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
Annually on Thanksgiving weekend, Shira Greenberg's Nutcracker on the Rocks lights up the Helena Civic Center stage. 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 included nearly 60 community dancers of all ages and abilities performing alongside professional visiting artists from across the globe. Local lead dancers included Harley Hollibaugh as Marie and Jessica Partridge as Madame Drosselmeier. Visiting artists returned to the Helena stage including Patrick Higgins (who performed as Bert in Grandstreet Theater’s 2025 summer production of Mary Poppins) and Helena’s own Nina Murphy (who returned from four years performing in London).
Next year - plan ahead to take part in our:
* 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! Snag something special for everyone on your list!
Accelerated Contemporary Experience (ACE) Training Program
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Cohesion's Accelerated Contemporary Experience (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.
A performance on March 14 features new works created by the dancers in the 2026 program along with ACE teaching staff.
Performance details and tickets coming soon.
WANT TO BE A PART OF THE PROGRAM?
Attend the Info Session Tuesday, December 9 at 5:30 at Cohesion!
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CALL FOR CHOREOGRAPHERS!
Cohesion Dance Project hosts Helena’s Community Choreography Showcase on Saturday February 21, 2026, 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.
Cohesion Dance Project's presents
End of Session Performance
Saturday, April 25, 2026
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.
2026 Guest Artist Residency
Supporting artists in the development of new work - featuring 2026 Artist-in-Residence, Nina Murphy!
Each Spring, Cohesion Dance Project hosts one to several guest artists for our Guest Artist Residency Project. The residency supports contemporary dance artists in the creative development of new work and connects them with wider audiences through performance, outreach, studio classes, and community engagement.
We are excited to welcome Nina Murphy as our Spring 2026 Artist-in-Residence! Watch for more details about how to participate in the residency as a dancer or audience member coming soon.
Nina's Master Class will be Saturday, March 7 (time tba) with rehearsals occurring March 23-May 13. Performance dates are May 15-17 at Cohesion Center's Backstage Theater.
More details coming soon!
