Yellowstone Ballet offers free child tickets to Nutcracker performances

Yellowstone Ballet Company (YBC) celebrates its 28th season with a spectacular community collaboration of The Nutcracker, including a Nutcracker Costume Contest at intermission and a FREE child ticket for every adult ticket purchase. Children may come dressed as their favorite Nutcracker character: Snow King or Queen, Sugar Plum Fairy, Nutcracker Prince, Spanish Dancer, etc. Prizes will be awarded for the best costume along with a free gift for every child in attendance.
Performances take place at 4:30pm on Saturday, December 15th and 2pm on Sunday, December 16th at the Willson Auditorium in Bozeman.
Award-winning choreographer and YBC’s Artistic Director for 29 years, Kathleen Rakela creatively intertwines talented dancers and choreographers from Gallatin, Park, and Meagher including Raison D’être Dance Project – Erin Levy and Genevieve Trygstad-Burke, co-artistic director in the Snow scene and the Waltz of the Flowers, Bozeman Dance Academy in Chinese and Dolls, and Martinsdale Ballet in Rat Queen, Spanish and Mice.
Performing the starring role of the Nutcracker Prince is Yellowstone Ballet School alumnus, national guest artist, and local favorite, Parsifal Pittendorfer. Mr. Pittendorfer has been known to stun audiences with his out-of-orbit leaps, male bravura, exceptional acting and partnering skills.
The role of Clara – the girl who dreams that her Nutcracker is really a prince – will be danced by thirteen-year-old Emah Eckert. Miss Eckert makes the two and a half hour trip from Tower Junction, Yellowstone National Park, to Livingston and Bozeman six days a week for classes and rehearsals.
YBC’s family friendly production of The Nutcracker has delighted thousands with sixty-eight performances in Livingston, Great Falls, Lewistown, Bozeman, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Livingston since 1991. All ages will enjoy the magical and colorful characters and enchanting story. To encourage families to attend the Bozeman Community Nutcracker, YBC is offering a FREE child ticket with every adult ticket purchase.
Reserved tickets for YBC’s The Nutcracker are available at Eckroth Music in Bozeman (corner of 7th and Mendenhall) or online at www.yellowstoneballet.info. Tickets range $25–$55. Each adult purchase qualifies for one free child ticket. A service fee of $2 will be added to tickets sold at the door.
For more information or group rates, call (406) 223-0430 or email yellowstoneballet@gmail.com.