Dennis and Kathy Landsman, Co-Artistic Directors
of Kansas Regional Ballet and American Dance Center were raised in Chicago and danced together as children in The Nutcracker
with George Balanchine’s New York City Ballet. Later, they met again while seeking degrees in dance at Butler University
in Indianapolis, Indiana. Kathy received her B.A. degree and was selected to appear in the 1972 edition of Outstanding Young
Women of America in recognition of her outstanding ability, accomplishments and service in her field. Dennis received his
B.A. degree in 1967. After serving the U.S. Army in Vietnam, Dennis completed his M.A. degree in dance with assistance from
the G.I. Bill in 1971. Dennis and Kathy had illustrious careers as dancers during their tenure at Butler. They have
both trained extensively in Chicago, New York, California, Canada and the former Soviet Union, training and working professionally
with the nation’s most renowned dance masters including Robert Joffrey, David Howard, Maggie Black, George Verdak, Peter
Gennaro, Tommy Tune, Michael Kidd and Michael Bennett.
Together, their professional stage credits include over 50+ musicals
in summer stock and dinner theater. National tours, commercials, film, TV and Broadway illuminated their careers.
The Landsmans’ concentration on superb training through professional
programs within their well-established American Dance Center – the official school of the Kansas Regional Ballet –
continues to develop and inspire future generations of dancers. Former students now populate the ranks of prestigious
ballet and modern dance companies and have become successful professionals in a variety of fields. As dance educators, for
the past twenty-eight years, the Landsmans take great pride in providing a disciplined, yet nurturing, atmosphere in which
their students can achieve their maximum potential.
Dennis is currently treasurer of the National Regional Dance America
Board of Directors and represents the Mid-States Regional Ballet Association as Vice-President/Coordinator. Most recently
he was the 2003 recipient of the Kansas Arts Commission Individual Artist Fellowship for Choreography.
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The Kansas Regional Ballet, an RDA Honor Company,
provides an outlet for aspiring young dancers to learn, practice, and perform all forms of dance in an atmosphere characterized
by professional excellence and to acquaint, educate, and enrich audiences of all ages in all forms of dance.
Led by Artistic Directors, Dennis and Kathy Landsman, eminently
experienced professionals in both the teaching and performing genres, Kansas Regional Ballet provides a delightful addition
to Kansas City’s cultural portfolio.
Founded in 1979, the Kansas Regional Ballet, formerly know as the
American Youth Ballet, brings such classic tales as Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Coppélia, and two original ballets, Through
the Looking Glass and Snow White to life each year. In addition, the Kansas Regional Ballet showcases the talents of emerging,
innovative choreographers who bring new energy to a classic art form. As well as providing enthusiastic public audiences with
an exciting dance experience, the company also entertains over 4,000 school children each year with special performances designed
to stimulate a child’s
imagination and enhance their interest in the performing arts. Kansas Regional Ballet is definitely
a valuable link in bringing dance to the community and arts into focus.
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