Shop local with our Holiday Gift Guide and meet the stars of this year's Nutcracker production
Bismarck Magazine is published quarterly and is complimentary. Copies are available across the Bismarck, Mandan and Lincoln communities or online at bismarck-magazine.com.
Bismarck Magazine Corporation, Copyright 2015 Bismarck Magazine and bismarck-magazine.com. All rights reserved. This periodical cannot be reproduced without the written permission of Bismarck Magazine. Bismarck Magazine will not be held responsible for any errors found in the magazine. Bismarck Magazine Corporation accepts no liability for statements made by advertisers.
PUBLISHERS
LAYOUT EDITOR
Hannah Haynes hannah@bismarck-magazine.com
Caroline Crary caroline@bismarck-magazine.com
Jenna Kluting
PHOTOGRAPHERS NewAge Creative
CONTRIBUTORS Maria Brezny
COPY EDITOR Jennifer Kranz
ADVERTISING info@bismarck-magazine.com
Printed in the USA
LETTER
PUBLISHERS
Photo by Connor Picard
IT IS THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR! As the festive season draws near, it brings with it a sense of joy, warmth, and togetherness that is truly special. This year’s holiday issues of Bismarck Magazine and Mandan Magazine are designed to celebrate those cherished moments and inspire you to create your own magical memories and holiday traditions.
In our gift guide, we’ve curated a selection of unique, local store items that capture the spirit of our community. From cutesy decor to delightful gourmet treats, these gifts not only support our local artisans and businesses, but also add a personal touch to your holiday celebrations. Whether you’re shopping for family, friends, or even treating yourself, we hope this guide will spark inspiration and make your gift-giving a little brighter.
This issue also features a heartwarming look at families involved in the beloved Nutcracker ballet at Northern Plains Dance. You'll read stories that highlight the commitment of families who have made this holiday tradition a part of their lives, fostering creativity and connection in every performance. The dedication, passion, and talent of these performers truly embodies the essence of the holiday spirit. As they take the stage this season, we invite you to join us in celebrating the magic of dance and the joy it brings to our community.
We’re also excited to share festive ideas for spreading holiday cheer throughout Bismarck and Mandan. From local events that will bring the community together, to simple ways to brighten the season for those around you, this issue is filled with inspiration to make this time of year truly special.
As we reflect on the past year and look forward to what’s to come, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support. We hope this holiday issue brings you joy, inspiration, and a deeper connection to our wonderful community.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Warmest wishes,
The Bismarck Magazine Team
NO MORE CHRISTMAS LISTS.
Join Us!
Become a 2025 Giving Hearts Business
Promote
Promote GHD to your employees, customers, and networks
Turn your business red for GHD
Donate
Match employee gifts
Purchase Giving Hearts Day Giving Cards
Donate directly to charities
Serve
Host a Giving Hearts Day Goods Drive
Volunteer
As a Giving Hearts Business, you’ll also get these fun perks:
• Promotional kit and official Giving Hearts Business decal mailed right to your business
• Your business name added to a list of Giving Hearts Businesses featured on the Giving Hearts Day website year- round
• Your business name added to a list of Giving Hearts Businesses featured in the Fargo Forum, Bismarck Tribune, and Minot Daily News in the month of January
• Your business entered to win one of five $1,000 gifts for a GHD charity of your choice
STEP 1: Sign up using the QR code below.
STEP 2: Create your GHD Business plan.
STEP 3: Organize and energize your team.
HappyHolidays
Warmest Wishes from the Bismarck Magazine Team!
painted nutcrackers by Benny, Bernadette, Lulu, Henry (The tiniest Bismarck Magazine Interns)
4521 Ottawa St Ste 5, Bismarck Tues-Fri 10 am -5:30 pm, Sat 10 am - 4 pm
Holiday Hours
Starting Dec 1st thru Dec 23rd Mon 10 am - 5:30 pm, Tues-Fri 10 am - 6:30 pm Saturdays 10:00-4:00
laceyscustomjewelry.com (701) 214-9649
1. 14k Yellow 1.50cttw Lab Diamond Dangle Earrings $1710 ($2135) | 2. 14k White Gold Lab Diamond Half and Half Necklace $4635 ($5795) | 3. 14k Yellow Bead Station Necklace $535 ($665) | 4. 14k Yellow Gold Clasp 8-9mm Pearl Strand $450 ($560) | 5. 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Sunburst Necklace $865 ($1080) | 6. 14k Rose Gold Pink Tourmaline Solitaire Necklace $895 ($1120), 14k White Gold Aquamarine Solitaire Necklace - $680 ($850), 14k Yellow Gold Lab Emerald Solitaire Necklace - $910 ($1140) | 7. 14k Yellow Gold Diamond and White Enamel Ring - $1120 ($1400) | 8. 14k Yellow Gold .25cttw Diamond Ring $2315 ($2895) | 9. 14k Yellow Turquoise Enamel Hoop Earrings $515 ($645), Sterling Pink Enamel hoops $125 ($155) both colors available in different metal colors, 14k White Gold .07cttw Baguette Diamond Studs $370 ($465), 14k Yellow Puff Style Hoop Earrings $810 ($1015) -All prices listed at 20% off, mention this gift guide to get the special pricing.
Northern Plains Dance
Nutcracker the a family tradition
story: Maria Brezny | Stage Photos: DeAnne Adaire | Studio
One of Bismarck’s most beloved holiday traditions is Northern Plains Dance’s annual production of The Nutcracker. Every year since 2008, Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet music plays at the Belle Mehus mid-December, and Northern Plains dancers take the stage for magical performances of one of the Christmas season’s most iconic stories.
As important and beloved as The Nutcracker is to the Bismarck community, the ballet may be even more
Photos: Cloud Watcher
important to the dancers who grew up performing its choreography. Hollis Mackintosh Heid, the director of Northern Plains Dance since 2007, has been performing in The Nutcracker every year since she was two, only ever missing one year. “A lot of my life has been defined by Nutcracker moments because it’s one of the things that has stayed the same growing up in upstate NY, going to college in Indianapolis, joining professional ballet companies in Louisville, Cincinnati, and Augusta, and moving here,” she says.
After performing all over the country as a professional dancer, Hollis retired from dance and took on the role of teacher and director at Northern Plains. She continued the Christmas tradition, putting on The Nutcracker during her second year as director, and these productions have now shaped the lives of a new generation of dancers. “I love getting to watch these kids have the same experience and start to sort of bookmark their
year, not from the beginning of school to the end of school, but really from Nutcracker to Nutcracker,” Hollis says. “It’s been really fun to watch them grow through the parts and get to know it and love it.”
Hollis has also been able to pass on her family’s Nutcracker traditions to her own children. Hollis’ daughter Vaughn, who is now ten, will be dancing as a party girl in this year’s
production. Hollis’s father Steve has performed in the Nutcracker with Hollis in high school and again now for the past six years at Northern Plains. He will join Vaughn in the party scene as the grandfather. And Hollis will be dancing right alongside them as Clara’s mom. “This potentially will be the one time the three of us will be on stage together,” says Hollis.
Hollis is extremely grateful for the support the community has shown Northern Plains Dance and The Nutcracker over her time as director. “We’ve been super lucky,” she expresses. The first Nutcracker production started with three performances. The Belle Mehus, the home of Bismarck’s Nutcracker, seats about 800, and audiences were steady, filling 3/4ths of the seats at every performance. Hollis
added a fourth performance to include more performers in the organization’s most popular production, and that quickly filled up as well. But, 2020 changed everything.
“In 2020, we performed to an empty theater,” describes Hollis. “Live stream only. We were one of the few places in the country that did that. We were featured in the NY Times.” Ever since then, every single
performance of The Nutcracker completely sells out. Hollis describes, “It’s sold out, sold out, like people scalping tickets on Facebook sold out which is a huge compliment to us.”
To accommodate the growing demand, this year, they are adding a fifth performance.
If you’d like to see a show this year, The Nutcracker opens Friday, December 13th at 7 pm. There are two shows on
Saturday, December 14th at 2 pm and again at 7 pm. Sunday, December 15th there will be a 12:30 showing meant for children and families who want a bite-sized version called “My First Nutcracker” and a final full-length performance at 4:30. More information can be found at northernplainsdance.org.
Millie, rat queen and snow and flower corps (17), Madeleine, Arabian soloist and snow and flower corps (15) and Chuck Hyatt, party dad
How long have you been doing The Nutcracker?
Millie: “This is both our 11th year.”
Chuck: “I have been doing it since 2017.”
Why’d you join The Nutcracker?
Chuck: “These girls encouraged me.”
Why did you want Dad to join The Nutcracker?
Millie: “I love performing, and it’s fun to do with your whole family.”
Madeleine: “I think it’s fun to have the whole family doing it.”
What do you love about the Nutcracker?
Millie: “It’s very festive, and it’s a fun tradition to do every year.”
Madeleine: “It’s very Christmassy and a lot of memories with it.”
Chuck: “It’s a big part of the community, and it’s fun to give it out to the folks in ND and Bismarck.”
Ivy, party girl (10), Archer, party boy (8), and Bradley Auch, party dad
How long have you been doing The Nutcracker?
Ivy: “It’s the fourth year for both of us.”
Bradley: “It’s my third year.”
Why’d you join The Nutcracker?
Bradley: “They were looking for party parents, and they mentioned eventually I will have a party kid, so I might as well start doing it. I did backstage help before.”
Why did you want Dad to join The Nutcracker?
Archer: “I like being his child.”
Ivy: "It’s fun to have a parent on stage.”
What do you love about the Nutcracker?
Archer: “My favorite part about the role is annoying the people on stage.”
Ivy: “I like the shows and dancing.”
Bradley: “Seeing it from a different perspective. Watching it in the audience was fun, but to see them in a different way… it’s also cool to see how everyone is supportive of each other backstage.”
Elinor (9) and Meghann Chamberlain, party mom
How long have you been dancing?
Elinor: “I’ve been dancing since I was 6. How long have you been doing The Nutcracker?
Elinor: “This is my third Nutcracker.”
Meghann: “This is my 16th Nutcracker. I was in the very first Nutcracker that Northern Plains Dance ever did in 1999… I started back up with The Nutcracker when she started.”
What do you love about dancing?
Elinor: “It’s fun, and you get to learn new things.”
What do you like about the Nutcracker?
Elinor: “I mostly like it because there’s a lot of movement going on, and I like in the second part where every candy is dancing because it’s all different, and it’s very spectacular.”
Meghann: “I just love the tradition. It’s really not Christmas for me without the Nutcracker… it’s just a big part of my childhood, and now I get to re-experience that.”
What do you love about dancing with Mom on stage?
Elinor: “It’s fun and a little bit embarrassing sometimes.”
Is anyone else in your family involved in The Nutcracker?
Meghann: “My husband has done lights and props before for the show. We actually met through our mutual love of the arts and through our time at Northern Plains Dance and Sleepy Hollow.”
Bellamy,
soldier
(8),
and Sara Jochim, grandma in party scene
How long have you been doing The Nutcracker?
Bellamy: “For five years.”
Sara: “This will be my 8th year.”
Why’d you join The Nutcracker?
Sara: “My son used to be in dance, and they had auditions for the Nutcracker. I saw that they took adults too, so I thought it would be fun. I just wanted to be involved, and he wanted me to be involved, and now that my daughter is dancing too, I was like, as long as they’re okay with it, I’ll keep doing it.”
What do you enjoy about dance?
Bellamy: “I like the costumes.”
Twins Elizabeth, Chinese Tea and snow corps (14), Emily, Chinese Tea and flower corp, (14), and Pam Thompson, party mom
How long have you been dancing?
Elizabeth and Emily: “Six years.”
How long have you been doing The Nutcracker?
Elizabeth and Emily: “Five years.”
Pam: “Four years.”
Why’d you join The Nutcracker?
Pam: “It’s super fun. I did theater in high school and college, so it’s kind of fun to be back at it and it’s just fun to have a shared language with my girls.”
What do you love about dancing with Mom on stage?
Elizabeth: “I like how we get to share the memories and be there with her.”
Emily: “I like giving her hugs on stage in the party scene.”
What do you love about the Nutcracker?
Elizabeth: “I love how it’s Christmassy.”
Emily: “I like that we do it every year, but it changes slightly each year.”
Pam: “We’ve been coming to The Nutcracker since the girls were tiny, so it’s been a tradition for the three of us to do, so it’s fun that we can view it from both sides from onstage and off.”
Is anyone else in your family involved in The Nutcracker?
Pam: “The rest of the family are our biggest cheerleaders.”
Gracen, Chinese
Tea and snow corps (16),Nia, choreographer and Mother Ginger, and Brandon, Lighter, party dad
Why’d you join The Nutcracker?
Nia: “Slightly guilt by association I think. I grew up dancing, and my husband helped us out when we lived in Michigan. He was a party parent and at the time it seemed like a natural progression when we moved here.”
How long have you been doing The Nutcracker?
Gracen: I’ve done four years in the Nutcracker here, and four when I lived in Michigan.”
Pam: “It’s my thirteenth year being Mother Ginger and our fourth time here.”
Brandon: “This is my second year here, and I did four in Michigan.”
What do you love about dancing?
Gracen: “I like how you can express your feelings and emotions through dance, and it feels good to let loose and feel your body.”
What do you love about the Nutcracker?
Gracen: “I love the Nutcracker because I love the atmosphere so much, I love all the people.”
Pam: “It’s such a timeless tradition and being able to share it with my family is really cool, too.
Brandon: “Being involved with the whole family.
Is anyone else in your family involved in The Nutcracker?
Pam: “Our daughter Tegan… is a dressing room attendant, so she helps get the kids ready.”
Eloise, soldier and understudy for a bee (8), and Cassandra Baker, party mom
How long have you been dancing?
Eloise: “Since I was three, so five years.”
What do you love about dancing?
Eloise: “I like that I get to be more flexible, and it helps me make more friends, and I like being in performances.”
Cassandra: “I have always wanted to be in ballet since I was a little girl, but never had the opportunity to, so this is my first year.”
What are you most looking forward to about the Nutcracker?
Eloise: “I’m excited to see if I get to shoot a cannon, and if I’ll have to fight any rats.”
Cassandra: “I’m just excited to experience this time together. The Nutcracker is so special and it’s around the holiday season so I think it’s going to be a new holiday tradition for us.”
What’s it like dancing together?
Eloise: “It’s fun.”
Cassandra: “We get lots of time together.”
Is anyone else in your family involved in The Nutcracker?
Cassandra: “My husband is on the Northern Plains board of directors.”
Alana, black sheep, Joel, party boy, Maren, Clara, and Aaron Carranza, party dad
How long have you been dancing?
Alana and Joel: “Three years.”
Maren: “Six years.”
Aaron: “Two years.”
What are you most looking forward to in the Nutcracker?
Joel: “I’m excited for chasing girls around with swords.”
Alana: “I’m excited to be on stage again.”
Maren: “I’m excited to perform as Clara for the first time.”
Why’d you join The Nutcracker?
Aaron: “Last year as we started getting ready for the Nutcracker auditions, the kids said it would be fun if one of us could participate, so we decided it looked like a good time and signed up.”
What’s it like having Dad on stage?
Alana: “It’s really fun. I was a party girl last year when he was the butler, so that was a lot of fun to get to dance with and around him.”
What do you love most about being onstage with your kids?
Aaron: “Sharing in their passion... This year I get to be on stage with two out of the three, with Joel and Maren, so it’s exciting to see them in their element and be a part of this as well.”
Is anyone else in your family involved in The Nutcracker?
Aaron: “Mom helps make it all happen like with the food, clothing, chauffeuring, and makeup.”
Teddy, cupid, and Jerome Jaszkowiak, party host
How long have you been doing The Nutcracker?
Teddy: “It’s my second year.”
Jerome: “It’s my first.”
Why did you join the Nutcracker?
Jerome: “I figured it would be something fun to do with him and see how my two left feet work.”
What do you love about dancing?
Teddy: “I like doing tap.”
What do you love about the Nutcracker?
Teddy: “We go on the big stage. My dad helped set it up.”
What do you love about having Dad on stage?
Teddy: “Because I told him.”
What are you most looking forward to in the Nutcracker?
Jerome: “I’m just looking forward to the first performance and seeing how it goes.”
Winona, soldier, Violet, flower fairy, and Drew Sommer, party dad
How long have you been doing The Nutcracker?
Winona: “I’ve been dancing for four years.”
Violet: “This is my first time.”
Drew: “This is my first Nutcracker, too.”
Why did you join the Nutcracker?
Drew: “Winona asked, and she’s been asking for the last two years, and I was like, you know what, I just have to do it, and I’m really excited to.”
What are you most looking forward to in the Nutcracker?
Winona: “I love to dance in front of people.”
Violet: “I like dancing with my friends.”
Drew: “I think performing is going to be really fun. I did theater in high school and dance runs in our family with my mom, so it should just be really fun.”
Is anyone else in your family involved in The Nutcracker?
Drew: “My wife volunteers, helps sell merch, and works behind the scenes.”
Lily, angel and reindeer
(13), and
Michael Gilbertson, party dad and backstage hand
How long have you been dancing?
Lily: “Since I was three, so ten years.”
Why did you join the Nutcracker?
Michael: “This is Lily’s sixth Nutcracker, and she always wanted one of us to be in it. Our son played travel hockey, so I was always on the road with him. When he moved up to high school, I had time to do it.”
What’s your favorite part of being in the Nutcracker?
Lily: “Getting to work with the younger dancers because when I was little, they worked with me, so I like getting to be the older role model this year.”
Michael: “Besides sharing the stage with her, it’s being a part of this long standing Christmas tradition for the
community. It’s amazing that it sells out. What do you love about dancing with Dad on stage?
Lily: “Getting to watch my dad backstage because it’s cool to see another family member on stage instead of just me.”
What’s your favorite part of having your daughter on stage with you?
Michael: “Seeing her grow from being a mouse to now dancing en pointe and getting into the more advanced roles and seeing her grow up.”
Is anyone else in your family involved in The Nutcracker?
Michael: “Mom helps out behind the scenes with things like the cast party and selling merch.”
Transform Your Home with Coldspring’s Premium Stone and Fireplace Selection. Bismarck’s Coldspring provides everything you need for your natural stone and landscape projects, all under one roof. Their extensive showroom features a wide range of fireplaces, complete with stone surrounds to inspire your next home upgrade.
Looking to add warmth and style to your space? Take advantage of their special offer—mention this ad in Bismarck Magazine and receive 20% off any fireplace purchase.
Already have a fireplace? Coldspring is offering a fall startup and cleaning special. For just $100, their team will clean the glass, check the electrical and gas connections, and ensure your fireplace is ready to keep you cozy all season long, regardless of the brand.
For more information, please visit www.ndcoldspring.com/fireplaces
701.595.7213 | 13700 Trail Boss Way, Bismarck
Electric
Electric fireplaces offer cozy comfort without the expense of gas or wood. Easier to install since they don’t require additional ventilation, they are easy to accommodate in most spaces, and their synthetic flames still crackle and pop like a real fireplace.
Free-standing Stoves
Free-standing stoves range from classic looks to newer, sleeker models. They function well as both a centerpiece and a source of heat and can be wood burning or gas. If you’re looking for a unique addition to your home, consider a free-standing stove.
Wood Burning
Wood burning fireplaces are the centerpieces of rooms, adding warmth and character with their real flames, smells, and sounds. They are more cost effective than gas and fill your living room, bedroom, or whichever room you choose with cheerful light and heat.
Gas
Gas fireplaces bring a cozy and warm ambiance to your space. Because gas fireplaces have real flames, they create an authentic fireside experience without the smoke. Gas fireplaces are also convenient to use while still being great sources of warmth.
A higher level of care for your self-care
Your reason for having cosmetic surgery is just that – yours. With state-of-the-art technology and access to an integrated health care system, you can be confident that your self-care is backed by compassionate, skilled professionals.
Schedule a consultation in Bismarck today.
Get the personalized results you want with:
• Reconstructive and cosmetic surgery
• Breast reconstruction, reduction or augmentation
