Whether you’re a seasoned dancer, an enthusiastic fan, or simply looking for a fresh cultural experience, Kansas City’s fall dance events are not to be missed. From the grace of ballet at the Kauffman Center to the high-energy beats of local dance crews, this season’s offerings showcase the rich diversity and artistic spirit that define the city’s performing arts landscape.
Dance in the Park
Thanks to City in Motion Dance Theater, appreciating local talent has become a walk—or dance—in the park. This free event, located in Roanoke Park, will include a fair with vendors and snacks followed by a youth dance performance and a dance demonstration.
Be sure to pack enough in your picnic basket to last until Dance in the Park’s main event, which will feature City in Motion Dance Theater’s own group as well as a diverse selection of other local dance groups.
September 7, 5:30 pm | 3601 Roanoke Road, KCMO
Terra Luna
Quixotic combines technology, music, acrobatics and dance to create the immersive experience Terra Luna, a half-hour walkable journey through Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Visitors will witness dance, acrobatics, art displays and more as they enter this multi-sensory experience. Food, drinks and souvenirs will be available before entering the path, and all profits will benefit the arboretum.
September 12–15 and 19–22, times vary | 8909 W. 179th St., Overland Park
New Dance Partners
New Dance Partners, a project orchestrated by the Midwest Trust Center, features four different local dance companies with elite choreographers, each performing original works of modern and contemporary dance at Yardley Hall. This year, Kansas City Ballet will work with choreographer Peter Chu, while Owen/Cox Dance Group, Störling Dance Theater and the Regina Klenjoski Dance Company will team up with choreographers Alexander Anderson, Hélène Simoneau and Kia S. Smith, respectively.
September 20–21, 7:30 pm | 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park
Alice (in Wonderland)
This October, Kansas City Ballet is ready to send you down the rabbit hole and straight to wonderland. With choreography by Septime Webre and music written by Matthew Pierce and performed by the Kansas City Symphony, this surreal performance of Alice (in Wonderland) adds a new modern twist to Lewis Carroll’s classic tale, blending ballet and contemporary dance to bring new life to the beloved tale.
Audience members are welcome to come to the Belger Footnotes an hour before the curtain opens at Muriel Kauffman Theatre to learn even more about the show’s creation and the details that make it truly magical, if a bit mad.
October 11–20, times vary | 1601 Broadway Blvd., KCMO
Simply Tina and Boogie Nights
Aztec Shawnee Theater presents Simply Tina and Boogie Nights KC, an event full of song and dance. Attendees can first enjoy the Tina Turner tribute, which celebrates her discography and greatest hits. Next, disco band Boogie Nights will come on stage, and attendees are encouraged to hit the floor and boogie in the disco dance style. With great music, energetic moves and a full bar, “Let’s Boogie.”
November 9, 7 pm | 11119 Johnson Drive, Shawnee
The Nutcracker
It wouldn’t truly be the holidays without Kansas City Ballet’s annual performance of The Nutcracker at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Since artistic director Devon Carney first reimagined the show for the ballet in 2015, it’s become a tradition for many KC families.
With opportunities for professional photos with characters before and after the performance, along with a scenic designer who doubles as an author and illustrator of children’s books and a family VIP experience, The Nutcracker will be entertaining for young fans and older ones alike.
December 6–8, 11–15 & 18–24, times vary | 1601 Broadway Blvd., KCMO
Christmas with The Celts
Come celebrate the holiday season with the band The Celts at the Midwest Trust Center. Using the combined talent of Irish and Nashville musicians, the band’s Irish-Americana music is inspired by traditional Irish music but often includes more modern components, too. From contemporary music with Irish instrumentation to classic Irish Christmas carols accompanied by traditional Irish dancing, The Celts are sure to bring a vibrant and engaging performance to Kansas City.
December 10, 7:30 pm |12345 College Blvd., Overland Park
The Nutcracker and the Mouse King
Before The Nutcracker we all know and love took the stage, there was The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, a novella written in 1816 by E.T.A. Hoffmann. This holiday season, Owen/Cox Dance Group is back by popular demand to take on this older and darker story. Their performance at the Midwest Trust Center will feature contemporary jazz and live music from The People’s Liberation Big Band of Greater Kansas City.
December 13 & 15, 7:30 & 2 pm | 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park– Listings by Daniella Barzello
DID YOU KNOW?
Kansas City is home to the KC Feis, an annual Irish dance competition in its 21st year. It attracts some 500 dancers from across the country to compete in all forms and levels of Irish dance.
