City In Motion Dance Theater

For over three decades, City In Motion Dance Theater has been a vibrant and integral part of Kansas City, Missouri's cultural landscape. Founded in 1985, this organization has continuously evolved its mission to create dance opportunities for "everyBODY" in Kansas City. More than just a dance studio, City In Motion is a multi-faceted entity comprising a professional contemporary dance company, a robust school of dance, and a producer of compelling dance programming throughout the year. Its enduring presence underscores its commitment to fostering high-quality contemporary dance and expanding the dance audience in the Kansas City metropolitan region.

City In Motion's philosophy is rooted in the belief that dance offers significant health benefits for both mind and body, contributing to increased confidence and well-being. They strive to provide a welcoming, non-competitive home for people of all ages and experience levels who wish to learn a variety of dance forms. This inclusive approach is a cornerstone of their identity, aiming to make dance accessible to a diverse cross-section of the Kansas City community, transcending age, background, and perceived skill.

While City In Motion Dance Theater generally receives positive recognition for its commitment to dance education and its professional company, it's worth noting that individual experiences can vary, particularly for very young students where class structure and parent involvement can impact the overall experience. However, the organization's broader mission and established history speak to its dedication to the art form and its continuous effort to refine and expand its offerings for the wider community.

Ultimately, City In Motion Dance Theater stands as a significant cultural pillar in Kansas City, providing avenues for artistic expression, physical activity, and community engagement through the power of dance. Whether you're an aspiring dancer, a seasoned artist, or simply a dance enthusiast, City In Motion aims to offer something for everyone.

City In Motion Dance Theater is conveniently located at 3036 Gillham Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. This address places the organization in a central and easily accessible part of Kansas City, Missouri, making it a practical destination for residents across the metropolitan area. The studio is situated at the intersection of Gillham Road and 39th Street, within the Plexpod Westport Commons. This particular location offers several advantages in terms of accessibility.

For those driving, the studio is well-connected to major roads and highways, facilitating straightforward travel from various neighborhoods. Parking is available on the East side of the Plexpod, with entry through the Lower Level East side entrance, which helps simplify arrival for students and visitors. Being located within a larger complex like Plexpod also means there might be additional amenities or a more vibrant atmosphere surrounding the studio.

Furthermore, the central Kansas City location typically ensures good access via public transportation. Bus routes often serve main thoroughfares like Gillham Road, providing convenient options for individuals who rely on public transit. This accessibility is crucial for City In Motion's mission to offer dance opportunities to "everyBODY," ensuring that a broad demographic of Kansas Citians can reach their facility and participate in their programs.

The studio's operating hours are also designed to accommodate various schedules, with classes running Monday through Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings, with Sundays and Fridays typically closed. This flexibility further enhances its accessibility for busy individuals and families in the Missouri region.

City In Motion Dance Theater offers a diverse range of services, catering to various age groups, skill levels, and interests within the dance community. Their offerings are broadly categorized into three main areas:

• School of Dance: This is a robust program offering five school sessions annually with over 30 different dance classes each session. Classes are available for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced students, and are designed for Kansas Citians from all walks of life. The curriculum includes a wide variety of dance techniques and styles, such as ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, modern dance (including Limon, Cunningham, Humphrey, Graham), contemporary, improvisation, and creative movement. They also offer specialized classes like Acrobatics & Tumbling, Pilates, and Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT), which focuses on body conditioning and strengthening for dancers.
• Professional Dance Company: Established in 1985, the professional dance company is a consistent presence in the Kansas City dance community. Comprised of professionally trained dance artists, the company produces several key concerts each year, including "A Modern Night at the Folly," the annual company spring concert, and "Dance in the Park." They showcase a wide range of themes, from comedies to abstract commentaries on social, political, and human reflections.
• Youth Dance Theater: This program is unique, being one of only a few in the nation that invites teenagers to develop an appreciation for the creative process. Apprentices work closely with professional teachers and artistic directors, and are encouraged to develop and perform their own choreography. Scholarships are often awarded based on need, interest, and talent, supporting economically disadvantaged individuals.
• Performance Series: In addition to the professional company's concerts, City In Motion annually produces major collaborative dance concerts featuring many of the best dancers and dance companies in the region. These long-standing series aim to expand the dance audience in Kansas City.
• Outreach Programs and Workshops: City In Motion is available for outreach events, formal performance settings, and charities. They also offer workshops in creative movement, modern, improvisation, and ballet for teens and adults, extending their educational reach beyond the studio walls.

City In Motion Dance Theater boasts several key features and highlights that underscore its significance in the Kansas City dance community:

• Long-Standing History and Established Presence: Founded in 1985, City In Motion is one of Kansas City's longest-running contemporary dance organizations. This extensive history speaks to its stability, artistic integrity, and deep roots within the local arts scene.
• Comprehensive Dance Ecosystem: Unlike many studios that focus solely on classes, City In Motion operates as a full dance ecosystem, encompassing a professional dance company, a robust school of dance, and a youth dance theater. This multi-faceted approach provides diverse opportunities for learning, performing, and appreciating dance.
• Commitment to "Dance is for EveryBODY": Their renewed mission to create dance opportunities for "everyBODY" in Kansas City emphasizes inclusivity. They provide a welcoming, non-competitive home for people of all ages and skill levels, ensuring dance is accessible to a diverse community.
• Diverse Class Offerings: The School of Dance offers over 30 different classes across various styles, including ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, modern, contemporary, improvisation, acrobatics, Pilates, and Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT). This wide range caters to diverse interests and allows for comprehensive dance training.
• Professional Performance Opportunities: The existence of a professional dance company, along with major collaborative concert series like "A Modern Night at the Folly" and "Dance in the Park," provides high-quality performance opportunities for professional dancers and rich cultural experiences for audiences.
• Unique Youth Dance Theater Program: This program, one of only a few nationally, actively encourages teenagers to engage in the creative process, develop their own choreography, and work with professional mentors. This fosters leadership and artistic independence in young dancers.
• Focus on Wellness and Community: Beyond technique, City In Motion promotes wellness through dance, believing it enhances confidence and well-being. Their non-competitive organizational culture and coalition-building with dance partnerships emphasize community and collaborative growth.

For those in Kansas City, Missouri, and the surrounding areas interested in connecting with City In Motion Dance Theater, whether for classes, performances, or general inquiries, the following contact details are available:

Address: 3036 Gillham Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA

Phone: (816) 200-0301

Mobile Phone: +1 816-200-0301

Their website, cityinmotion.org, also provides further details on schedules, programs, and events.

City In Motion Dance Theater stands as an incredibly suitable and valuable resource for locals in Kansas City, Missouri, and the wider region for several compelling reasons. Its long-standing history, established since 1985, demonstrates its enduring commitment to the arts and its deep roots within the community. This longevity speaks to a consistent quality of programming and a reliable presence for dance enthusiasts of all ages.

One of the most significant aspects making it suitable for locals is its comprehensive approach to dance. Unlike many studios that might focus on a single discipline or age group, City In Motion encompasses a full ecosystem: a professional dance company, a robust school offering over 30 diverse classes, and a unique Youth Dance Theater. This means that whether a local is a parent seeking introductory creative movement for a toddler, a teenager aspiring to choreograph their own work, an adult looking for a fitness-focused stretch class, or simply an audience member desiring to witness high-caliber contemporary dance, City In Motion has an offering tailored to their needs.

The philosophy of "Dance is for EveryBODY" is particularly appealing to locals, as it ensures an inclusive and non-competitive environment. This welcoming atmosphere makes dance accessible to individuals of all skill levels and backgrounds, fostering a love for movement without the pressure often associated with highly competitive environments. Furthermore, the diverse range of dance styles, from ballet and jazz to modern, hip hop, and even acrobatics, means that locals have ample opportunities to explore different forms and find what resonates with them.

While a previous review mentioned some challenges with structure in a toddler class and recital communication, it's important to view this within the broader context of an organization that has served the community for decades and provides a vast array of services. The existence of positive feedback regarding adult classes and the overall mission to expand dance accessibility suggest that the organization consistently strives for improvement and broad community benefit.

Lastly, the convenient location at 3036 Gillham Rd with accessible parking and public transport options further solidifies its suitability for busy Kansas City families and individuals. City In Motion Dance Theater is not just a place to learn or watch dance; it's a vital cultural institution that contributes significantly to the health, creativity, and community spirit of Kansas City, making it an excellent choice for any local looking to engage with the art of dance.

City In Motion Dance Theater

3036 Gillham Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA