A Different Nutcracker - Yellowstone Ballet Company - November 29 & 30, 2025

Yellowstone Ballet Company’s version of The Nutcracker is “different, in a good way,” says one of last year’s attendees. Besides the enchantment that one expects from a full length ballet, there is a bit of fun and enjoyment that will keep a smile on your face after the curtain closes and the house lights come up. From the young enthusiastic dancers, the polished professionals, the terrestrial seraphim and the celestial aerial angels floating from the rafters to a 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.

Kathleen 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. Some of these performers have just started a relationship with YBC and some have been dancing in Rakela’s original productions and The Nutcracker performances since 2008.

Bozeman’s homegrown ballerina, Molly Groeschl, who is at the top of her performance skills having danced with Colorado Ballet, Ballet West and Milwaukee Ballet, and as a soloist and principal dancer with Tucson Ballet and Madison Ballet, will perform 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 after. He has been awarded with the Premio Clarin, the most prestigious recognition for the arts in Argentina. Lucas has performed in over 400 cities around the globe 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 and has 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 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 29 and Sunday, November 30 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $29-$80 and are available at https://yellowstoneballet.info or at the door one hour before performance. Every adult ticket purchase allows for a free child ticket. There is also a child’s Nutcracker Costume Contest with prizes from Rocky Mountain Toy Company and a small gift for every child.