All Local, All Heart: Billings' New Nutcracker Tradition
December 2025
article by Hannah Olson | photos by Becky Biggins
This holiday season, the School of Classical Ballet (SCB) is bringing a dream to life with its very own, entirely original production of The Nutcracker. For the first time in the studio’s 55-year history, Billings audiences will experience a full-length, locally produced version of the beloved holiday classic performed entirely by area dancers.
Set for December 13 and 14 at Petro Theater on the MSUB campus, this production isn’t just another Nutcracker; it’s a complete celebration of community spirit, creativity, and local artistry. Every step, costume, and pirouette has been imagined and brought to life right here in Billings by SCB’s talented instructors and students, pairing Tchaikovsky’s timeless score with all-original choreography, contemporary touches, and a few joyful surprises along the way.
“This is something we’ve talked about for years,” says Leigh Schanfein, instructor, choreographer, and co-director of the ballet company. For years, the studio has partnered with San Diego Ballet’s professional company and the Billings Symphony to showcase a classic production of The Nutcracker that has a legacy all its own. While continuing this tradition, SCB still wanted something of its own. “We’ve done excerpts and collaborations, but never our own full production. Now, every role, from the tiniest dancer to the Sugar Plum Fairy, is danced by our students and faculty. It’s our choreography, our community, our story.”
The production will feature not only classical ballet but also tap, jazz, hip-hop, and modern dance, all woven together, with styles choreographed by SCB instructors, including Christy Martin, Tiffany Wardell, Ricki Feeley, and Nicole Baggio. Martin, who also performs as the Nutcracker, notes that the freedom and accessibility make this production especially meaningful.
“The soldiers lend themselves nicely to tap,” she says with a laugh. “It’s really fun to have the freedom to incorporate other styles; it doesn’t have to be just ballet!”
MEET THE PRINCIPAL DANCERS
Bella Kollender - Snow Queen
For 16-year-old Bella Kollender, dancing the role of the Snow Queen is more than a part; it’s a dream realized. Having trained for ten years, Bella’s love for ballet began with a music box her grandmother gave her as a child.
“When I was little, I’d watch the ballerina spin inside that box and think, ‘I want to do that,’” she recalls. “Now, getting to perform this role feels like that dream coming to life.”
Bella says this production has given her opportunities she never expected. “San Diego Ballet usually brings in professionals for the main parts, so I never thought I’d get to be Snow Queen or Sugar Plum. It means a lot that my studio created this opportunity for us.”
Leigh Schanfein says Bella’s artistry makes her unforgettable on stage. “People are always coming up to me after shows to say how moved they were by Bella’s performance,” she says. “She’s a natural performer, strong, graceful, and full of heart.”
Emma Casares - The Sugar Plum Fairy
A recent graduate and now a teacher at SCB, 18-year-old Emma Casares brings years of dedication to her role as the Sugar Plum Fairy. A former Clara with the San Diego Ballet’s touring production, she’s thrilled to now take center stage in a show created by her own community.
“It’s so special,” Emma says. “A role like this is some people’s dream. It’s really cool to be able to perform it and to do it surrounded by people who’ve grown up dancing together.”
Emma says the most exciting part of the process has been seeing new choreography unfold. “It’s refreshing to have the same music but completely new steps. Each dance fits the dancers so well.”
For Schanfein, Emma’s strength lies in her combination of talent and leadership. “She’s a natural ballerina,” she says. “She’s danced Clara multiple times and toured with San Diego Ballet, but she’s also deeply connected to our community. She’s teaching now, inspiring the next generation. She has so much talent and heart.”
Lily Vincent - The Dewdrop
When 17-year-old Lily Vincent first started dancing six years ago, she never imagined she’d one day be Dewdrop, the luminous lead in Waltz of the Flowers. Now, as a senior at Billings West High, she’s preparing to move to New York City next year to study dance, either at the Joffrey Ballet School (where she’s already been accepted) or possibly at Juilliard or NYU, where she has auditions planned.
“Dewdrop has always been my favorite role, even before I danced,” Lily says. “To now perform it feels really special. I’ve always loved the Waltz of the Flowers, and being chosen for this part means the world to me.”
Lily says the best part of this first-ever SCB Nutcracker is dancing alongside students of all ages, including those she teaches. “It’s really special to share the stage with my younger students and be part of something that brings the whole studio together.”
Schanfein says Lily’s passion is unmistakable. “She started later than most, but she’s incredibly driven,” she explains. “She doesn’t just perform the choreography, she embodies it. Her artistry comes from within, and it’s absolutely radiant.”
A NEW HOLIDAY TRADITION FOR BILLINGS
With original choreography, locally designed costumes, and a cast made up entirely of Billings dancers and instructors, SCB’s Nutcracker represents a turning point for the studio and for local arts.
“This is the kind of professional-level experience that shapes dancers,” says Schanfein. “It’s giving our students opportunities they’ve never had before, and it’s something they’ll carry with them forever.”
Martin agrees, adding that the show is for everyone: “We have so many talented dancers here, and this gives them all a chance to shine. It’s truly a community effort, and it’s going to be magical.”
Experience the Magic
The School of Classical Ballet’s Nutcracker takes the stage December 13 and 14 at Petro Theater, MSUB.
Tickets are on sale now at scbbillings.com
Come support local talent, celebrate creativity, and be part of Billings’ newest holiday tradition;
a Nutcracker made right here at home.
Originally printed in the December 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine
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