Ballet Midwest

Greetings, Kansas residents and lovers of the arts! If you appreciate the beauty, grace, and tradition of classical ballet, you are incredibly fortunate to have Ballet Midwest, Topeka's very own resident civic ballet company, right here in our community. Since 1977, Ballet Midwest has been a cornerstone of the performing arts in Northeast Kansas, dedicated to bringing the magic of classical ballet to audiences and nurturing the next generation of dancers. This article will provide an in-depth look at this esteemed organization, highlighting its legacy, its vibrant programs, and why it holds such a special place in the hearts of locals.

Ballet Midwest is not a dance studio that offers classes in the traditional sense, but rather a professional-standard civic ballet company. It is a non-profit organization, independent of, but closely associated with, Barbara's Conservatory of Dance, where its Artistic Director, Lacee Sandgren, also teaches. Its core mission is to share the art of classical ballet with Topeka and surrounding communities through education and captivating performance opportunities. Over the decades, the company has grown significantly, now presenting two full-length classical ballets annually, alongside numerous community performances and outreach events. Their commitment extends beyond the stage, aiming to nurture character development in their dancers and instill a lifelong love of the arts among their audience members. They are truly a "big family," as a community member enthusiastically describes, fostering a kind and professional environment for all involved.

Ballet Midwest is located at 4300 SW Huntoon St, Topeka, KS 66604, USA. This address places the company within the heart of Topeka's accessible southwest quadrant, making it convenient for dancers and audience members from across the city and surrounding areas to engage with their programs and performances. Being situated on SW Huntoon Street, a well-trafficked thoroughfare, ensures ease of navigation for both local residents and visitors coming from further afield in Kansas.

The accessibility of this location is a significant advantage for the community. Whether individuals are coming from downtown Topeka, the western suburbs, or from nearby towns in Shawnee County, reaching the Ballet Midwest facilities (often associated with Barbara's Conservatory of Dance) is straightforward. Ample parking is typically available in this commercial area, contributing to a stress-free experience for those attending auditions, rehearsals, or performances. By being centrally located in Topeka, Ballet Midwest is deeply integrated into the cultural landscape of our capital city, underscoring its role as a vital local institution dedicated to the performing arts. This prominence and ease of access allow more Kansans to experience and participate in the rich tradition of classical ballet.

While Ballet Midwest itself does not teach classes, it offers unparalleled opportunities for dancers and the community through its structured performance programs and outreach initiatives. It operates as a repertory dance company with a focus on professional training standards and goals for its company members.

• Annual Production of "The Nutcracker Ballet": A cherished Topeka holiday tradition for over 48 years, this full-length ballet involves a host of local auxiliary dancers (ages 4 and older audition) and professional company members, bringing Tchaikovsky's magical score to life.
• Annual Spring Full-Length Classical Ballet: Each spring, Ballet Midwest presents another beloved classical masterpiece (e.g., *Romeo and Juliet*, *Sleeping Beauty*, *Giselle*, *Swan Lake*, *Cinderella*, *Coppelia*, *Don Quixote*, *Billy the Kid*), showcasing the talent of its company and junior company dancers.
• "Once Upon a Ballet" Series: A shorter, often narrated production designed specifically for a younger audience, offering an enchanting introduction to ballet.
• Company Auditions: Open auditions are held annually (e.g., January for Company Dancers ages 14+, February for Junior Company dancers ages 10+ and intermediate level from any studio), providing pathways for dedicated local dancers to join a professional-standard civic ballet.
• Junior Company Development: A specific program designed to help develop junior high age dancers for the next level of dance performance, focusing on commitment and professional discipline.
• Community Outreach and Lecture-Demonstrations: Ballet Midwest actively engages with the community, offering lecture-demonstrations to schools, churches, and civic groups, and providing free performances (e.g., "Nutcracker" performance for 4th-grade students).
• Ongoing Dancer Education: Promotes ongoing education for its dancers through guest choreographers, Artist-in-Residence programs, and master classes (e.g., in dance, nutrition, stage make-up, hair, conditioning).
• Scholarship Opportunities: Scholarships are available to area dancers who demonstrate potential and financial need, ensuring access to advanced training.
• Professional Mentorship: Encourages dancers to attend summer ballet intensives at foremost ballet company schools nationwide, with many students going on to professional careers or dance degrees.

Ballet Midwest is highly regarded for several key features and highlights that underscore its importance and impact on the Topeka community and the wider Kansas arts scene.

• Long-Standing Legacy and Tradition: Founded in 1977, it boasts a history of over four decades of bringing classical ballet to Topeka, making "The Nutcracker" a significant holiday tradition.
• High Standards of Excellence: As a civic ballet company, it maintains strictly professional training, standards, and goals, providing first-class performance opportunities and advanced training for serious dance students.
• Commitment to Nurturing Dancers: The company focuses on character development, helping dancers achieve self-confidence and growth according to their capacity, as highlighted by a reviewer's "amazing level of kindness" and "big family" atmosphere.
• Unparalleled Performance Opportunities: Offering full-length classical ballets at venues like the Topeka Performing Arts Center, providing invaluable stage experience for local dancers.
• Community Engagement and Outreach: Extensive programs like free "Nutcracker" performances for 4th graders and lecture-demonstrations demonstrate a deep commitment to educating and inspiring the wider community about ballet.
• Talented Artistic Direction: Under the leadership of Artistic Director Lacee Sandgren (who continued the legacy of founder Barbara Ebert), the company maintains its high artistic integrity and commitment to preserving the art form.
• Inclusive Casting: Productions like "The Nutcracker" involve a wide range of local talent, from young children (ages 4 and up) to experienced adult dancers, fostering broad community participation.
• Focus on Artistic Preservation: Their goal is to "preserve the beauty of this great art form for future generations," ensuring classical ballet continues to thrive in Kansas.

For those in the Topeka, Kansas area interested in Ballet Midwest's performances, auditions, or community involvement, please use the following contact information:

Address: 4300 SW Huntoon St, Topeka, KS 66604, USA

Phone: (785) 272-5991

Mobile Phone: +1 785-272-5991

In conclusion, for Kansas residents, especially those in and around Topeka, Ballet Midwest offers an incredible opportunity to engage with the timeless beauty of classical ballet. While it doesn't offer dance classes in the typical sense, its role as a leading civic ballet company means it provides unparalleled performance opportunities for aspiring dancers and captivating cultural experiences for the entire community. Its long-standing tradition, commitment to artistic excellence, and dedication to nurturing its dancers in a kind and professional "family" environment make it a truly special institution.

Whether you are a dancer hoping to achieve a high level of performance, a family looking for a magical holiday tradition like "The Nutcracker," or simply someone who appreciates the arts, Ballet Midwest is a vital and accessible cultural asset right here in our backyard. Its mission to educate, inspire, and uplift through dance makes it perfectly suitable for locals seeking to enrich their lives and support a cherished artistic tradition in Topeka. Consider attending one of their captivating performances or exploring their audition opportunities to become part of this amazing ballet family.

Ballet Midwest

4300 SW Huntoon St, Topeka, KS 66604, USA