A Letter From the Executive Director - ED Touts KCB Flexibility in Tough Times

Dear Friends,

As we prepare to announce Kansas City Ballet’s 52nd season of performances, I take this moment to reflect on how fundamental you have been to our half century of success.  We try to keep in close contact with you to insure you are up to speed on new projects, developments in the field of dance and up-and-coming artists…and of course, our perennial quest for financial support of our mission.

Today, I write simply to thank you for your support which has been made manifest in so many ways, through your subscriptions, contributions, enrolling in our school, volunteering, and so much more…it has made a huge difference to us.

This is also an opportune moment to let you know how we are faring in this profoundly difficult global economic downturn which is affecting every aspect of daily life.  Your investment in our success and health over the years buys you a stake in our future.

These are unpredictable winds that are blowing.  Days are long and strenuous here at the Ballet as we try to stay the course, focusing on mission, excellence and our future.  I am convinced that, as we have many times before, the Ballet (and our country) will emerge from this all the stronger for the trials.  It is important and right that I report to you how Kansas City Ballet is being affected by the economy and how the staff and our committed volunteer governance team are responding to the considerable challenges that have presented themselves.

My message to you is that for many years now our staff and board have insured that the Ballet’s mission of providing the joy of dance to the community has been achieved within the context of a secure financial mooring. 

Kansas City Ballet has no accumulated debt and no operating deficit.  This is all the more remarkable in the context of a budget that has grown by 100% over the past decade. During that time we have brought you countless world premieres, the enduring works of choreographers of genius, and an abundance of promising new voices in dance.  Our school has grown in that same time frame from 168 students to over 600 students.  Our off-site community programs have touched tens of thousands of adults and children in the region. And we have embarked on a long sought dream to have our own permanent home which will be a reality in early 2011.

We remain dedicated to excellence and measured, strategic growth informed by a respect for our past, a pledge to fulfill our promise to the future, and a laser-like focus on addressing the daily challenges that define our present.  As with nearly every non-profit organization, whether its mission is arts, social services, or global needs, Kansas City Ballet operates with minimal staffing and resources as a norm.  Minor hiccups in our traditional base of support can have a deleterious effect on us and our capacity to accomplish our commitment to the community…..to our artists, audience members, school students and parents, donors…in short, to you.    

However, particularly since September, the effect of this shift in the economic environment has become starkly evident.  Our hard-won endowment funds have declined to a point where we will be unable to draw any earnings from interest to support our current year operations, or likely the next.  The tendrils of this malaise have wrapped themselves around every traditional funding source - individuals, corporations and foundations.  As we look to the remaining six months in our fiscal year, it is unknown how we will finish.  But we are not idle.  Proactive efforts in expense reduction are in full force.  And, significant, though burdensome reductions, are being reviewed as we prepare our 2009/2010 budget for review by the board of directors.            

Kansas City Ballet has a rich history.  Over its fifty-plus years, the company has many times looked at adversity and shaped it into opportunity.  I want to assure you that we who are charged with the health and welfare of Kansas City Ballet are working diligently to find creative ways to adapt to the current climate.  The economic downturn will not be with us forever, but it is our reality today. We are dealing with it as best we can and your continued support – indeed, your support redoubled – would provide us with a priceless signal of your continued commitment.

I close by thanking you on behalf of everyone here at the Ballet.  As I look out to the winter landscape on Broadway today, I am reminded that Spring, and clear skies, are surely en route.  I choose to view this as a metaphor.  I do hope to see you at the Ballet in any and all of its many manifestations.  Until then, be well.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey J. Bentley
Executive Director 

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