Montana Ballet Company (MBC), under the direction of Elizabeth DeFanti, announces its 32ndAnnual production of The Nutcracker, on Friday, December 4 and Saturday, December 5 at the Willson Auditorium. This production is generously underwritten by: Tim and Mary Barnard, the Gilhousen Family Foundation, the Montana Arts Council’s Public Value Partnership, NorthWestern Energy, the Steinmuller Family Charitable Fund, the Bulis Family, and Sheri and Mitch Simkins. Montana Ballet Company is thrilled to welcome new guest artists Rachel Van Buskirk and Christian Clark, principal dancers with the Atlanta Ballet. Both guest artists have notable careers and have danced professionally throughout the United States and abroad. They will share the stage with MBC's own company dancers and nearly 100 dancers from the community. Also featured in the cast is Soren Kisiel, co-director of Broad Comedy, who will once again dance the role of Drosselmeyer. MBC’s production of The Nutcracker, set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, is one of the largest artistic collaborations in the region featuring the work of accomplished dancers, local and national level choreographers, guest artists, live musicians, seasoned stage technicians, lighting and costume designers and a host of dedicated volunteers. For MBC’s return to the Willson Auditorium, audiences will delight in new and exciting choreography and theatrical elements. The Bozeman Symphony will again provide live musical accompaniment, conducted by guest artist, Maestro Kyle Pickett, Music Director and Conductor for both the Springfield Symphony in Missouri and the Topeka Symphony in Kansas.