Rocky Mountain Ballet Theatre: Dancing Among Nature 

Friday, July 28, 2017 

Among the trees in the Kootenai National Forests sits the one that will travel 2,000+ miles to the West Lawn of the United States Capitol this November. While summer may still be in full bloom, the community in Missoula, Montana is already gearing up with anticipation of the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree celebration this fall. 

The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree not only represents the forests of Montana, but the people, culture and communities as well. One of Missoula’s long standing ballet companies, the Rocky Mountain Ballet Theatre (RMBT) has been invited to be a part of the celebration as the community around the forest prepares for the tree’s journey. RMBT is celebrating its 20th year in Missoula in 2018.

As a symbol of the American West and Montana, RMBT will share dances and performances that tell stories of the rich heritage and connection to the Kootenai National Forest. RMBT will welcome the tree as it arrives in Missoula with performances including the Intertribal Pow Wow, the Montana Stampede (a kickline of cowgirls), the Timberline tap dance, the Wild Montana Turkey hip hop ballerina, Sugarplum Salsa, which is an RMBT seasonal favorite and H.A.T. which is a special commission by Washington Ballet Principal Dancer Andile Ndlovu for RMBT.

Following the tour, RMBT will head to Washington D.C. to perform as part of the tree lighting festivities, including a finale classical ballet piece that will premiere specifically for the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree celebration.

“Rocky Mountain Ballet Theatre is honored to share the heritage we passionately have for the American west and specifically Montana this holiday season 2017,” said Charlene Campbell Carey, RMBT Artistic Director. “This series of events honoring nature reflects how deeply we are connected to this place and what it represents. We will present our ballets and cultural footprints that reflect our open land, open hearts, open dances, and open dialogues as an American pioneer in our classical and contemporary ballet nation.

Learn more by visiting RMBT on the website or Facebook,  Twitter and Instagram.

Only a few months left until the celebration begins and we can’t wait!