As a Missoula family photographer, I am constantly amazed at all the different ways kids choose to express themselves. From their colorful fashions to their gorgeous paintings, each child has the thing that makes them come alive. If your child is the type of person who expresses themselves best through movement, I think it might be time for you to check out Garden City Ballet! This family studio has been around for decades, putting on unforgettable performances. Here’s what you need to know to get involved!
Missoula, Montana
Garden City Ballet really is one of a kind! While most dance studios have a designated spot with regular classes, GCB brings in a constant rotation of dancers and professionals to get involved. Their work culminates with a yearly production of The Nutcracker. They have spent the past 40 years putting on an annual show that has quickly become a favorite for people across the city. Whether you want to watch from the crowd or participate from the stage, they have just the thing for you!
If your child has always wanted to participate in the Garden City Ballet production, the first thing they can do is audition for the show. It doesn’t matter which studio your child has trained with. They welcome people from across the city to show off their talents. They also have a few tools to help the dancers who really want to get onstage. Each summer, they host boot camps that will teach your child how to get started.
If this is your child’s first time, the Beginning Boot Camp is ideal for them. These sessions are available for kids ages 8-10, preferably with a year of ballet experience. Your child will be placed with a teacher who will spend a total of 5 hours with them learning how to improve. From there, the center offers intermediate classes as well as two weeks of advanced classes. During the camps, they will learn technique, pointe, audition tips, how to overcome anxiety, and how to handle the disappointment if they don’t get their dream role. The center will also provide them with a complimentary ballet headshot!
If you would prefer to watch the show from the seats, the Garden City Ballet troupe puts on a show each year in the middle of December. They reserve evening shows for guests ages 5 and up. Meanwhile, their matinee shows are family-friendly for all ages. The show is so popular that it tends to sell out early. If you don’t get a seat in time, you can check out the Montana Theatre box office 30 minutes ahead of the show, where they will release a limited number of tickets. The show lasts 2 hours with a 20-minute intermission.
If you are looking for the best experience for your family, Garden City Ballet is here for you! From yearly performances to informative boot camps, they have just the thing for your crew.
Are you looking for more ways to make all those milestones last? Then I would love to connect! As a Missoula family photographer, I adore partnering with families to plan sessions that capture all the moments they’ll want to cherish for years. Send me a message today to find out more!