Today we’d like to introduce you to Leigh Murray.
Hi Leigh, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
KC Contemporary Dance began in 2004 as KACICO Dance, under the artistic direction of Michelle Diane Brown. The company performed contemporary choreography, but was also well known for impromptu dance events, “Dance Happens”, where performers would improvise movement in an unconventional setting–such as a bookstore on the Plaza, or the lobby of a restaurant. In 2016, Leigh Murray took over leadership of the company and implemented the rebrand from KACICO Dance to KC Contemporary Dance. (The name KACICO came from the first 2 letters of Kansas City Contemporary, so the rebrand was just for ease of understanding) The company has expanded over time, and currently performs around twenty events per year in the KC metro and surrounding areas. The artistic staff is proud to be. a female owned and operated business, and a large part of the company’s mission is to provide access to dance and arts education programs to all local and regional citizens. Current Artistic Director, Katie Metzger, will produce and present the 22nd annual Fall Repertory Concert in early November 2026.
Executive Director- Leigh Murray
Artistic Director- Katie Metzger
Associate Director- Nora Burkitt-Davis
Board President- Tia Birdsong
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Running a small non-profit arts group has absolutely not been a smooth road. Funding for smaller groups is always a real struggle. Many funders want to big name notoriety of a larger scale company or event, and it is really the smaller groups that need funding desperately. In our efforts to make the arts accessible to everyone, KC Contemporary Dance makes every effort to make our events free to. the public, or ticketed at a low price. This means a lot of external fundraising and grant writing. Another large struggle that many business owners can relate to was the impact of Covid on our industry and economy. For a group of people that want to gather and share dance with our community, the isolation and danger of the Covid time was difficult, and the arts industry struggled to bounce back for years after. Regardless of the struggles, running and expanding this business has been incredibly rewarding. As a lover of the arts, and someone who recognizes the benefits of living in as rich cultural landscape, I have enjoyed promoting the mission of KC Contemporary Dance and contributing to the already thriving artist community in KC. I am grateful to be able to provide those opportunities to other women that I respect, and to work as a team to create really beautiful work.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a dancer, choreographer, producer, educator, and more. I think everyone that works in a creative space wears many hats–it’s just how our brains tend to work. I most enjoy creating something out of nothing, whether that is a visual art piece or performance piece. Unfortunately, creating music is not a skill that I have, otherwise I’d be doing that, too! I love the idea of collaboration and using different elements of the arts to create a multi-genre work that reflects the talents of its contributors. Working with artists, musicians, designers, and other makers to make something that others may not think of or even believe possible is very rewarding, and makes me feel like I’m leaving a mark on my community. Perpetual innovation comes with a lot of pressure, so I do try to acknowledge the works for what they are. Not every piece of choreography serves that same purpose, just like not every song on the album is a hit single. Growing up, I focused heavily on ballet training, and that served me well in my performing career as a professional dancer. Since I stopped performing professionally to focus on other aspects of the business, I am more in tune with the creativity that comes along with producing and choreography. I am proud of the works I’m able to create, the opportunities I can provide for performers and viewers, and my advocacy for arts education for both youth students and communities at large.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I’m rarely afraid of failure, and I’m the opposite of an over-thinker….an under-thinker often! Business owners and creatives alike tend to feel great pressure for success- both financial and in public acclaim. I would assume that many people would put me in that category as well–that I’m someone feeling the pressure to keep my business afloat, book jobs, create the next magical thing that will take the world by storm–but I am really not like that at all. Experimentation has led me to more interesting paths and results, and the unknown of “winging it” has created some of my favorite paintings and dances. I hope that I can encourage those around me to live unapologetically and go for what they want, even if all of the details aren’t ironed out and the path may be rocky. Most times, getting out of your head is the hardest part…just do it!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kccontemporarydance.org
- Instagram: @kccontemporarydance
