When was the last time you got dressed up with your friends to go out somewhere fun? Likely a school dance, which doesn’t happen super often. This year though, there are plenty of opportunities to dress up for some great Insta posts, and see a beautiful show in the meantime!

The Kansas City Ballet performs many times a year at Kauffman Center, and this year’s season is one to watch! From classical ballets to contemporary, there’s something for everyone.

The first show of the year is Swan Lake, running from October 17-26th. Swan Lake is a classic that has been around for nearly 200 years. It is also quite possibly the most famous ballet in the world, with The Nutcracker, Giselle, and Don Quixote following close behind. Swan Lake is the tragic story of a princess who is cursed by a sorcerer to become a swan during the day. Full of feathers and iconic scenes, Swan Lake is a must see!

In March, the KCB is doing George Balanchine’s Stars and Stripes. Energetic and patriotic, it’s probably the most entertaining to watch of all of the shows this season. Another show that could be interesting to see is The Great Gatsby. Juniors who enjoyed reading the novel over the summer might just enjoy the ballet, which is running from May 8th to the 17th.

If nothing else, go see The Nutcracker! I am of the opinion that every person that can, should see this ballet. The Nutcracker is the epitome of Christmas magic, and is especially loveable due to the cast. Rather than just the professional company, students from Kansas City Ballet School are permitted to audition and participate in the show. It is very cute.

The ballet is a beautiful place, where beautiful things happen. This school year might just be the best year yet to give it a go.