Kansas City Ballet welcomes new leadership to élevé the program to new heights

Courtesy of The Kansas City Ballet

Kansas City Ballet Artistic Director Devon Carney announced that Oliver Till is stepping into the role of School Director. Effective July 1, 2024, Oliver Till will join the Kansas City Ballet after leaving his position as Head of Children’s, Adult, & Adaptive Programs at the Joffrey Academy of Dance. The former School Director, Grace Holmes, grew the school to new bounds for nine years but recently became the Director of the San Francisco Ballet School.

Carney expressed enthusiasm for Till’s appointment, highlighting his extensive experience and international career in dance. “Mr. Till brings a wealth of knowledge to our organization. His successful career and his role as a teacher and mentor make him the perfect fit for our school. I am confident he will continue to enhance our institution’s reputation and impact.”

Oliver Till // Courtesy of LinkedIn

Oliver Till trained at The Royal Ballet School and performed with the Birmingham Royal Ballet. He later pursued a BA in Business with Environment and founded a video and distance coaching platform. His teaching career includes leading the implementation of the ABT National Training Curriculum at the Swedish National Ballet School and curriculum development at the Joffrey Ballet.

Making dance accessible to everyone, regardless of age or ability, is one of Till’s beliefs as a professional. He also highlights that pre-professionals should be taught in a nurturing way, by integrating mental and physical health to support their development.

Till expressed his honor in joining the Kansas City Ballet: “The work achieved by Grace Holmes has set a strong foundation. I look forward to what our students and the school will achieve in the future.”