History

The Montana Ballet Company (MBC) was founded in 1984 by Ann Bates, who served as the Artistic Director until 1997. In its prestigious twenty-seven year history, Montana Ballet Company has had four Artistic Directors. Amy Lynn Stoddart has served as Artistic Director since 2008 and Elizabeth DeFanti has served as Co-Artistic Director since 2009. Katie O’Neill has served as Managing Director of MBC since 2007. The Company has an active and well-established Board of Directors who hold highly visible positions in the Arts, schools, and professional businesses throughout the Gallatin Valley. The city of Bozeman has a vested interest in the success of our continued future.

Founding Director Ann Bates believed, “Nowhere else in the rural west is there a small dance company with our big company goals.” The Montana Ballet has achieved many of these “big goals” since its inception, presenting seasons showcasing both original productions and international guest companies.  These three to five productions annually have included The Nutcracker, the Summer Dance Intensive, visiting companies including Jose Greco II Flamenco Company, Smuin Ballet, Ballet Stars of Moscow, International Import from Buenos Aires, Tangokinesis and most recently Brigham Young University’s International Dancer’s Company. MBC’s Annual Spring productions have included The Lion King, Ballet with the Beatles, Montana Myths, PULSE, and this year’s premier performances of The First Day. For over 25 years, Montana Ballet’s seasons have provided our community with a broad spectrum of dance and musical styles.

Throughout the years, MBC has also provided our community with a free Nutcracker dress rehearsal performance. This allows thousands of underserved families and youth in the greater Gallatin Valley the opportunity to experience the wonder of live performances regardless of income. The Montana Ballet is proud to continue this tradition of giving back to our community. 

With the generous support of business, individual, foundation, and government sponsors, The Montana Ballet Company remains passionate in realizing its mission “to present the highest caliber performances, to offer the finest quality dance training, and to enrich the minds and spirits of our community of dancers and audience members alike.”