Our Essence

Our Policies

Transparency and trust guide our policies, ensuring clarity in our refund and return processes.

Cookies policy

What are cookies

Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help websites function properly and improve your browsing experience.

How So W Use Cookies

Our website may use cookies to:

  • Remember your preferences
  • Improve website performance
  • Analyze visitor traffic
  • Support online ticketing, registration, and donations
  • Enhance website security

Analytics

We may use services such as Google Analytics to better understand how visitors use our website. These services collect anonymous information about website usage.

Third-Party Services

Some pages may include services provided by trusted third parties, including:

  • Online ticketing platforms
  • Donation processing services
  • Embedded videos
  • Social media content

These providers may place their own cookies according to their privacy policies.

Managing Cookies

Most web browsers allow you to:

  • View stored cookies
  • Delete cookies
  • Block cookies
  • Receive notifications when cookies are used

Please note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of certain features on our website.

Changes to This Policy

Montana Ballet Company may update this Privacy and Cookie Policy periodically. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.

Privacy policy

Effective Date: July 23, 2026

Montana Ballet Company (“MBC,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) values your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you share with us. 

Information We Collect

We may collect information you voluntarily provide, including:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Mailing address
  • Phone number
  • Donation information
  • Class registration information
  • Ticket purchases
  • Information submitted through contact forms or newsletter sign-ups

We may also automatically collect limited technical information when you visit our website, including:

  • IP address
  • Browser type
  • Device information
  • Pages visited
  • Time spent on our website
  • Referral source

How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Process ticket purchases and donations
  • Register students for classes and programs
  • Send newsletters and event updates (only if you opt in)
  • Respond to inquiries
  • Improve our website and services
  • Meet legal and financial reporting requirements

We will never sell your personal information.

Donations

Online donations are processed through secure third-party payment providers. Montana Ballet Company does not store your complete credit card information.

Email Communications

If you subscribe to our mailing list, we may send updates about performances, classes, fundraising campaigns, and special events.

You may unsubscribe at any time using the link included in every email.

Sharing Information

We do not sell or rent personal information.

We may share information with trusted service providers who help us operate our website, process payments, manage registrations, or send communications. These providers are required to safeguard your information.

Data Security

We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect your personal information. While no online transmission is completely secure, we work to protect the information entrusted to us.

Children's Privacy

Our Academy serves children; however, personal information for minors is collected only through a parent or legal guardian for registration and participation purposes.

Your Rights

You may request to:

  • Review your personal information
  • Correct inaccurate information
  • Request deletion of your information where appropriate
  • Opt out of marketing communications

To make a request, contact us using the information below.

Contact

Montana Ballet Company
2304 North 7th Avenue, Suite C-3
Bozeman, MT 59715

Email: info@montanaballet.org

Phone: (406) 582-8702

Refund & Exchange Policy

General Policy

It is our general policy not to issue refunds for ticket sales. We encourage ticket purchasers to carefully review the details of their order before proceeding with their purchase. Despite this policy, we may elect to, but do not hereby obligate ourselves to, offer you an opportunity to receive a full or partial refund for your purchase, depending upon your individual circumstances.

Any ticket exchanges incur a $5 administrative fee.

Performance Cancellation and Ticket Resale Policy

If an event/performance is canceled for any reason, ticket purchasers may convert the value of their tickets into a tax-deductible donation, apply the value of their tickets to a future event/performance, or receive a full refund. Montana Ballet Company will attempt to contact all ticket holders by email whenever a ticketed event/performance has been canceled to arrange for a refund or exchange. All requests for refunds/exchanges must be made within 30 days of the date of the canceled event/performance.

Reselling tickets for Montana Ballet Company shows for more than the face value of the ticket, or value of the ticket advertised on our website, is prohibited. If you see a reseller breaking our terms and conditions, please send an email to info@montanaballet.org.

Donation Policy

Donations are generally considered non-refundable. If you believe an error has been made processing your donation or have any questions about your contribution, you can reach the Development Director by email at development@montanaballet.org. All recurring donations may have an End Date established online at the time of the donation or may be canceled at any time by emailing the Development Director.

Season Tickets & Subscriptions Purchase Policy

All Season Tickets and Subscriptions are non-refundable unless otherwise discussed. Please pay careful attention to your purchase before submitting it.

Academy Tuition Policy

All tuition and registration fees paid to the Academy are non-refundable. There are no tuition credits. No portion of tuition will be refunded in the event of absence, injury, relocation, decision to withdraw, or dismissal from the Academy. 

By enrolling in Montana Ballet Company (MBC) activities, I, the registered student or guardian of the registered student, understand and acknowledge the nature of MBC activities, and (1) fully consent to the student’s participation in MBC activities; (2) attest that the student is in adequate physical condition to participate in MBC activities; (3) confirm that the student has been approved by a physician to participate in dance and MBC activities. I understand that dance is strenuous, involving repetitive and sustained physical activity and numerous types of movements that place intense demands on the human body and carry the risk of potentially serious injury. I am aware that falls and collisions with other students or objects may occur. I understand that dance instruction may involve physical manipulation of the student to correct body alignment and form. I also understand that Montana Ballet Company is not staffed to supervise students at all times and is not responsible for students’ behavior or activities outside of class. As the student’s guardian, I agree that I am responsible for the student at all times outside of class. In case of a medical emergency, I grant permission to MBC and its staff, representatives, and volunteers to provide, in their careful judgment, first aid and emergency treatment necessary for the registered student while participating in MBC activities. I also consent to the transport of the student to a facility required for treatment, and to any emergency treatment deemed necessary by licensed physicians and/or other medical personnel. I expressly indemnify and HOLD HARMLESS MBC, its Staff, representatives, and volunteers from any negligence and all costs resulting from the decision to obtain and provide such emergency treatment. I agree that I am responsible for any and all expenses related to any required medical treatment. I represent that I am 18 years of age or older and am signing this document of my own free will. I acknowledge and understand the above-referenced statements and activities, and I hereby give permission for the registered student to participate in MBC activities. I assume the risk for any injuries or illnesses that may be incurred while engaged in dance classes, performances, public appearances, and/or other related activities, including, but not limited to, necessary travel. I hereby agree to release, waive, covenant not to sue, indemnify, and HOLD HARMLESS Montana Ballet Company, its officers, directors, agents, servants, and employees from any and all liability, fault, claims, demands, and actions whatsoever for any loss, property damage to the student or to third parties, and/or injuries or illnesses the student may incur while engaged in Montana Ballet Company activities, including, but not limited to, dance classes, performances, public appearances, and/or related activities, and necessary travel. 

PHOTO/VIDEO RELEASE 

I consent to the reproduction and/or use of any and all Montana Ballet Company photographs, videotapes, film, or audio recordings, and/or other likeness of myself or my child for advertising or promotional purposes by Montana Ballet Company without compensation or other consideration. Any and all reproductions will become the sole property of Montana Ballet Company, and I release all rights to said reproductions. If you do not consent to MBC’s Photo/Video Release, please contact our office directly at: 406.582.8702 or info@montanaballet.org, so that we may honor your wishes appropriately. Thank you. 

HEALTH POLICIES 

MBC COVID-19 Protocols and Agreement: Face masks are no longer required at MBC. We support individual choice to continue wearing masks if you feel more comfortable. We kindly ask you to respect individual decisions. The MBC Board of Directors reviews our COVID safety protocols monthly and has the discretion to modify protocols based on community transmission rates and other factors. We will make every effort to minimize the risk of disease transmission. Our studios and all surfaces will be regularly disinfected. Despite the safety measures we all take, there is still a possibility that you or your child may be exposed to the COVID-19 virus or other illness while participating in and/or traveling to MBC activities. I represent that I am 18 years of age or older and am signing this document of my own free will. I acknowledge that I have read and understand MBC’s COVID-19 safety protocols and agree to adhere to these protocols. I hereby give permission for the registered student to participate in MBC activities and assume any risk of exposure or illness related to COVID-19 or other disease. I release Montana Ballet Company, its officers, directors, agents, servants, and employees from any and all liability or fault associated with COVID-19 or other illness. 

Requesting a Refund or Exchange

If you believe you qualify for a refund or exchange, please contact Montana Ballet Company at info@montanaballet.org.

2026–2027 Academy Handbook</

Terms of Service

Last Updated: September 1, 2026

1. Agreement to Terms

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) constitute an agreement between you and Montana Ballet Company (“Montana Ballet,” “MBC,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) regarding your access to and use of the Montana Ballet Company website, online forms, registration systems, communications, and related digital services (collectively, the “Services”).

By accessing or using our Services, submitting an inquiry or registration form, purchasing tickets, making a donation, enrolling in a program, or otherwise interacting with Montana Ballet Company online, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to these Terms.

If you do not agree with these Terms, please discontinue use of the Services.

Montana Ballet Company may be contacted at:

Montana Ballet Company
2304 N. 7th Ave., Suite C-3
Bozeman, MT 59715
Phone: 406-582-8702
Email: info@montanaballet.org
Website: www.montanaballet.org

2. Montana Ballet Company Services

Montana Ballet Company cultivates dance experiences for students, professional artists, patrons, and members of the community.

Our Services may include information, registration, communications, or transactions concerning:

  • Ballet Academy enrollment
  • Lower Division and Upper Division training
  • Adult dance classes
  • Summer programs and intensives
  • Auditions
  • Performances
  • The Nutcracker and other productions
  • Workshops and masterclasses
  • Community programs
  • Special events
  • Ticket sales
  • Donations and fundraising
  • Other educational and artistic opportunities

Programs, schedules, faculty, pricing, performance opportunities, eligibility requirements, and availability are subject to change.

3. Registration and Enrollment

Submission of an inquiry, lead form, audition form, or registration request does not guarantee acceptance, enrollment, placement, casting, scholarship assistance, or availability in any Montana Ballet Company program.

Participation may be subject to:

  • Age requirements
  • Placement or audition requirements
  • Class availability
  • Tuition or program fees
  • Registration deadlines
  • Attendance expectations
  • Dress codes
  • Conduct policies
  • Parent or guardian authorization
  • Waivers and releases
  • Other program-specific requirements

Montana Ballet Company reserves the right to determine class placement and program eligibility based on its educational and artistic judgment.

Individual programs may be governed by additional registration agreements, refund policies, waivers, handbooks, releases, or other terms.

4. Children and Minors

Montana Ballet Company offers programming for children and teenagers.

When a participant is a minor, a parent or legal guardian should complete registrations, inquiries, enrollment agreements, payment authorizations, waivers, and other legally binding forms on the minor’s behalf.

Children under 13 should not independently submit personal information through Montana Ballet Company’s online forms.

Individuals between ages 13 and 17 should use Montana Ballet Company’s online Services with the knowledge and supervision of a parent or legal guardian.

By registering a minor, you represent that you are the participant’s parent or legal guardian or otherwise have legal authority to act on the participant’s behalf.

5. Payments, Tuition, Tickets, and Donations

You agree to provide accurate and complete information when completing a purchase, enrollment, donation, or other transaction.

Montana Ballet Company may use third-party service providers to process:

  • Tuition
  • Registration fees
  • Tickets
  • Donations
  • Program fees
  • Other payments

Refunds, credits, transfers, withdrawals, cancellations, and missed-class policies will be governed by the terms applicable to the specific program or transaction.

Submission of payment does not override class-placement decisions, audition requirements, conduct policies, attendance requirements, or other eligibility standards.

6. SMS/Text Messaging Terms

Montana Ballet Company Messaging Program

Montana Ballet Company may offer text-message communications to individuals who expressly opt in to receive them.

These messages may include information about:

  • Ballet classes and enrollment
  • Program availability
  • Summer programs and intensives
  • Auditions
  • Workshops and masterclasses
  • Performances
  • Events
  • Registration deadlines
  • Free or promotional class opportunities
  • Scheduling
  • Program reminders
  • Special offers
  • Other Montana Ballet Company programs and opportunities

Consent

By voluntarily checking an SMS consent box, completing an applicable opt-in form, or otherwise expressly opting in to Montana Ballet Company text messaging, you consent to receive recurring SMS or MMS messages from Montana Ballet Company at the mobile number you provide.

Consent to receive marketing text messages is not a condition of purchasing any goods or services, registering for classes, or participating in Montana Ballet Company programs.

SMS consent must be provided separately from acceptance of these Terms.

Message Frequency

Message frequency varies depending on your interactions with Montana Ballet Company, the programs in which you have expressed interest, and current enrollment, performance, or promotional activity.

Messages may be recurring.

Message and Data Rates

Message and data rates may apply. Your mobile carrier’s standard messaging and data charges may apply to messages sent or received.

Opting Out

You may unsubscribe from Montana Ballet Company text messages at any time by replying STOP.

After you send STOP, you may receive one final text message confirming that you have been unsubscribed.

You will not receive additional marketing text messages unless you subsequently opt in again.

Help

For assistance with Montana Ballet Company text messaging, reply HELP.

You may also contact us at:
info@montanaballet.org
406-582-8702

Supported Carriers

Wireless carriers are not responsible for delayed or undelivered messages. Delivery of text messages is subject to effective transmission by your wireless carrier and network provider.

Changing Your Mobile Number

If you discontinue use of a mobile number that has been enrolled in Montana Ballet Company messaging, you should opt out before discontinuing that number or contact Montana Ballet Company so our records may be updated.

SMS Privacy

Mobile information, text-messaging opt-in data, and SMS consent information will not be sold or shared with third parties or affiliates for their own marketing or promotional purposes.

Information may be provided to service providers that assist Montana Ballet Company in delivering communications, but only as reasonably necessary to provide those services.

For additional information regarding how Montana Ballet Company handles personal information, please review our Privacy Policy.

7. Email Communications

Individuals who provide an email address may receive communications related to inquiries, registrations, transactions, classes, performances, events, and other interactions with Montana Ballet Company.

When an individual has provided appropriate consent, Montana Ballet Company may also send promotional emails regarding:

  • Enrollment
  • Classes
  • Summer programs
  • Auditions
  • Masterclasses
  • Performances
  • Tickets
  • Special events
  • Fundraising
  • Other opportunities

Promotional email recipients may unsubscribe using the unsubscribe link included in the applicable email.

Unsubscribing from promotional emails does not prevent Montana Ballet Company from sending necessary transactional, registration, safety, payment, or administrative communications.

8. Intellectual Property

Unless otherwise indicated, Montana Ballet Company owns, controls, or licenses the content appearing through its Services.

This may include:

  • Logos and trademarks
  • Photographs
  • Videos
  • Text
  • Graphics
  • Program materials
  • Educational materials
  • Website designs
  • Performance materials
  • Audio
  • Promotional materials
  • Software and website functionality

Content may not be copied, republished, distributed, sold, modified, or commercially exploited without appropriate authorization.

Nothing in these Terms transfers ownership of Montana Ballet Company intellectual property to a user.

9. Photographs, Videos, and Performances

Montana Ballet Company may photograph or record classes, rehearsals, productions, events, and performances where permitted by applicable law and any applicable media release or participation agreement.

Student participation may be subject to a separate media release completed by the participant or, when applicable, a parent or legal guardian.

Photography, videography, livestreaming, or recording by patrons or participants may be restricted during classes, rehearsals, productions, and performances.

Users must comply with all posted policies and staff instructions regarding photography and recording.

10. Acceptable Use

You agree not to use Montana Ballet Company’s Services to:

  • Violate any law or regulation
  • Submit false or misleading information
  • Impersonate another person
  • Misrepresent your authority to act for a minor
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to computer systems or accounts
  • Introduce malware or harmful software
  • Interfere with website functionality
  • Scrape or systematically collect data without permission
  • Harass or threaten another individual
  • Violate another party’s intellectual-property rights
  • Engage in fraudulent activity
  • Use the Services for an unauthorized commercial purpose

Montana Ballet Company may restrict or terminate access when it reasonably determines that these Terms have been violated.

11. Third-Party Services

Montana Ballet Company may use or link to third-party providers for services such as:

  • Registration
  • Customer relationship management
  • Email and SMS messaging
  • Ticketing
  • Payments
  • Donations
  • Website hosting
  • Advertising
  • Analytics
  • Social media

Use of a third-party service may also be governed by that provider’s own terms and privacy policies.

Montana Ballet Company does not control and is not responsible for the independent privacy, security, availability, or business practices of third-party providers.

12. Health and Physical Activity

Dance training and performance are physical activities and involve inherent risks.

Information provided through Montana Ballet Company’s website or communications is not medical advice.

Participants and parents or guardians are responsible for determining whether participation in a program is appropriate and for providing accurate information concerning relevant injuries, medical conditions, allergies, accessibility requirements, or other needs when requested.

Participation may require completion of separate liability waivers, emergency forms, or medical authorizations.

13. Changes to Classes, Programs, and Performances

Montana Ballet Company may modify, postpone, substitute, relocate, or cancel a class, teacher, guest artist, program, rehearsal, performance, cast, schedule, or event when reasonably necessary.

Circumstances may include:

  • Illness or injury
  • Weather
  • Instructor or artist availability
  • Enrollment levels
  • Facility issues
  • Public emergencies
  • Government actions
  • Transportation disruptions
  • Events outside Montana Ballet Company’s reasonable control

Any applicable refund, credit, or rescheduling policy will be governed by the terms associated with the affected program or transaction.

14. Disclaimer of Warranties

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Montana Ballet Company’s website and digital Services are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis.

Montana Ballet Company does not guarantee that:

  • The website will always be available without interruption
  • Website information will always be error-free
  • Participation will result in a particular placement
  • A dancer will receive specific casting
  • A dancer will receive scholarships or employment
  • Participation will lead to a particular professional or artistic outcome

Nothing on the website should be interpreted as a guarantee of admission, casting, professional advancement, employment, or other particular result.

15. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Montana Ballet Company and its officers, directors, employees, instructors, contractors, volunteers, and representatives shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary, or punitive damages arising solely from use of the website or digital Services.

Nothing in these Terms limits liability where such limitation is prohibited by applicable law.

Separate participation agreements and liability waivers may govern physical participation in Montana Ballet Company classes, rehearsals, performances, and other activities.

16. Privacy

Use of Montana Ballet Company’s Services is also governed by the Montana Ballet Company Privacy Policy.

The Privacy Policy explains how Montana Ballet Company collects, uses, protects, and discloses personal information.

17. Electronic Communications

By using Montana Ballet Company’s electronic Services, you consent to receive records, notices, confirmations, disclosures, and other communications electronically where permitted by law.

Electronic forms, acknowledgments, checkboxes, and signatures may constitute valid electronic records and signatures to the extent permitted by applicable law.

18. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by the laws of the State of Montana and applicable federal law, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

To the extent permitted by law, legal disputes relating to these Terms or use of Montana Ballet Company’s website shall be brought in the appropriate state or federal courts having jurisdiction in or over Gallatin County, Montana.

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Tim Edgar

Academy Faculty Social Dance

Professional Ballroom Dance Instructor

Tim is a DVIDA-certified professional ballroom dance instructor who helps dancers of all ages—from the young to the young-at-heart—discover the joy of movement and connect with their inner confidence through dance.

Before finding his passion on the dance floor, Tim was searching for his true calling in life. That all changed the day a friend literally carried him onto a dance floor—and the rest is history! (Be sure to ask him about it; he loves telling the story.)

Tim spent four successful years honing his craft at a prominent franchise studio in Denver before finding a home at Colorado Dancesport. Over the next decade, he helped elevate the studio into one of the top-ranked dance facilities in the nation, teaching students ranging in age from 4 to 84. After 14 incredible years in Colorado, Tim has brought his extensive expertise, passion, and elite training back home to Montana.

When he isn’t in the studio, Tim fully embraces the mountain lifestyle. You can usually find him outdoors downhill skiing, mountain biking, exploring local craft breweries, or sampling new culinary experiences.

Whether you are preparing for a romantic wedding first dance, looking for a fun private group class, or aspiring to hit the competitive dance circuit, Tim is available to help you reach your goals.

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Donna Murphy

Donna Murphrey

Director

After graduating from the University of Memphis, Donna spent her career financing commercial real estate from hotels to office buildings and shopping centers, from Alaska to Arkansas.  She retired to Bozeman where she has been vacationing for over 25 years enjoying hiking, skiing and biking.  Donna is a landscape and wildlife artist and a musician, traveling all over Europe and Canada with her choir.   She is active in the Bozeman Women’s Activity Group (BWAGs) and P.E.O.  Her love for ballet began as a child and grew while living in the San Francisco area.

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Kalie Lee

Director

Kalie Lee is a seasoned Strategy Manager specializing in product development, data asset management, and advanced analytics. Throughout her career, she has led high-impact initiatives focused on strategic growth, regulatory compliance, and enhancing service delivery and customer experiences.

A lifelong advocate for the arts, Kalie’s connection to the ballet is deeply personal. Raised in Bozeman, Montana, she trained intensively in ballet from a young age, an experience that instilled in her a lifelong foundation of discipline, dedication, and artistry. Kalie joined the Montana Ballet Company Board of Directors in 2026, leveraging her unique blend of strategic expertise and financial oversight on the Finance Committee to support high-quality dance education and sustain a vibrant professional ballet company for the community.

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Tom Brereton

Director

After a distinguished forty-four-year career in independent education, Tom fully retired in 2019 and relocated to Bozeman with his wife, Amy, to be closer to their four adult children and growing family. Over twenty-nine years as a Head of School, Tom led three highly successful independent institutions—The Miami Valley School, The Galloway School, and Episcopal Day School—where he championed academic excellence, strategic planning, and comprehensive arts education. Passionate about dance and fine arts, Tom built a new visual arts studio at MVS, established the first ballet and modern dance program at Galloway, and even studied ballet and modern dance firsthand alongside students at the Dayton Ballet Company studio. A seasoned leader in nonprofit governance, he has extensive board experience, having served as Trustee and President of the Ohio Association of Independent Schools, and as a Trustee for the Dayton Ballet Company and the Rosenthal Fund for the Performing Arts, among numerous other education and community organizations. Now firmly rooted in Montana, Tom enjoys volunteering, exploring the region’s outdoor and winter sports, swimming with the Bozeman Masters Swim Team, and immersing himself in Bozeman’s vibrant college-town culture. He is incredibly excited to join the Montana Ballet Company Board of Directors and looks forward to utilizing his deep strategic, financial, and artistic background to help realize the Company’s future goals and aspirations.

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Lucy E. Bettis

Lucy E. Bettis

Director

Lucy E. Bettis has lived and worked in many parts of the country. Born in California, she grew up in the Washington DC area, attended the Cornell Law School, and moved west for her working career. Lucy was a partner in a small litigation firm in San Francisco, representing Fortune 100 companies in science, technology, and medicine-related matters. After relocating to Santa Fe, NM, Lucy’s ‘second act’ professionally involve public finance and utility regulation. She was Senior Corporate Counsel for PNM, the state’s largest electric provider. She also served on the Board of Directors of the Santa Fe Community College. As a lifelong lover of all things winter, Lucy had often visited Bozeman during her career and elected to move to Bozeman in 2023.

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Lori Pilon

Lori K. Pilon

Secretary

Lori is a lifelong dancer and bunhead. She grew up in Overland Park, KS, dancing under the tutelage of Kathy and Dennis Landsman, Paula Weber, and Courtney Kierl-Bourman. She spent her summers at the Joffrey Ballet, briefly considered a professional ballet career, and quickly realized she loved academia in addition to the art of dance. She attended Wake Forest University on dance and academic scholarships, majoring in History with a double minor in Spanish and Dance. During her time there, she enjoyed teaching all ages in the WFU Community Dance Program, choreographing, and spending as much time as possible in the studio.
 
Lori is the Private Wealth Advisor for U.S. Bank in Bozeman, serving high-net-worth individuals and families in western Montana. She considers herself to be an accidental financial professional but has thoroughly enjoyed her decade-plus in the industry. Outside of work and ballet, Lori enjoys all the outdoor activities with her Bozeman-native husband/tour guide. She and her young daughter have a newfound love of downhill skiing, so you can find her whole family on the ski hill in the wintertime.
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Elizabeth Bentler

Elizabeth Bentler

Treasurer

Elizabeth moved to Bozeman in July of 2023 from Washington, DC, and currently works in fundraising at Bozeman-based Highwood Capital and Bannack Group.  Prior to moving to Montana, Elizabeth lived in DC for several years, fundraising for a variety of political organizations.

In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys learning to dance at MBC, practicing Pilates, and exploring all that Montana has to offer.  In addition to her role on the MBC Board of Directors, she also serves as the recruitment advisor to the MSU chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi and on the Advisory Committee for a youth non-profit scholarship organization in her home state of California. Elizabeth is a graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Political Science.

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David Steinmuller

David Steinmuller

Vice President

David Steinmuller is a former biomedical scientist whose research concerned the immune responses to tissue and organ transplants. He grew up in New Haven, Connecticut. He received his B.A. in biology from Swarthmore College in 1956 and his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia in 1961. Over the years, he was a faculty member at the Universities of Washington, Utah, Michigan, and then Iowa before moving to Montana with his wife, Patti in 1992, where he was a part-time professor at Montana State University before retiring in 2004.  He has loved art, music, and dance, especially classical ballet for as long as he can remember and has a special interest in the history of ballet.

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Sarah Milligan

Sarah Milligan

PRESIDENT

Sarah Milligan is a life-long ballet fan from Pensacola, Florida. Sarah received training from Dorothy Lister and Kaleidoscope/Ballet Pensacola and Ballet Arts Minnesota before attending the dance program at Indiana University, Bloomington. Upon graduation, Sarah worked on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, for several members of the US House of Representatives. She is currently the Political Director for the American Dental Association and a certified Barre3 instructor.

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Kaitlin Bowman

Kaitlin Bowman

Operations Assistant

Kaitlin grew up around ballet and has always admired the hard work and dedication of dancers. A ballet dancer until the age of 14, they couldn’t stay away from it even after quitting. 

Coming on board with MBC in late 2022, Kaitlin has been delighted to spend every day around dance. Outside of MBC, they are an illustrator and game artist. Kaitlin lives in Manhattan with their family, three cats, and two dogs.

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Rebecca Berke

Rebecca Berke

Ballet & Character Mistress

Rebecca Berke majored in ballet education at the University of Utah, where she danced with Ballet Ensemble and the Utah Light Opera Company.  She began teaching in California in 1975 and later opened and directed Ballet and Theatre Arts in Danville, CA, in 1983 until 2006.  She also founded and directed the Danville Ballet Company for pre-professional dancers.  She then went on to direct the Professional Ballet Training Program for Community Arts in Walnut Creek, CA. Most recently, she was the Associate Director of the Diablo Ballet School. Rebecca teaches master classes in Mindfulness for Dancers, Aspects of Technique & Artistry, Character Dance, Dance History–The New Chapter, and Sanctuary Self (breathe, move, ground).

She is committed to training dancers in the art of dance as well as provide them with an understanding of their bodies and how it can be used with respect, dignity and for expressing their strength and beauty in their art form.

Rebecca is also a Board-Certified Hypnotherapist, and Mindfulness teacher and coach.

Rebecca is married with four grown children, one stepson, and ten lively grandchildren.

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Leigh Ripley Headshot

Leigh Ripley

Marketing & Operations Director

Leigh believes that the talent and work required to combine athleticism and artistry into visual poetry is to be watched with awe and respect. She is truly honored to be a member of the Montana Ballet Company.

Leigh brings to MBC an extensive background in Business Operations and Event and Sports Marketing. She has held positions with the National Football League, International Sports Broadcasting/XIX Winter Olympic Games, and the Valley Ice Garden/Bozeman Ice Dogs.

In addition to her position with Montana Ballet Company, Leigh is co-owner of Montana Parent; the avidly read parenting magazine for families living in southwest Montana.

Leigh spent her youth and college years as a competitive figure skater, developing an admiration for classical ballet in her training. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations from the school of Journalism, specializing in Sports Marketing.

She lives in Bozeman with her three daughters: two competitive cheerleaders and one barrel racer.

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Karen Smith

Outreach & Artistic Operations Director

Karen Smith is the Programs Coordinator and an Instructor with Montana Ballet Company. She began with MBC upon its inception under Ann Bates in 1983 and has been back with the Company since 2012. She has studied on scholarship around the country, including with the Pacific Northwest Ballet School, The Joffrey Ballet, and the Milwaukee Ballet School, and with teachers including Joy and Conrad Ludlow, Georges Golovine, and Lynda Yourth among others. Karen has a special history with MBC, having grown up with our organization and performing in MBC’s very first Nutcracker production. During that time, she managed the Montana Ballet School, danced with the Company, and served as assistant choreographer and rehearsal assistant for the Company’s productions. Karen has experience teaching students of all ages and abilities, including with MBC, the Ballet Academy of Texas in Coppell, TX, and as a Dancing Classrooms Teaching Artist in Residence in Dallas/Fort Worth Elementary Schools. She was formally trained in Adaptive Dance at the Boston Ballet and is head instructor for MBC’s Adaptive Dance Program. Karen is a licensed Progressing Ballet Technique teacher with a B.A. in English from Montana State University. After exploring, living, working, and dancing around the world, Karen is happily back in Bozeman with her husband of 29 years, two kids, two cats, a hedgehog, and a pug named Percy.

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Edna Mae Berkey

Edna Mae Berkey

General Manager

Edna Mae is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in Theatre, specializing in Arts Administration and Stage Management. In 2003, Edna Mae embarked on her dance journey by joining Ballet Memphis as Company Stage Manager. In 2005, she had the privilege to accompany the inaugural Trey McIntyre Project as stage manager, where she oversaw performances at the renowned Jacob’s Pillow Dance.

Later in 2005, Edna Mae became the Company Stage Manager for North Carolina Dance Theatre (now Charlotte Ballet). She devoted the next 10 seasons to the Charlotte Ballet. Significant moments during this period include moving the company into its first new building, performing at the Kennedy Center for Dance Across America, and engaging with works by both esteemed and emerging choreographers such as George Balanchine, Nacho Duato, Twyla Tharp, Jiri Kylian, Mark Godden, Dwight Rhoden, Septime Webre, Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, and Sasha Janes. She was promoted to Director of Artistic Operations in 2012. While with Charlotte Ballet, Edna Mae had the privilege of spending summers working at the prestigious Chautauqua Institution as Production Manager. During that time she also graduated from the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, recently earning the Guild of the Seven Seals.

In 2014, Edna Mae returned to Ohio to be closer to her family and worked in commercial and residential construction until April 2019, when she was honored to be appointed as the Executive Director of Short North Stage. In 2020 the world changed and Edna Mae, believing in our ability to adapt, focused on becoming a glass artist, founding PB & Jammy Glass, which focuses on blown glass, fused glass, and stained glass. Her work has been exhibited in galleries and featured at festivals throughout the Midwest.

Edna Mae is so excited about her next adventure with MBC and looks forward to experiencing the beauty of the American West with her two cats, Max and Boo.

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Mellissa Bowman

Melissa Bowman

Artistic Director

Melissa Allen Bowman began her classical ballet training at age six with Lois Ellyn, formerly of New York City Ballet, and at age eleven began training with Stanley Holden and Margaret Graham Hills, both from The Royal Ballet in London.

At age fifteen, she joined the corps de ballet of American Ballet Theatre, where she danced for the next seven years. During that time, Bowman began her own ballet company, the Emerson Dance Theatre, which featured up-and-coming ABT dancers. From 1981 to 1988, Bowman also appeared in several of ABT’s Great Performances in America.

In 1988, she moved to Europe to join the Bern Ballet in Switzerland and then the Zurich Ballet with Uwe Scholz. In 1990, she followed Scholz to Leipzig, Germany, where she was a Soloist and became his Associate Director.

Over the span of her career, she has danced Soloist and Principal roles in Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet, Swan Lake, and La Bayadere.

Bowman returned to the United States in 1999 to join the staff of the Pittsburgh Youth Ballet, where in 2000, she became resident choreographer and Associate Director. In 2004, she established, with her husband Richard, Danse Conservatory and California Danse Theatre Youth Ballet and served as the Artistic Director for five years.

Bowman taught at the ABT Summer Intensive in Detroit starting in 2003 and, after five years, became the Artistic Director of the ABT Summer Intensives.

In 2007 she became an advisor to ABT’s National Training Curriculum. Ms. Bowman was previously the Assistant Principal of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School at ABT and the Director of the Children’s Division.

She joined Houston Ballet in 2016 and served as both the Academy Director and the Director of Curriculum for the Houston Ballet Academy.

She moved to Bozeman this year with her husband, Richard Bowman, and their two children. She is thrilled to be a part of the MBC family.

Melissa Allen Bowman is an ABT® Certified Teacher, who has successfully completed the ABT® Teacher Training Intensive in Pre-Primary through Level 7 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum.

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Eliana Tolentino

Eliana Tolentino

Company Dancer

ELIANA TOLENTINO is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She has spent the last four seasons dancing with Ballet Spartanburg performing principal and soloist roles including, The Winter Fairy in Cinderella, Myrtle in The Great Gatsby, Sugar Plum Fairy, Arabian, and Tarantella in The Nutcracker, Aurora in Sleeping Beauty, Black Swan Pas de Deux from Swan Lake, Betsy in The Mighty Casey, and Myrtha from Giselle as well as numerous contemporary works. She began her training at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s School culminating at the highest level of the PBTS Graduate Program. Some of her repertoire there includes: Principal roles in Graduation Ball, excerpts from Paquita, Grand Pas De Deux from Terrence Orr’s The Nutcracker, and Waltz Girl from George Balanchine’s Serenade set by Jerri Kumery. She also danced roles with the Company in performances of The Nutcracker, Giselle, and  Beauty and The Beast. Eliana has attended summer programs at Saratoga Ballet, Miami City Ballet, Tulsa Ballet, Kaatsbaan Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, Point Park University and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. Eliana is excited to continue her professional career with Montana Ballet Company.

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Gates releve

Gates Northrup

Company Dancer

Gates Northrup is from Minneapolis, Minnesota, with a strong foundation in both classical and contemporary repertory. She trained at Minnesota Dance Theatre from 2010–2012 before continuing her studies at Nevada Ballet Theatre from 2012–2014. She returned to Minnesota Dance Theatre from 2014–2022, joining the company as an apprentice in 2019 and later performing as a company dancer.Gates earned her Bachelor of Science in Ballet from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, with a minor in Psychology, graduating in three years. She has performed works by Loyce and Lise Houlton, George Balanchine, Sir Frederick Ashton, Dwight Rhoden, Twyla Tharp, Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, Sasha Janes, and Michael Vernon. Since 2020, she has taught ballet at both Minnesota Dance Theatre and Indiana University’s Pre-College Program. Gates is excited for her first season with Montana Ballet Company! 

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Cassidy McAndrew

Company Dancer

Cassidy McAndrew began her ballet training at age five in Stamford, CT. At eleven, she continued her training at Ballet Academy East (BAE) under the direction of Darla Hoover. Upon graduating from BAE in 2015, Cassidy joined Charlotte Ballet as an apprentice for the 2015–2016 season, where she was mentored by the legendary Patricia McBride.She subsequently danced with Philadelphia Ballet for four seasons, performing corps de ballet and soloist roles in a wide-ranging repertoire by Angel Corella, Jerome Robbins, George Balanchine, Ben Stevenson, Sir Kenneth MacMillan, Alexander Ekman, Matthew Neenan, and Helen Pickett.In 2021, Cassidy joined Los Angeles Ballet for the 2021–2022 season. From 2022–2025, she freelanced throughout the greater Los Angeles area, performing principal roles with companies including Inland Pacific Ballet, Ballet Project OC, and The Realm Company.Cassidy began teaching in 2020 and has taught at notable institutions such as Ballet Academy East, Los Angeles Ballet School, Westside School of Ballet, and Inland Pacific Ballet. Now based in Bozeman, she is thrilled to join MBC as a member of the Company and a faculty member, sharing her artistry, experience, and love of ballet with the greater Bozeman community.

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Dancer

Madelyn Kleven

Company Dancer

Madelyn Kleven is from Seattle, WA, where she spent ten years training with the Pacific Northwest Ballet School (PNBS). Upon graduating from PNBS, Madelyn moved to Pittsburgh, PA, and spent a season dancing in Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's Graduate Program. In 2022, she joined Oregon Ballet Theatre's second company. During her three seasons with Oregon Ballet Theatre, Madelyn performed works by George Balanchine, Trey McIntyre, Dani Rowe, Ben Stevenson, Christopher Stowell, and Dominic Walsh. She is excited to join MBC.