Nutcracker FAQs

1. What ages are allowed to audition?

Age 6-19 are required to audition for their roles. There is a $10 audition fee payable on the parent portal, Venmo, card or cash. Please REGISTER so we know you’re coming! This will make the process easier when your dancer arrives. 

Adults and ages 3-5 do not need to attend the audition to participate.

2. What will the audition be like?

Auditions will be very similar to a normal class, we are just getting to know your dancer and seeing what roles would be a good fit. This will include a ballet barre, some center work, and some short choreography. 

3. What is the time commitment? 

Exact schedule will go out every Friday evening to your email. 

Sample schedule:

3:30-4:15 Partnering (Int/Adv)

4:15-5:00 Technique (Level 3+)

5-5:30 Stretch & Strengthen (Level 1+)

5:30-6pm Age 6-10 slot #1

6-6:30pm Age 6-10 slot #2

6:30-7pm Age 6-10 or Olders slot depending on what’s needed

7-7:30pm Olders

7:30-8pm Olders

8-8:30pm Olders

We also have an hour block reserved on Friday evenings if any additional rehearsals need to be added (makeups, due to excessive absences, etc).

4. What will the experience be like for my 6-10 year old?

Nutcracker is especially magical for this age group! They can expect shorter rehearsal times, and yes, can be absolute beginners! The requirement for this age is more so ability to focus, rediness to learn, and willingness to wait their turn. Once full act rehearsals begin closer to the performance dates, they may need to sit quietly and wait their turn. We encourage quiet and not too distracting activities for these days (coloring, quiet toys, etc.).

5.  Where and when are the performances?

Our main performances are on December 14th at 2pm and 4:30pm at Belding High School Performing Arts Center. December 13th is another important date, reserved for dress rehearsal. 

All students that would like to participate in our main performances need to also participate in at least 2 of our community outreach performances, where we will perform excerpts. 

6. What is pricing?

1 Student: $85/month

2 Students: $127.50/month ($42.50 discount)

• All inclusive price includes rehearsals, costume rentals, VBE Ballet Technique, VBE Stretch and Strengthen, VBE Partnering (Depending on dancer's age/level)

• VBE is a flat fee that is consistent from month to month.

7.  Can my 3-5 year old perform?

Yes!! We will have a small roles in our Dec 14 shows only for our tiniest dancers, in place of a winter recital. They will rehearse in their normal preballet classes beginning in November, and there is a one time fee of $75 to cover costume rental. They do not need to audition.