Founded in 1957 by Tatiana Dokoudovska with the goal of establishing a regular presence for ballet in the city. For 20 years she nurtured the company before her retirement. In 1980, Todd Bolender-a former New York City Ballet dancer an international opera and ballet choreographer was chosen to lead. During his tenure, in 1986 the company was renamed the State Ballet of Missouri following a joint venture with Dance St. Louis. In 1996 the partnership ended and in 2000 the original name Kansas City Ballet was reclaimed. In 1995 with Bolender's appointment to Artistic Director Emeritus, William Whitener was appointed Artistic Director. He served until 2013 creating versatile programs filled with contemporary work and traditional company hallmarks.