is a Kansas City-area nonprofit organization that encourages excellence in the theatrical arts, fostering character and community building through training, performance, and fellowship in a faith-based environment.

Folly Theater

ArtsKC Supported ; Dance ; Music ; Non-Profit ; Theatre

In 1900, by the glow of gas street lamps, men in top hats and women in high-button shoes arrive in horse-drawn carriages for the grand opening of Kansas City’s newest theater, the Standard. The theater was as breathtakingly beautiful as she is today. For the next seven decades, through numerous changes in name and ownership, the Folly built a rich and colorful history. Her walls echoed with the sounds of laughter at Marx Brothers antics, cheers for Gypsy Rose Lee and Fanny Brice, and thunderous applause for Al Jolson. In 1973, worn out from seven decades of use an misuse, the Folly was sentenced to meet the wrecking ball. Bulldozers were ready to raze the building to make way for a parking lot. As the death of the Folly neared, alarmed citizens, led by Joan Ken Dillon and William Deramus III of the Performing Arts Foundation, rallied to her rescue. The building was purchased and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. A million-dollar grant was secured, and a piece of history was saved. Re-opened in 1981, the Folly is again a world-class theater. Her exterior is a marvel, her interior comfortable and elegant. Her acoustics have been compared to Carnegie Hall. Today, the Folly is filled with the sounds of children’s giggles, thunderous applause for world-class performers, and the clink of toasting glasses. We invite you to share in the history and magic of the Folly Theater.

Gamelan Genta Kasturi

Dance ; Education ; Music ; Non-Profit

Gamelan Genta Kasturi is a community Balinese Semaradana Gamelan ensemble. It was founded in the spring of 2003 by Balinese master musician I Ketút Gedé Asnawa and family in partnership with the University of Missouri, Kansas City. Since Mr. Asnawa’s departure for a position at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – Center for World Music in the spring of 2006, the group has continued to retain repertoire taught to us by him, perform regularly and create/perform new work within the medium in collaboration with other musicians and choreographers. It maintains an educational emphasis by giving free hand-on workshops, providing opportunity for local to observe the group in studio rehearsal, and developing member talents necessary to tune and care for the varied traditional instruments.

Goethe Pop Up Kansas City

Art ; Dance ; Family ; Film ; Gallery ; Literary ; Music ; Non-Profit ; Theatre

The Goethe Pop Up Kansas City acts as a mini branch of the Goethe-Institut, the cultural institute of the Federal Republic of Germany. Join us in 2021 as we continue to host and support a variety of cultural events in America’s heartland. Our goal is to present contemporary German art and culture in Kansas City and help shape a current understanding of Germany in one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing cultural centers. We organize a broad range of events and support projects in the fields of arts, literature, music, film, theater, and more at our space in the Crossroads and with partners around the metro area. We aim to explore current issues from both German and US perspectives and collaborate with cultural institutions, artists, universities, schools, and businesses that have an interest in Germany and its language and culture. The Goethe-Institut operates in 98 countries worldwide, promoting knowledge of the German language abroad and fostering international cultural collaborations. Our program of public events offers an opportunity to engage with themes and questions relevant to contemporary German culture and society. Faced with the challenges of globalization, we aim to strengthen intercultural dialogue and a global civil society.

GUILDit

Art ; ArtsKC Supported ; Dance ; Education ; Film ; Literary ; Music ; Non-Profit ; Theatre

GuildIt is a FREE forum that helps craft a stronger Kansas City art economy. Come see and hear a variety of artists present their businesses. Be a part of an audience that is inspired by KC’s talent and learn as we further their growth by giving businesses ideas, resources and solutions. Once a month we have artists present their business for 6 minutes, followed by 20 minutes of brainstorming on their challenges, goals, and needs. Each event is followed by networking. Forums are 4th Thursdays, 12-1pm, at the Kemper Museum.

Harriman-Jewell Series

ArtsKC Supported ; Dance ; Family ; Music ; Non-Profit

Our mission is to bring the best of the performing arts to the Kansas City community. Founded by William Jewell College in 1965, the Harriman-Jewell Series continues to carve out an enviable legacy as a performing arts presenter of international importance. Many know that the Series presented tenor Luciano Pavarotti in his professional recital debut in 1973, but the story of discovery neither begins nor ends here. Few Kansas Citians had seen New York City Ballet’s Patricia McBride and Edward Villella before they danced in the Series’ first performance in 1965. Nor had the community heard violinist Itzhak Perlman play, unless one counts Ed Sullivan Show appearances that preceded his first local recital in 1971. Discovery, along with the co-tenets quality and variety, run the full length of the Series’ existence. These principles set by the Series’ late founder and artistic director Richard Harriman will continue to guide its service to the community. More than 970 performances have come to Kansas City by way of the Harriman-Jewell Series, including 24 American recital debuts by prominent artists. Performances are primarily held at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and the Folly Theater in downtown Kansas City. With the addition of its free educational events that allow interaction with musicians and dancers, and its free discovery concerts that eliminate the barrier of cost, the Harriman-Jewell Series offers even more life-enriching opportunities for its community’s youth and lifelong learners. An enduring aspect of the Series, drafted by founders Richard Harriman and Dean Dunham, Jr., is the availability of the performing arts as an integral part of a superior liberal arts college curriculum for William Jewell College students.

Inspired Aesthetics

Art ; Dance ; Education ; Music ; Theatre

INSPIRED AESTHETICS is an organization that helps teens in grades 9 – 12 who have a passion for the arts, but lack the resources or access to pursue it, by providing intentionally created safe spaces to grow and create. Our mission is to provide access to spaces that inspire and engage young people in the Kansas City, MO metropolitan area through the power of the arts, and provide free enrichment opportunities to foster creativity, self expression, growth, and learning. With highly qualified and well-trained staff that represents the communities our young people come from, our programming will help fill the current gap in teen after-school access and expand educational opportunities beyond the classroom. All young people, despite background, race, or socioeconomic status, will have the opportunity to excel both creatively and academically. Check us out on Facebook or Instagram to see the amazing things our teens are up to, and how you can get involved!

Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City

Art ; Dance ; Education ; Family ; Film ; Literary ; Music ; Non-Profit ; Studio ; Theatre

In all of Kansas City, there’s nothing like The J. It’s the place for you and your family to live up to your goals, your aspirations, your best you. Founded on Jewish values and open to everyone, The J is the metro’s original community of healthy lifestyles. Our Mission: To build a strong, vibrant and inclusive community that enhances wellness, meaning, and joy, based on Jewish values, heritage, and culture. Our Vision: We are a welcoming community that embodies Jewish values in a safe and respectful environment. People of all ages and backgrounds learn and grow at our ‘home away from home.’ The Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City (“The J”), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, opened in 1914 in midtown Kansas City, Missouri, and has grown and adapted to serve the changing needs of Greater Kansas City’s Jewish and secular communities. We’ve continuously offered the finest in recreational, social, and educational services as our facilities have transitioned to Overland Park, Kansas. We’ve recently expanded! With the generosity of our community and donors, our Capital Campaign was a success and we are thrilled to announce the beautiful new expansion is open with more space to play, workout, dance, sculpt, and park!

Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center

Art ; Dance ; Education ; Family ; Gallery ; Government ; Museum ; Music ; Theatre

The Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center, managed by the Johnson County Park and Recreation District, is home to Theatre in the Park, the Johnson County Museum, and Fine & Performing Arts programs, exhibitions, and special events.

Kansas City Aerial Arts

Art ; Dance ; Studio

Kansas City Aerial Arts’ mission is to provide aerial and acrobatic instruction that will further athletic performing arts development in the greater Kansas City area. Our goal is to foster the incubation and maturation of our students within the performing arts alongside with their athletic ability and emotional/personal development. We aim to provide an exciting atmosphere for physical fitness and kinetic artistic endeavors to all age ranges. We strongly value teaching children and adults the importance of the arts for self-expression, esteem building and individuality. We seek to create an environment where individuals and groups work towards accomplishing their own physical, emotional, and artistic goals.

Kansas City Ballet

ArtsKC Supported ; Dance ; Non-Profit

Founded in 1957, Kansas City Ballet is a 30-member professional ballet company under the direction of Artistic Director Devon Carney and Executive Director Jeffrey J. Bentley. Kansas City Ballet offers an eclectic repertory ranging from the traditional classics to exciting contemporary ballets. Through its professional company, its second company (comprised of KCB II and Trainees) and its many community service programs, we seek to nurture and develop our artists, audiences and students in the values inherent in the creativity, diversity and joy of dance. The company reaches over 20,000 Kansas City students and adults each year through its community engagement programs and provides dance training through the Kansas City Ballet School. Our home, the Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity on the campus of Union Station, in conjunction with our Resident Company status at the world-class Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts has truly positioned Kansas City as a Destination for Dance.

Kansas City Big Band Jazz - Abel Ramirez Big Band

Dance

KANSAS CITY BIG BAND JAZZ Dancers gather to dance every Tuesday to Abel Ramirez Big Band playing at Camelot Ballroom 6635 west 151st Overland Park Ks. (2 blocks east of Metcalf on 151st) Professionals and amateurs can Rumba, Tango, Cha Cha, Samba, Mambo, West Coast, East Coast, Waltz, and Fox Trot, or enjoy just about any dance tempo including slow dance. “Dancing With The Stars ” has brought back ballroom dancing which appeals to a wide range of people from teenagers to people in there 90s. The music has a nostalgic classic big band sound like Count Basie’s Kansas City swing era and the 1950s vocal style of Frank Sinatra. Side liners and dancers are treated to a different vocalist every Tuesday including Frank Ancona, Frank Cherrito, Frank Vig, Tony Antonucci, Russ Simmons, Anne Trinkl, and others. The band has many arrangements of classics from bands like Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Artie Shaw and other great jazz and swing bands. The dancers love the big band sound and Abel loves the dancers so much he didn’t have a cover charge on his Tuesday night shows until The Paramount Ballroom! Step back in time with classic songs from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Bobby Darin. The Band has performed over 600 times dating back to The Topaz Club in 2002, Tony’s Bar and Grill, Ari’s Greek Restaurant, Finnigan’s Hall, Paramount Ballroom, Teah Ballroom, and now The Camelot Ballroom! Abel Ramirez has been a Kansas City jazz musician for the last 34 years. His talent and expertise has helped him achieve a reputation as one of Kansas City’s finest drummers. In that capacity, Abel has worked with following artists: The Four Aces The Four Lads The Diamonds Leslie Gore Tiny Tim The Flamingos Frankie Lymon’s Teenagers Bill Watrous Danny Stiles The Coasters The Drifters Little Anthony The Platters Johnny Tillotson Bobby Lewis Frankie Ford Bobby Helms Johnny Ray Bob Crosby Bob Haven Del Shannon Greg Meise Trio Bob Simes Trio Mike Ning Trio Mike Pike Trio Craig Smith Trio Played for Amateur Ballroom Associations for over 20 years. KC Rat Pack Abel Ramirez Trio Abel now leads a swinging group of 18 musicians performing classic big band jazz.

Kansas City Dance Festival

Art ; ArtsKC Supported ; Dance ; Education ; Festival ; Non-Profit ; Theatre

Founded in 2013, The Kansas City Dance Festival strives to bridge the connection of dance organizations from across the Midwest, creating a stronger arts community within the region. Through the beauty of movement and constructive narrative, the goal of the Kansas City Dance Festival is to enrich the Kansas City community as a whole. A quality-driven experience fueled by a grassroots perspective, our performances highlight the dynamic exchange of classically trained dancers and cutting edge, contemporary choreography. We also provide the opportunity for our guest artists to assist in educational outreach to Kansas City schools. This includes, but is not limited to: master classes, lecturing, and mentoring. Our mission is to provide the audience with an opportunity to explore dance by presenting an experience that has a unique, progressive perspective.

Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey

ArtsKC Supported ; Dance ; Non-Profit

The mission of Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey (KCFAA) is making dance accessible to all people by presenting the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ailey II, teaching young people critical life skills through dance, and modeling interracial and multi-cultural community partnerships. KCFAA solely presents Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ailey II in annual performances in Kansas City theaters. As the only official second home of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, KCFAA supports the work, vision and future sustainability of Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, Inc. through secured annual residencies, new work commissions and general efforts to advance the legacy of Alvin Ailey and support the leadership of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Artistic Director Robert Battle. KCFAA develops and delivers youth programming that uses the art of dance as a vehicle to improve knowledge, increase self-esteem, enhance critical thinking skills, and encourage positive role models and smart life choices. KCFAA reaches more than 30,000 young people each year through ten year-round programs. KCFAA encourages diversity of people and ideas through its organizational structure, uniting people across racial, ethnic and social barriers to promote awareness, respect, friendship, and ultimately, community-wide social change.

Kansas City Jazz Dance Intensive

Dance ; Education

Created in 2016 by master teacher Bryant Williams, the Kansas City Jazz Dance Intensive has quickly become of the largest jazz dance events in the midwest. KCJDI was developed to be a welcoming, empowering space for dancers where they can learn from industry greats right here in Kansas City. With so many programs to choose from and an ever changing dance industry, our goal is to bring diverse and vital jazz dance opportunities to Kansas City. This is a space where dancers can train, grow, and develop in small, personalized experiences. Far from getting lost in a convention ballroom. This niche experience takes dancers to the next level, allows for multiple opportunities at each of our jazz dance events, and takes the guess work out of deciding which dance program to choose. Regardless of studio affiliation, KCJDI is a professional opportunity that allows you to step out of your comfort zone and discover yourself as an artist. Now in it’s 7th season, KCJDI continues to inspire, empower and train dancers through our world class dance experiences.

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