CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF DANCE
City in Motion was founded by artistic directors Randy Barron, Kathleen Kingsley, Arielle Thomas Newman, Rick Hillis, and Jean Dickinson. These five choreographers dreamed of bringing together modern dancers from all over Kansas City, to provide a laboratory for professional modern dance in the Midwest region.
We have come a long way since the company's first public performance was May 17, 1985, at Arts Fest ’85 in Crown Center Square.
1985
City in Motion has first performance at Crown Center Square's Art Fest '85.
1986
City in Motion moves to its first home: West Side Christian Church.
1987
City in Motion Children's Dance Theater is founded.
1990
City in Motion begins touring outside of KC to the surrounding states
1992
City in Motion performs in Seville, Spain for the World's Fair
1999
City in Motion participates in the first Dance in the Park
2002
City in Motion partners with Penn Valley to offer ballet and modern to students.
2004
KC Star names CiM performance, "On the Move" one of the top performances of the year.
2006
Performances break ground at the Nelson Atkins and Kauffman Center.
2010
For it's 25th anniversary, CiM performs at the historic Gem Theater
2011
CiM performs at grand openings for the Bolender Center and Kauffman Center
2013
The 10th annual "Modern Night at the Folly" includes adjudicated choreographers' showcase.
2017
City in Motion bids farewell to old studio, and paints a mural through dance to commemorate the space.
Studios are moved into Plexpod's Westport Commons.
2018
City in Motion celebrates the 15th Annual Modern Night at the Folly, and its 20th annual Dance in the Park.
They participate in their first collaboration with Open Spaces.
2020
City in Motion offers first-ever virtual dance classes, Fall Festival, and site-specific Youth Dance Theater Improvisation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Modern Night at the Folly marketing campaign wins Silver Philly's Award through Nonprofit Connect.
2021
City in Motion continues to offer virtual dance classes at no-cost to the Kansas City community. School of Dance welcomes new Director, Christopher Peacock.