Performances
Learn more about Cohesion's various dance and movement educational programs and classes in and beyond our community.
Shira Greenbergs' Nutcracker On the Rocks 2025
Shira Greenberg’s Nutcracker on the Rocks lights up the Helena Civic Center stage Thanksgiving weekend, November 29 & 30, 2025.
This electrifying twist on the holiday classic features legendary hits by Janis Joplin, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, and more. Showcasing an energetic fusion of dancers and dance styles—plus a roaring Harley Davidson on stage—this rock-n-roll production has become one of Helena’s most beloved holiday traditions. Guest artists join a dynamic cast of community and professional dancers of all ages and abilities in this thrilling journey through the decades.
Created and choreographed by Shira Greenberg, Nutcracker on the Rocks originated in Albuquerque, NM, and was performed there for 20 years. Helena now holds the prestigious honor of being the only location where this innovative production is staged.
The 2025 cast includes nearly 60 community dancers of all ages and abilities performing alongside professional visiting artists from across the globe. Local lead dancers include Harley Hollibaugh as Marie and Jessica Partridge as Madame Drosselmeier. Visiting artists returning to the Helena stage are Patrick Higgins (recently performing as Bert in Grandstreet Theater’s summer production of Mary Poppins) and Helena’s own Nina Murphy (returning from four years performing in London).
New This Year!
* Exclusive Table Seating: Elevate your evening at a private table for six with premium floor seating right up front! Share the night with your favorite people while enjoying festive light bites and a complimentary drink token. Plus, table guests get early access one hour before the show for an exclusive behind-the-scenes peek before the curtain opens. It’s the ultimate way to experience the magic up close! (Tables are limited and available at both performances.)
* Online Auction: Bid on an array of one-of-a-kind packages and experiences in our brand-new online auction—the perfect way to kick off your holiday shopping while supporting the arts! Online bidding opens November 24, with items on display at both performances and final bids closing after the final curtain call November 30. Snag something special for everyone on your list!
Don’t miss all the excitement of Nutcracker on the Rocks this Thanksgiving weekend!
2025 Guest Artist Residency
Supporting artists in the development of new work based on its 2025 project of Resonance ~ an evening of Art Inspiring Art
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Cohesion Dance Project (CDP) presents a reimagined rendition of its unique production, Resonance ~ an evening of Art Inspiring Art, on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 7:30pm at the Helena Civic Center.
At the heart of Resonance is a seamless fusion of dance and sculpture, enriched by live music, spoken word, poetry, and visual art. This dynamic production showcases contemporary choreography by both visiting and local artists, performed by dancers from across the community. Their movements weave effortlessly through three original kinetic sculptures, accompanied by powerful spoken-word poetry and live, original music.
Originally created and premiered in 2018, Resonance returns in 2025, centered around the captivating metal sculptures designed and built by acclaimed sculptor and ceramic artist Richard Swanson. This year’s production features additional artistic contributions, including poetry by bestselling author Tyler Knott Gregson, original music by Joshua Loveland and J. Stuart Smith, visual art by Christina Barbachano, Executive Director of the Holter Museum, and more.
The choreography highlights a diverse lineup of artists, including over 25 community and professional dancers performing works by guest choreographers lisa nevada (New York City) and Toree Benson (Butte), and local choreographers Julynn Wildman, Jess Partridge, Sarah Dassinger, and Tanya Call.
A Gala event with Art Auction will occur just prior to the performance, starting at 5:30pm at the Civic Center. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the contributing artists and enjoy hors d’ oeuvres, drinks, and specialty desserts, along with exclusive Gala seating at the performance.
Cohesion Dance Project's presents
End of Session Performance
Saturday, April 26, 2025
Cohesion Center
Join us for the our End of Session Show where student who attended classes during our Winter/Spring Session get to share what they have learned. These choreographed pieces are a demonstration of the movements, coordination and skills taught throughout the session.
ACE Showcase
Accelerated Contemporary Experience (ACE), will present original student choreography they each developed during the program on Saturday, March 15 at 6:00pm.
ACE is a comprehensive dance training program designed to further the growth and development of contemporary dancers, ages 10-adult, through enhanced training and performance opportunities, fostering creativity, imagination, collaboration and mentorship.
The performance features new works created by the six dancers in the program along with ACE teaching staff. 2025 is the second year of this innovative dance training program.
Cohesion Dance Project hosted Helena’s Community Choreography Showcase on Saturday February 22, 2025, at Cohesion Center.
This entertaining, family-friendly performance showcases new and seasoned choreographers of all ages and abilities as they share their creative works in a variety of dance styles including Irish Dancing, Hip-Hop, Tap, Belly Dancing, Modern/Contemporary and more. The performance highlights an energetic collection of dancers and dance groups from across the community.
