Yellowstone Ballet Company’s version of The Nutcracker is “different, in a good way,” says one of last year’s attendees. Besides the enchantment you expect from a full-length ballet, there is a bit of fun—enjoyment that will keep a smile on your face after the curtain closes and the house lights come up. From the young, enthusiastic dancers to the polished professionals, from terrestrial seraphim and celestial aerial angels floating from the rafters to a glorious backdrop of northern lights in the land of ice and snow, a growing Christmas tree, and surprises that will make your heart glow, there is something for everyone.

Katheen Rakela, Yellowstone Ballet Company’s founder, artistic director, and recipient of the Montana Arts Council Fellowship in the Performing Arts, brings this magical production of The Nutcracker together by giving talented dancers and choreographers around the state the opportunity to express their creativity and innate genius through dance and choreography. YBC’s cast includes performers and choreographers from Yellowstone Ballet Academy, Billings Ballet Company, Raison D’etre Dance Project of Bozeman, and Core Ballet Montana.  While some of these performers have just started a relationship with YBC, others have been dancing in Rakela’s original productions and Nutcracker performances since 2008.

Bozeman’s homegrown ballerina, Molly Groeschl, who is at the top of her performance skills after dancing with Colorado Ballet, Ballet West, and Milwaukee Ballet, and as a soloist and principal dancer with Tucson Ballet and Madison Ballet, performs the demanding role of the Sugar Plum Fairy.

The illustrious Lucas Segovia performs the roles of the Nutcracker Prince and the Cavalier.  Lucas joined Ballet Argentina as a soloist under Julio Bocca’s direction, and was promoted to principal dancer shortly thereafter. He has been awarded the Premio Clarin, the most prestigious recognition for the Arts in Argentina. Lucas has performed in over 400 cities around the globe, as well as in some of the most famous dance venues in Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Russia, the United States and Cuba. He has also been a part of The Washington Ballet and of Morphoses/The Wheeldon Company, directed by Christopher Wheeldon. He has also danced with The Joffrey Ballet, performing in virtually the entire repertoire of the company as a soloist or principal dancer.

Molly and Lucas have been dancing together for many years, not only in guest appearances of The Nutcracker throughout the U.S., but also in Balanchine’s Rubies with Madison Ballet, and in excerpts from Swan Lake and Romeo & Juliet in YBC’s Songs & Dances of Love. Although they are not related, their friendship throughout these many years has created a special bond between them. Molly describes her affinity with Lucas as a brother and sister type of relationship. “I know that I am very cared for when I dance with Lucas on stage. When you are lucky enough to have a strong and trusted partner like him, you can just let go of any fears and perform to the top of your ability.”

Yellowstone Ballet Company’s 34th annual presentation of The Nutcracker takes place on Saturday, November 29th and Sunday, November 30th at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $29-$80, and are available at yellowstoneballet.info or at the door one hour before the performance. Every adult ticket purchase sponsors a free child’s ticket! The event also includes a child’s Nutcracker Costume Contest, with prizes from Rocky Mountain Toy Company, and a small gift for every child.