Mission

As a modern chorus line rooted in jazz tradition, the Kansas City Canaries are dedicated to honoring the rich legacy of chorus troupes, while actively acknowledging the complex lineage we inherit. We recognize and uplift the generations of performers who came before us—those who were pioneers, and those who had to remain hidden, erased from public memory. Our dance exists because of them, and it is our responsibility to remember, honor, and learn from their stories.

Our work and our joy are grounded in the traditions of African American vernacular jazz dances of the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. We are guests in this cultural form, and we carry deep respect for its roots—particularly the Black women who shaped this art with grace, brilliance, and resilience. Their contributions to jazz and tap have long been under acknowledged due to the compounded forces of racism and sexism. We commit to resisting their historic erasure and to amplifying the legacies of pioneers such as Norma Miller, Mabel Lee, Josephine Baker, Marie Bryant, John Bubbles, Al Minns, and Leon James.

We acknowledge that structural racism and inequality persist, including within our own communities and the wider swing and jazz dance world. Our troupe is not as racially diverse as we aspire to be, and we recognize how socio-economic barriers contribute to this lack of representation. We are committed to challenging these structures and working toward making our spaces more inclusive and accessible to all.

Many of our team members come from Kansas City’s vibrant and diverse communities, and we take pride in cultivating an environment where chorus dancers—of all identities—feel safe, seen, and celebrated.

Our training sessions reflect the cultural values of jazz: community, musicality, improvisation, and storytelling. We begin with warm-up jazz circles focused on interaction and spontaneous movement, followed by drills that develop strength, flexibility, balance, stamina, and spin control. We study rhythm, tempo, choreography, and the artistry of legendary Black dancers. During performance seasons, we shift focus to formations, routine development, and stage presence.

This dance is more than steps—it is history, emotion, resilience, and community. We dance in the spirit of those who created space where none existed before, and we honor their legacy by committing ourselves to lifelong learning, reflection, and action.

We are the Kansas City Canaries. We are proud chorus dancers. And we dance with purpose.

Our Values

  • Legacy & Lineage
    We honor the pioneers and erased voices who shaped chorus and jazz traditions. Our dance exists because of them, and we carry a responsibility to remember, uplift, and learn from their stories.

  • Cultural Respect & Responsibility
    As guests in the African American vernacular jazz tradition, we approach this form with humility and reverence—especially for the Black women whose brilliance built its foundation.

  • Equity & Inclusion
    We acknowledge the systemic barriers that affect access and representation in dance. We are committed to challenging racism, sexism, and economic inequality—within our troupe and the wider dance world.

  • Community & Identity
    We foster a space where all chorus dancers feel safe, seen, and celebrated. Our work is rooted in community, connection, and the joyful celebration of diverse identities.

  • Artistry & Embodied Practice
    Our training reflects jazz values: rhythm, improvisation, musicality, and storytelling. We treat dance as a living, evolving art that blends discipline with creative expression.

  • Purpose & Progress
    We dance with intention—to honor history, resist erasure, and carry forward a legacy of resilience. We are lifelong learners committed to reflection, action, and meaningful change.