Yellowstone Ballet Co.

WE CREATE, INSPIRE & EDUCATE. We CREATE original story ballets such as: THE SONG OF HIAWATHA, ROMEO & JULIET OF THE ROCKIES, THE ELVES & THE SHOEMAKER, PINOCCHIO, HANSEL & GRETEL ~ WITH A TWIST, THE LITTLE MERMAID & BOOTS & BALLET. We INSPIRE by producing famous classic ballets: SWAN LAKE, THE NUTCRACKER, GISELLE, CINDERELLA and LA FILLE MAL GARDEE. We EDUCATE by giving young dancers the opportunity to work alongside professionals & through our CHILD GOES FREE performance incentive

Yellowstone Ballet Company is a classical Montana ballet company founded by Kathleen Rakela who began teaching ballet in Livingston in 1987. Ms. Rakela incorporated the non-profit company in 1990 to give rural dancers performance opportunities.

YBC is supported by donations, grants, ticket sales, & the hard work of many volunteers. Over the years these donations & volunteer efforts have given YBC the resources to stage great classical works: CINDERELLA (1990, 2001, 2014); STARS OF THE BOSTON BALLET (1992); LA FILLE MAL GARDEE, (1993, 2000); GISELLE; (1994, 2011, 2018); SWAN LAKE (2012); BALLET GALA (2022); BOOTS & BALLET (2023); SONGS & DANCES OF LOVE (2020, 2025) with famous pas de deus, opera, poetry; & 74 performances of THE NUTCRACKER (1991 - 2026).

YBC has created original ballets: GIRLS OF THE GOLDEN WEST(1998); the award-winning ROMEO & JULIET OF THE ROCKIES (1999); THE SONG OF HIAWATHA with narration by Robert Worobec (2005); HANSEL & GRETEL ~ WITH A TWIST with narration by the late Margot Kidder (2008); PINOCCHIO (2010, 2024) with original music by Dean. Anderson and narration by Terry Canady; & THE ELVES & THE SHOEMAKER (2013); THE LITTLE MERMAID (2015, 2026).

Testimonials

Thank you so much for such a wonderful, beautiful performance. I was enthralled by the original music - the creative costumes, set design, & the dancing. - Irene Easton

Thank you for the Yellowstone Ballet's recent performance of the Nutcracker. The auditorium was just about full, with many children included. But not a peep out of them, they were so into the ballet! And it was very wonderful. Costumes, backdrop, lighting - beautiful, appropriate, expressive, tasteful. The dancing was smooth, dynamic, delightful. An uplifting, memorable show. Nothing of the cynical or mediocre here! - Mary Regnier.

I had the great pleasure of attending the Yellowstone Ballet Company’s performance of The Nutcracker, a holiday tradition for me for many years. Wherever I am during the Holiday season I try to attend it. Consequently, I’ve seen it performed in many cities across Europe and the US, but have never seen such a heartwarming performance as yours. In particular, the Dance of the Shepherd in Act II, Scene III was so unique and so cute with the little children in lamb costumes. I’ve been so accustomed to seeing adult dancers performing this piece that I was astonished and enchanted by the performance of these little children. Truly a unique interpretation of this dance instead of the same old same old…. In fact, the entire performance demonstrated the heart & soul of the local players, instead of a world renowned dance company simply showing off their professional dancing acumen.
I hope someone had the good sense to tape the entire performance, particularly the Shepherd dance and will upload it somewhere. This was truly a memorable performance and I can’t wait to see it again next year! This was Khloe’s first ballet and she was so overwhelmed I could see the tears in her eyes.
Warmest Wishes for a Beautiful Christmas,
John Cribb