Arts-Entertainment
A native of Lambertville, Michigan, Isabella LaFreniere trained at Toledo Ballet, Northeast Academy of Dance, the Joffrey Academy of Dance, and the School of American Ballet, where she studied on full scholarship and received the Mae L. Wein Award for Outstanding Promise. She joined New York City Ballet in 2014, was promoted to soloist in 2022, and Principal Dancer in 2023. Her repertoire includes principal roles in works by George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Justin Peck, Christopher Wheeldon, and others, as well as originating roles in new ballets by leading contemporary choreographers.
Ryan Tomash was born in Toronto, Ontario. He began his ballet training at age 10 at Canada’s National Ballet School under Sergiu Stefanschi, Alexander Gorbatsevich, Raymond Smith, and Ana Jojic. In 2017, Tomash joined the Royal Danish Ballet as a member of the corps de ballet, becoming a Soloist in 2021 and a Principal Dancer in 2022. Tomash originated the role of Romeo in the world premiere of Iñaki Urlezaga’s Romeo and Juliet at Teatro Argentina in 2023, and he has also performed as a guest artist with Tivoli Ballet and Hamburg Ballet. In August 2025, Tomash joined NYCB as a Soloist.
Joining MBC, LaFreniere, and Tomash is the Bozeman Symphony, conducted by Norman Huynh.
Norman Huynh is Music Director of the Bozeman Symphony and the Britt Music & Arts Festival in Oregon. He has earned widespread acclaim for his natural musicality, technical command, dynamic presence on the podium, imaginative programming, and ability to connect with new audiences. Huynh has guest-conducted many of North America’s leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, San Diego Symphony, Seattle Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, Oregon Symphony, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, among others.
In addition, MBC has expanded its collaboration within the Bozeman arts community to include Genevieve Trygstad-Burke, Co-Founder and Executive Artistic Director of Raison D’être Dance Project and Development Director of Opera Montana, and Riley O'Toole, Associate Artistic Director of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks.
The tale of Sleeping Beauty, known for its enchanting storyline and timeless appeal, has captivated audiences for generations. Through its rich symbolism, memorable characters, and enduring themes of hope and destiny, Sleeping Beauty continues to resonate with viewers of all ages, securing its place as one of the most cherished ballets.
Sleeping Beauty will run for three performances: Saturday, March 7th at 2 and 7 pm and Sunday, March 8th at 2 pm.
Sleeping Beauty Special Events
Step into a world where fairytales come to life. MBC’s Spellbound Masquerade Ball is an enchanting evening supporting MBC, where elegant attire, ornate masks, and imagination reign—and the arts are celebrated in their most magical form.
The evening’s events will include a Bozeman Symphony live string quartet; Arial dancers from Mountain Air Dance; photo opportunities with Montana Raptor Center Ambassadors, Bu the Great Horned Owl, and Chaco, a Swainson’s Hawk; ballroom dancing with instruction by MBC Company Dancers; a live and silent auction; paddle raise; full bar and small plate dinners.
Sponsored by US Bank Private Wealth Management and Sanctuary Interior Design, Spellbound will be held at the Armory Hotel on February 27th at 6:30 pm.
For more information or to purchase tickets for Spelllbound visit MontanaBallet.org or call 406.582.8702.
Season after season, MBC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, produces quality performances, enchanting audiences with new and updated artistry of dance, choreography, music, and design.