3 minute read
The Boundless Benefits of Ballet
Ballet isn’t just for prima ballerinas. Ballet is for everyone, from toddlers to adults and athletes from various disciplines looking to improve their posture, coordination and core strength. Whether for fun, as a training supplement for other sports or for the serious dancer, Montana Ballet Company offers a wide range of programs.
The Academy
Mini-Movers is a class designed for toddlers ages 2 to 3 accompanied by a parent/ caretaker. The class focuses on the joy of moving to different musical rhythms, social awareness, coordination, balance, listening and communication skills and fun in the ballet studio. It is a special opportunity to be creative and exercise while spending quality time together.
MBC’s Adaptive Dance Program is designed to provide creative movement and introductory ballet instruction for children ages 5 and up with Down syndrome. Classes are taught by MBC faculty who have been trained in teaching Adaptive Dance and working with individuals with Down syndrome.
Pre-primary through Pre-professional classes provide fine classical ballet instruction, introducing children and adults alike to the art, discipline and beauty of classical ballet, focusing on the attainment of technical ability and artistry, as well as teaching meaningful and important life skills.
Students from MBC’s Academy audition and are accepted to summer programs throughout the United States and have attended American Ballet Theatre, Joffrey Ballet, Ballet West, Harid Conservatory and other prestigious schools.
MBC is working to implement the AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE® National Training Curriculum, a breakthrough nine-level program that combines high quality artistic training with the basics of dancer health and child development. The ABT® National Training Curriculum consists of a comprehensive set of age-appropriate, outcome-based guidelines to provide the highest quality ballet training to dance students of all ages and skill levels.
Performance Opportunities
Perhaps the most well-known MBC production is the annual Nutcracker; open to the Gallatin Valley community and MBC Academy dancers. The 41st Annual Nutcracker, with the Bozeman Symphony and world-renowned guest artists, will be held on December 7 and 8, 2024.
Before auditions, community dancers and MBC dancers alike can participate in Shape Up for Nutcracker, August 19-22, 2024. This fun program offers students the opportunity to get back in shape and start learning and working on MBC’s Nutcracker choreography. This program runs Monday through Thursday and has two levels:
» Ages 12-18
Technique class, 9:30-11:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Nutcracker Repertoire
» Ages 9-11
Technique class 1:30–2:45 p.m. and 3–4 p.m. Nutcracker Repertoire
Open community Nutcracker Auditions will be held at MBC Studios during the following dates and times:
» September 4: Ages 12+, from 4:15-5:45 p.m.
» September 7: Ages 6 to 8, from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
» September 7: Ages 9 to 11, from 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
MBC Company dancers will perform again during MBC’s winter production, Swan Lake with live orchestra and esteemed guest artists on March 1 & 2, 2025.
All Academy dancers have the opportunity to perform on stage at the Willson Auditorium during MBC’s Annual Academy Showcase in May.
Finally, on June 13, MBC will welcome Stars of American Ballet, traveling from New York City, for CONNECTIONS 2025 ~ Creating Connections Through Dance
Academy registration and ticket sales are available now at www.montanaballet.org.
