As a non-profit organization, City in Motion Dance Theater, Inc. has always been guided by the vision of Artistic Directors. The first in this role were our founders, Randy Barron, Kathleen Kingsley, Arielle Thomas Newman, Rick Hillis, and Jean Dickinson. Over the course of our 35 year history, talented individuals have helped continue to shape the organization in the AD role, including Andrea Skowronek, Dale Fellin, Stephanie Whittler, Tracie Jensen, Marisa Callaway, & Joanna Des Marteau.
For the last 3 years, Artistic Co-Directors Tracie Jensen, Joanna Des Marteau, and Marisa Callaway have held positions without pay to ensure the CIM family of over 5,000 members move through the global pandemic afloat and with access to this artform. Considering this ultimate sacrifice, funds from the Sauceda Family Grant help support the 2022-2023 season choreographers, dancers, and 2 new incoming Artistic Co-Directors. The funds help honor the work of those that made it possible to arrive at this point, and usher in a new era of leadership for our organization.
In August 2022, City in Motion welcomed Ann Shaughnessy & Bobbi Foudree into their new roles as Artistic Co-Directors. Ann Shaughnessy has been active in the Kansas City dance scene as a teacher, choreographer, and performer for over 20 years. She received a BFA from UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance in 2002. She first auditioned for City in Motion in 2004 and has been involved with the organization ever since! Ann has taught at the school, choreographed for the company and Youth Dance Theater, performed with the company for eight seasons (2005 -) 2014, and since 2010 has taken on the role of Production Director for one of CIM’s signature performances, Dance in the Park. In 2016 Ann received a Physical Therapy Assistant degree and works part time as a physical therapist. Ann is thrilled to be back with City in Motion again as a dancer, Co-Artistic Director of the company with her colleague Bobbi Foudree, and director of YDT.
Bobbi Foudree started her dance training at the age of 16 with Kim Shope at Midtown School of Dance. She then went on to pursue her B.F.A. in dance from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. Ms. Foudree spent her summers training at Nashville Ballet and School of Ballet Chicago. After Graduating from Stephens, Ms. Foudree moved to New Hampshire where she danced for two seasons with Jennie and Company and as an apprentice in Northern Ballet Theater. Missing the Midwest Ms. Foudree returned to Kansas City where she has danced and choreographed with a variety of companies. Ms. Foudree has danced and choreographed for City In Motion Dance Theater for 6 seasons. She returns in her new role as Co-Artistic Director this year.
Announcing our 2022-2023 season direction…
These new Artistic Co-Directors have been creating signature modern dance choreography that centralizes the 2022-2023 season around the regeneration of “family through form.” This includes new work for 3 signature performances: Dance in the Park (September), Modern Night at the Gem (February) & the Spring Show (April). This work is also accessible through dance outreach opportunities to bring high-quality affordable dance to audiences unable to access it. The season’s premiere choreography, “Hurt, Healing, Hope” choreographed by Ann Shaughnessy, marks the start to our inaugural year, and serves as the signature new work, made possible from this grant.
City in Motion’s new season involves the entire “family”. The work integrates founders, past dancers, school students, current and new company members, and our youth dance theater. Funding from the Sauceda Family Grant helps CIM utilize the artform of dance to reconnect and regenerate family at a pivotal time of change in the CIM organization. Stay tuned!
August 31, 2022 - This post is part two of a four part blog series documenting City in Motion Dance Theater's 2022-2023 season - made possible by the Sauceda Family Foundation.
