William Whitener: Taking A Final KC Bow

By Steve Kraske,

Published May 9, 2013 at 9:35 PM CDT

William Whitener became Artistic Director of the Kansas City Ballet in 1996. After having staged, taught, acquired, commissioned or created 85 works for the organization and seeing it move into its new rehearsal and performance spaces, Whitener now prepares to leave the Ballet and embark on yet another chapter in his remarkable career.

On Friday's broadcast of Up to Date, Steve Kraske welcomes William Whitener for a conversation about his time with the Ballet and what it will be ready to do under his as yet unnamed successor. Plus, they talk about what Whitener has referred to as his "third act" as he heads back to the site of much of his early training and work, New York City.

Whitener also answered five questions in a web exclusive interview.

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Up To Date Arts & Culture dance William Whitener

Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Danie Alexander

As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.

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