Dancers Molly Groeschl & Lucas Segovia star in Yellowstone Ballet's production of The Nutcracker.
Argentinean ballet star Lucas Segovia headlines Yellowstone Ballet Company’s 33rd annual production of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic, performing the roles of the Nutcracker Prince and the Cavalier.
The Nutcracker will be performed at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, at Willson Auditorium in Bozeman.
Originally from Buenos Aires, Segovia joined Ballet Argentina as a soloist under Julio Bocca’s direction. He was promoted to Principal Dancer shortly after and was the only dancer performing a solo piece in Bocca’s farewell performance for over 300,000 people, which was broadcast on national TV.
As for knowing when he wanted to dance, Segovia said, “It was a matter of luck. I didn’t start dancing until I was 16 after a female friend convinced me to watch some dancing.”
The teenager realized, “It wasn’t a girly thing. There were a lot of guys taking classes, and the teacher was a man. I thought, ‘Why not? I’ll give it a try.’”
Segovia says passion for the art form is a driving force in his career. “The reason that I’m in this country and far away from my family is passion. It’s a way for me to express myself.”
This passion and ample talent have taken Segovia to theaters in 400 cities around the globe, including to venues in the United States, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Russia and Cuba.
He danced with The Joffrey Ballet for six seasons, performing in virtually the entire repertoire of the prestigious company as a soloist or principal dancer. He has danced works by Balanchine, Robbins, Twyla Tharp, and many more famous choreographers.
His accomplishments have earned him the Premio Clarin, the most prestigious recognition for the arts in Argentina.
Joining Segovia is Bozeman native Molly Groeschl. She began her lessons under Ann Bates and Dana Sorg in a studio overlooking downtown Main Street, and went on to train at Pacific Northwest Ballet, American Ballet Theater NYC, Orlando Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and Ballet West. She earned a BFA in ballet performance from the University of Utah and has performed professionally with Ballet Tucson, Ballet West, Milwaukee Ballet, Colorado Ballet and Madison Ballet.
Enhancing the production is a large cast from Yellowstone Ballet Academy, Raison d’etre Dance Project, the School of Classical Ballet Company, Billings, and Circus Center of Bozeman 406CIRQUE.
Every adult ticket purchase qualifies for a free child’s ticket. Children are encourage to dress up as a Nutcracker character and compete for one of three gift certificates from the Rocky Mountain Toy Company. The costume contest will occur during intermission and every participant will receive a small gift.
YBC is under the artistic direction of founder Kathleen Rakela, a recipient of the Montana Arts Council Fellowship for the Performing Arts. The innovative company has been featuring local, national, and international dance talent in Montana since 1990.
Rakela also runs the Yellowstone Ballet Academy. Her students have received scholarships to world-class ballet training centers and have danced professionally around the world.
Reserved tickets for YBC’s The Nutcracker are available at www.yellowstoneballet.info or with cash or check at the door. Patrons are advised to order their tickets early as last year’s matinee was sold out.
For questions email [email protected] text 406-219-6915 or phone 406-222-0430.