Business Details
36 Years
experience
Yellowstone Ballet - Premier Montana Performances
Founded in 1990, Yellowstone Ballet has been dedicated to creating, inspiring, and educating through classical and original ballet productions. Our mission emphasizes the transformative power of dance, transcending language barriers to connect with diverse audiences. Over three decades, we have staged iconic works like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker while producing original ballets such as Romeo & Juliet of the Rockies and Hansel & Gretel ~ with a Twist. Our productions feature international dancers from renowned companies, including the Bolshoi Ballet and San Francisco Ballet, alongside local talent.Through open auditions, area dancers gain performance opportunities, supported by a team of volunteers and donors. Partial funding from the Montana Cultural Trust enables us to maintain artistic excellence while offering educational programs, master classes, and community engagement initiatives. Under the artistic direction of Kathleen Rakela, a recipient of the Montana Arts Council Fellowship, we continue to foster a vibrant dance community in Montana.
Services
Ballet productions
Dance education
Summer intensive programs
Community performances
Master classes
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in classical and original ballet production.
- Our productions feature dancers from renowned companies like the Bolshoi Ballet.
- We provide educational programs and master classes for aspiring dancers.
- Community-focused with open auditions for local performers.
- Recipient of Montana Arts Council Fellowships for artistic excellence.
What people say
Stunning performances
Excellent community involvement
Professional dancers
Services
Ballet productions
We produce classical and original ballets featuring international and local dancers. Our performances include iconic works like Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, alongside original productions such as Romeo & Juliet of the Rockies. Each show offers audiences immersive storytelling through dance.
Dance education
Our academy provides classical ballet instruction for students of all levels. Founded in 1987, we offer small classes with personalized attention, preparing dancers for professional careers or recreational growth through structured curricula and performance opportunities.
Summer intensive programs
These programs offer focused training during summer months with master classes and rehearsals. Participants work alongside professional dancers and choreographers, gaining technical skills and stage experience in a collaborative environment for advanced development.
Community performances
We stage accessible productions in Montana venues ranging from school auditoriums to theaters. These performances include community cast members and educational elements, fostering local engagement with classical and contemporary dance forms.
Master classes
Led by professional dancers and guest artists, these classes provide technical instruction and artistic development. Participants gain insights from industry experts, focusing on classical techniques and performance preparation for all skill levels.
People
Kathleen Rakela
Artistic Director
Founder of Yellowstone Ballet, trained at Royal Academy of Dancing and Joffrey Ballet School. ABT-certified teacher with international choreography recognition, including presentations in Amsterdam and Germany.
Jennifer Stillings
President
Serves as board president overseeing organizational strategy and governance. Committed to advancing the company's mission through community engagement and artistic development initiatives.
Matthew Crown
Vice President
Supports leadership in expanding educational programs and performance opportunities. Works with board to ensure financial sustainability while maintaining artistic excellence in Montana's dance community.
Questions
How can my child participate in performances?
Students join through open auditions or academy enrollment. Regular classes and summer programs prepare dancers for roles in community productions.
Are tickets available online?
Yes, purchase tickets at www.yellowstoneballet.info. Cash or check accepted at the door if available.
Do you offer volunteer opportunities?
Volunteers assist with ushering, ticketing, and backstage operations. Contact us through the website to join our support team.
What dance styles do you teach?
We specialize in classical ballet with Cecchetti and ABT methods, plus contemporary and lyrical classes for diverse training.
Can adults join classes?
Yes, we offer adult beginner/intermediate ballet classes and summer workshops for non-professional dancers.
Videos
Reviews (1)
Eric M.
Oct 23, 2017
Report
After looking for several years, we finally found a ballet school that our daughter could fit in with and excel. As a little child, she'd always say that becoming a ballerina was her dream. We tried several schools in Minnesota and finally found the right school here in Livingston, Montana. Last year, she played a leading role in Yellowstone Ballet's Nutcracker performance. Kudos to Kathleen Rakela, founder and director, and to all of the local businesses for their continued school support, and everyone else involved in keeping this excellent ballet school going. Because of you, my daughter's dream
