Kansas City Ballet York City Ballet dancer Patricia McBride performed her first full-length production of "Giselle" with the KCB. In January 1981, Todd Bolender, a renowned and long-time New York City Ballet (NYCB) dancer, teacher, and choreographer, accepted the artistic directorship of the Kansas City Ballet. His first year proved to be pivotal for the company with the introduction of major new works and the implementation of several major initiatives. In May 1982, Bolender saluted his mentor, George Balanchine, by presenting a four-day Balanchine Festival at the Lyric Theatre. Kevin Amey joined KCB as company manager in February 1983. During the 1983-1984 season,
New Jersey Ballet opportunities to work with professional dancers, for example, being cast members when the Bolshoi performed at the Metropolitan Opera. Many alumni have performed with or are current dancers of American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, The Joffrey, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, and other major companies. The artistic leadership of New Jersey Ballet, as of April 2010: The artistic advisors are three of the most famous dancers of the 20th century: New Jersey Ballet has gained international recognition and has attracted performers from other countries around the world including Argentina, Bulgaria, Colombia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia,