More About Our Productions
In collaboration with our 501c3 nonprofit group, Children’s Dance Theater Foundation, we produce two classical ballet productions each year- The Nutcracker annual production and a Spring Ballet production. Through gorgeous costumes, amazing scenery, enchanting music and beautiful dancing, performances like Cinderella, Hansel & Gretel, Snow White and more provide a magical experience for dancers and audience members alike.
How To Be Involved
We believe in providing all dancers an opportunity to experience classical ballet and do not make cuts to our casting. Dancers from other studios are welcome to participate with their directors approval. There are a few scenarios that do not require an audition, however we do recommend auditioning to gain that experience, as it is an important milestone.
Commitment
Being a part of a professional-quality production is a time commitment. It is important to know all the rehearsal, performance and community publicity dates. Rehearsals for these productions are in addition to their class time and participants in the ballet productions MUST be enrolled in level-appropriate ballet classes.
Costs
Thanks to our partnership with the Children’s Dance Theater Foundation, participation in our productions are free to participants. There are many volunteer roles to help with the production,which is a great way to say ‘thank you’ to the foundation for their generosity. All performers' friends and families will need to purchase tickets to the shows.
Auditions
Auditions are a positive experience, where teachers are looking for the best role to showcase your child's abilities. Please audition with your class level if the age range doesn’t match your dancer's age. Dancers must be at least 5 years old. All dancers must be enrolled in the level-appropriate ballet class. Dancer measurements may be taken at auditions to prepare for the quick turnaround of costume handouts.
​
Participants will receive an email once casting is ready. Casting results are final. We ask that when dancers make the choice to audition, they are prepared to accept any role offered to them. Casting is not taken lightly, and we work hard so that each dancer has a moment to shine. Unfortunately, not everyone can be the lead role. There are many things to consider when casting, and a beautiful dancer may not be right for that role. It is difficult but also very important for young dancers to learn to not take casting personally. This is a crucial skill in a performer’s life.
Upcoming Auditions
13th Annual Production of The Nutcracker
Auditions will take place August 10th, at the Auburn Location.
We have many roles available for dancers 5 years old and up!
Read below to find exact audition times & important dates.
Mini's:
No audition necessary! Simply Sign-up in the parent portal to be placed in your appropriate age group.
Ages: 5-8
Levels: First & Second Step and Preliminary level dancers.
​
Possible roles include: Lambs & Wolf, Peppermints, and Bon Bon's
(roles are assigned at directors' discretion)
​
Junior's:
When: Saturday, August 10th, 2024
​
Time: 2:30-3:30pm
Where: Auburn location
Ages: 7-10 years
Levels: Preliminary, Level 1, and Beginning Ballet
Teen's:
When: Saturday, August 10th, 2024
Time: 10:00-11:30am Flat - 11:30am-12:30pm Pointe
​
Where: Auburn location
Ages: 13-18 years
Levels: Levels 4/5/6 in The Conservatory
Tween's:
When: Saturday, August 10th, 2024
​
Time: 12:30-1:45pm Flat - 2:00-2:30pm Pointe (Level 3 only)
Where: Auburn location
Ages: 10-13 years
Levels: Levels 2 & 3, and Intermediate Ballet
Choreography Week
and Rehearsals
There is a mandatory choreography week for select roles held August 26th-29th in the evenings at the Auburn Location. Friday, August 30th is costume fitting day.
Rehearsals will take place on Fridays from 4:30-8pm & Saturdays 12:30-5:00pm at the Auburn location, September-October. Rehearsals are Saturday only November & December from 12:30-5pm at the Federal Way location.
​
Dancers are expected to make these rehearsals a top priority. While we can work with a few absences, it is very important to have good attendance. Please AVOID missing any rehearsal but November and December rehearsals are extremely important for a smooth tech week. (this will mean dancers are not at the theatre late into the night) If you cannot avoid an absence please let us know as soon as possible. Make sure that any planned vacations are listed on your audition form. We highly recommend that if you have more than 3 planned absences, that you wait to audition another year, as it makes it hard for dancers to catch up on missed work!
Performance Dates
We are excited to perform at Columbia Jr. High School in Fife for the performance of The Nutcracker.​
Estimated dates and times will be:
Mandatory Tech Week is December 9th-12th, 2024
Four performances in total will be:
Friday December 13th at 7pm
Saturday December 14th at 2pm and 7pm
Sunday December 15th at 2pm
What to Wear
Dancers must wear dance attire and have ballet buns for rehearsal. Dance warm ups, skirts, etc are allowed. Please bring appropriate shoes to rehearsals. If your dancer has multiple rehearsals don’t forget to bring water and snacks.
Communication
We use a closed facebook group and FREE app called Team app for all of our communications. Individual routine times will be announced no later than Monday May 5th. All participants are required to download and use Team App. This is a free app and works with both android and apple products. This is the primary mode of communication for participants. It has many wonderful features like push notifications, reminders and calendar addition tools. You are also encouraged to join our closed facebook group. This will have videos uploaded for at home practice purposes.