On December 6th, the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center sparkled for the Kansas City Ballet Guild’s 58th annual gala, the Nutcracker Ball. Gigi Rose was honored with the Pirouette Award. Partygoers enjoyed a performance by Devon Carney and dancing to the tunes of the Diamond Empire Band. Suzanne Shank and John Lohmeyer served as honorary chairmen, and Michele Hamlett-Weith was the chairman.
Richard Lara, John Rufenacht, Lance Orozco, and Darrel BrennekeCraig Sole, Lisa Hickok, and Brian McCallisterMargaret Lesher, Carl and Lynne Weilert, and Peggy and Andrew BealJuliette Singer, Edie Downing, and Cyndi James David Gray, Kansas City Ballet; Ball Chairman Michele Hamlett-Weith, and Ball Honorary Chairmen Suzanne Shank and John LohmeyerTrey and Bethany Humphrey, Rick and Britton Norden, Bill and Carolyn Parkerson, Christina and Sean Hogan, and Dr. Stephanie Warden and Bill Shackelford
Featured in the January 24, 2026 issue of The Independent Photo credit: Kenny Johnson and Courtney Lane
