Leadership with Grace: Elaina has a KCFAA Anniversary

KCFAA is blessed with dedicated staff and this week we celebrate the 7-year work anniversary of Elaina [Levingston] Thomas. Elaina (a former AileyCamper) is an Artistic Instructor trained in Modern, Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, and African. She has worked with top choreographers like Debbie Allen (who will be with us in November!) and toured internationally including China and Italy.

Elaina says, “One of the biggest rewards for me is simply waking up to do what I love everyday—inspiring our youth through the art of Dance!” That dedication clearly is reflected in Elaina’s interaction with the students, who often clamor to speak with her and find creative ways to show their admiration and appreciation for her mentorship in their lives.

Thank you, Elaina, for your faithful work with KCFAA. We look forward to many more years to come!

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Contest to Win FREE Ticket to Symposium

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Enter the contest to win a FREE TICKET to attend our annual Symposium on Race, Place, and Diversity!

In a few weeks, we’ll begin promoting the 2017 Symposium on Race, Place, and Diversity presented by Great West Financial and Empower Retirement. Attendance at the daytime event with lunch and panel discussions will cost $60, but you might be able to participate for FREE!

How? Download our new KCFAA app! Be the first to learn of news and upcoming events, access exclusive and behind-the-scenes content.

TO ENTER THE DRAWING: After downloading the app, simply fill in the 2017 Symposium Contest form to be entered in the drawing for a FREE ticket!

Available on Google Play and iTunes!

DOWNLOAD NOW

Or search for “KCFAA” in your app store.

Download the KCFAA app today and Enter to Win!

Winner will be selected on October 9, 2017 and will be notified within 48 hours.

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We’re Excited to Bring Misty Copeland to KC

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Misty Copeland, Ballerina Body Hardcover

I hear it over and over—it’s one of two reactions: “Oh, I love Misty Copeland! I’ve been following her career for years!” OR “Who’s Misty Copeland?”

For those in the latter group, in 2015 Misty Copeland became the first African-American female principal ballerina with the American Ballet Theater in its 75-year history. Her promotion firmly established her as an inspiring icon—thus the other reaction, “Oh, I love Misty…” Once you know about Misty, you can’t help but love and respect her.

Born in Kansas City but raised in Southern California, Misty was an early prodigy whose talent began to open doors for her shortly after she began her ballet training at the age of 13. In addition to dance, Misty has multiple stage, television, and film appearances. She comes back to Kansas City to promote her new hardcover, Ballerina Body: Dancing and Eating Your Way to a Leaner, Stronger, and More Graceful You.

“A Conversation with Misty Copeland”

KCFAA has partnered with Vivien Jennings and Rainy Day Books for “A Conversation with Misty Copeland” on July 31. For those interested in meeting Misty face-to-face, we encourage you to join as a KCFAA member before July 1 at the $240 level or up to attend a private members-only reception prior to the public event. Learn more here.

For those who are happy just to be in the same room with her and listen to her speak from her heart, admission packages will be available June 1 at RainyDayBooks.com/MistyCopeland.

We also appreciate the sponsorship of The Independent and the masterful editorial by Paul Horsley in the May 27 issue.

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NEW! Summer Dance Class for High School

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New Summer Dance Class at KCFAA

We’re launching a new summer intensive especially for high school students, grades 9-12. This special 4-week program will focus on ballet and jazz dance techniques as well as repertory classes. Each day of the week focuses on two different techniques, ensuring students will gain experience on a variety of techniques each week.

Learn more or apply for a class.

We offer this class in partnership with the Kansas City Public Schools.

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