Nutcracker 2017
The Dance Centre
Introduction
Welcome to a marvelous Christmas celebration, a holiday party with music, dancing, loved ones, and tradition. An unforgettable story and magical presents that make dreams come true are sure to delight all who perform and watch. The Nutcracker Ballet is an international event that debuted well over a hundred years ago and is still adored by in numeral fans!
As is TDC tradition, we are pleased to present another magical performance of the Nutcracker this year. We cannot wait to watch the beautiful dancers begin their rehearsals and we know this year will be one to remember for each dancer. Many parts are double cast, Auditions, Cost, Rehearsals, and Performance Information is listed below.
Auditions – there will be a $15 audition fee due at the time of auditions. Please bring a small photo of your dancer to attach to their audition form. Please arrive at your audition at least 30 minutes EARLY to warm-up AND have your measurements taken. Auditions are Wednesday May 31st times are as follows:
9:30 - 10:00 - Beginning level check in
10:00 -10:45 - Beginning level auditions
10:45 - 11:15 - Intermediate level check in
11:15 - 12:00 - Intermediate level auditions
12:00 - 12:30 - Advanced level check in
12:30 - 1:15 - Advanced level auditions
Dancers must enroll in a ballet class this fall in order to audition. Dancers should come to the audition based on their fall placement.
Cost
Each part has a cost assigned to it. This includes the Intensive Choreography week (Aug 7th-12th ), Saturday rehearsal time, costume rental, and other related costs to putting on the performance. There is a $50 non-refundable deposit due upon acceptance of each role; this deposit will be credited towards the total amount owed for the part. The remaining balance is due in two installments. The first installment is due September 1st and the second is due October 1st. Each dancer will also need to pay a $20 recital fee ($40 max per family), this helps us pay for the auditorium rental, this fee will be due on November 1st. Late fees will be added to these payments the same as they would be to your monthly tuition.
Part Acceptance and Listing
Audition results and a contract will be posted on the website. Dancers will need to sign the contract and pay the $50 deposit by the date specified so that teachers can begin choreography. If the fee isn’t paid and the contract isn’t turned in by that date the part will be offered to someone else.
Rehearsals
Choreography for all auditioned parts including snow and flower corps will be taught during Nutcracker Choreography Intensive week. The only parts that won’t be taught during this week are the baby gingers and party parents, those will be taught in class. Choreo week is Monday August 7th – Saturday August 12th a schedule for choreo week will be released soon after audition results are announced. Dancers should plan approx. four hours of rehearsals for each part they have during this week. Saturday rehearsals will begin on September 9th and run until the show. The list below is what to expect as far as time commitments for Saturday rehearsals. Please remember that this can change based on the need of the part. If dancers learn it faster than planned they won’t be required to come to as many rehearsals.
Sept 9th – 1 hour per part, no baby gingers, party parents, snow or flowers
Sept 16th – 1 hour per part, no baby gingers, party parents, snow or flowers
Sept 23rd – 1 hour per part, no baby gingers, party parents, snow or flowers
Sept 30th – 1 hour per part, no baby gingers, party parents, snow or flowers
October 7th – 1 hour per part, no baby gingers, party parents, snow or flowers
October 14th – 2 hours for all parts in act II, we’ll also learn the entre, 2 hours for party scene (including party parents), 2 hours for fight scene, 1 hour for baby gingers with mother ginger, no snow or flowers.
October 21st – no rehearsal (UEA)
October 28th – 2 hours for all parts in act II, 2 hours for party scene (including party parents), 2 hours for fight scene, 1 hour for baby gingers with mother ginger, no snow or flowers.
November 4th – 4 hours for all parts – full show run through and learn the finale. All parts in act I will be able to leave after their part. Baby gingers and angels will also be able to leave after their part.
November 11th – 6 hours for all parts – we will run through the entire show twice; baby gingers and angels will be able to leave after the first run through.
November 16th – dress rehearsal at Stansbury High School
November 17th – show at Stansbury High School
November 18th – show at Stansbury High School
Performances
Performances are scheduled for Friday November 17th , and Saturday November 18th . The dress rehearsal will be Thursday, November 16th. The Performances and dress rehearsal will be held at Stansbury High School. As in years past, we will have two casts and are trying to double cast as many parts as we can. Each cast will perform one of the nights.
Available Parts
-For our advanced ballet classes it is a requirement that they participate in the Nutcracker, the class as well as the part and cost is listed below. These dancers are still strongly encouraged to audition for additional roles in the show.
Advanced A – Flowers $75
Advanced B/C – Snow $75
-For those enrolled in a kindergarten combo class – dancers will have the option of participating with their class in the show. They will learn the part of the baby ginger during class. The cost for this role is $50, if dancers choose not to participate they will still learn the dance in class but won’t perform it in the show.
-Our Ballroom class will play the role of party parents – the cost is $40 for girls and $20 for boys.
**Auditioned Parts – (All ballet levels listed refer to the ballet level your dancer has been placed in for fall 2017)
Parts Available for Beginning Level Ballet Dancers:
Baby Mouse – Available for Beginning ballet classes - Cost $75
Description: 1 dancer, double cast
A fun acting role for a young dancer not afraid of an audience and prepared to make people laugh and cry!
Mice – Available for Beginning ballet classes – Cost $75
Description: 8-12 dancers
The mice play games with Clara and fight the soldiers. The fight scene is thrilling and exciting. The mice follow the Mouse Queen and attempt to take over the Nutcracker and his soldiers.
Angels – Available for the Beginning Ballet class - Cost $75
Description: 6-12 dancers
The Angels are part of the opening of Act II and welcome Clara and the Nutcracker to the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Parts Available for Intermediate Level Ballet Dancers:
Russian – Available for Intermediate level classes - Cost $125
Description: approx. 4 dancers
The Russian number is one of the big crowd pleasers and showcases the incredible tumbling and athletic ability of our dancers.
Soldiers – Available for the Intermediate level classes – Cost $75
Description: 8-12 dancers
The Soldiers are our more advanced ballet dancers and participate in the most exciting part of Act I, the fight scene. We are looking for dancers who can dance with precision and combat the Mice that have overrun Clara’s house!
Mouse Queen – Available for Intermediate level classes - Cost $150
Description: 1 dancer
The Mouse Queen must be a dancer with strong stage presence and strong acting skills. This part has moments of triumph, loss, and laughter. Must be able to die dramatically!
Party Girls – Available for Intermediate level Ballet classes - Cost $100
Description: 8-12 dancers
The Party Girls are the life of the party! They dance with Clara, play with Uncle Drosselmeyer, and watch in amazement as he turns toys to life.
Teddy Bear – Available for Intermediate level Ballet classes - Cost $100
Description: 1 dancer
The Teddy Bear is part of the dream scene and dances with the Marionette. Must have strong acting skills and ability to charm an audience. A fun part of the Party Scene.
Marionette - Available for Intermediate level Ballet classes – Cost $100
The Marionette if part of the dream scene and dances with the Teddy Bear. Must have strong acting skills and ability to charm and audience. A fun part of the Party Scene.
Claras Little Sister - Available for Intermediate level Ballet classes - Cost $125
Description: 1-2 dancers
The troublesome little siblings of Clara cause all kinds of havoc at the party. They dance with Clara and are a main part of the Party Scene. They must be strong dancers and strong actors.
Jesters – Available for Intermediate levels C and D as well as Advanced A - Cost $125
Description: 6-12 dancers
The jesters are part of the Sugar Plum Fairy’s court. They were a new addition last year and one of the favorites. They dance with hoops and wear ornate costumes to entertain Clara and the prince.
Chinese – Available for Intermediate level ballet classes - Cost $125
Description: 4 dancers
The Chinese variation is a favorite among the audience. They jump, leap, and turn with ease. Flexibility is a must!
Parts Available for Advanced Level Dancers:
Arabian – Available for Advanced Ballet Classes - Cost $150
Description: approx. 3 dancers, en pointe preferred
Exotic, flexible, and mysterious, the Arabian dancers from the East come to entertain and amaze Clara and her Nutcracker Prince.
Spanish – Available for Advanced ballet classes – Cost $150
Description: en pointe, 2-3 dancers
A high-spirited dance captures the brilliance of the Spanish dancers.
Merlitons – Available for Advanced or Intermediate ballet classes – Cost $150
Description: en pointe preferred, 3 dancers
A fun variation set to reed flute music enchants the audience through the synchronization and intricate details of the choreography. Showcases the grace of the dancers.
English – Available for Advanced ballet classes – Cost $150
Description: en pointe, approx. 3 dancers
A challenging and technical dance that demonstrates the amazing skill of the dancers. A fast-paced, and exciting dance. Requires strong en pointe skills.
Clara – Available for Advanced ballet classes - Cost $400
Description: en pointe, 1 dancer, double cast
The main character of the entire magical story, Clara’s dream takes everyone on a journey to the Kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her court. This part requires acting, strong en pointe skills, and an absolute commitment. The role will be awarded by audition and by attendance and attitude demonstrated during ballet class last year. There is partnering work with a male dancer. Because of the partnering involved in this role, we reserve the right to increase the fee if the person we contract with has a higher fee than anticipated. It is an honor for any dancer selected and we are looking for a fully committed, humble, and hardworking dancer to fill this role.
Maid – Available for Advanced ballet classes – Cost $200
Description: en pointe preferred, 1 dancer
The Maid is a pivotal role in the Party Scene of Act I. She dances almost throughout the entirety of the Party Scene and has a solo. She must be a strong actor, skilled en pointe, and committed to hard work.
Baby Doll – Available for Advanced ballet classes – Cost $200
Description: en pointe, 1 dancer, double cast
A highlight of the Party Scene, the Doll entertains and enchants the party guests. Looking for strong acting and en pointe skills.
Solider Doll – Available for Advanced ballet classes – Cost $200
Description: en pointe, 1 dancer, double cast
A highlight of the Party Scene, the Doll entertains and enchants the party guests. Looking for strong acting and en pointe skills.
Snow Queen – Available for Advanced C ballet class students – Cost $250
Description: en pointe, 1 dancer possibly double cast
The Snow Queen is danced by some of our strongest dancers. She is a soloist in the Waltz of the Snow and must be a seasoned ballerina.
Waltz of the Flower Demi Soloist – Available for Advanced ballet classes – Cost $200
Description: en pointe, 2 dancers
The Flower Demi Soloists will be showcased in the Waltz of the Flowers. Great ability to dance en pointe as well as connecting with the audience is required.
Mother Ginger – Advanced or Intermediate level dancer – Cost $125
Description: 1 dancer, possibly double cast
Dances with the baby gingers as well as performing a small solo. The babies all look to her for direction, one of the highlights of act II.
Butler – Advanced or Intermediate level male dancer – Cost $200
Opens the show with the maid and helps begin the party scene.
Nutcracker Prince – Advanced level male dancer – Cost $200
Partners with Clara throughout the show. Requires strong acting skills and an absolute commitment.
Non-Auditioned Parts
Party Parents - Ballroom Students – Cost $40 for girls $20 for boys
Description: 12-16 dancers
These dancers add elegance and flare to the party scene. They dance at Claras party and are parents to the party girls.
Mother Ginger’s Babies – Kindergarten combo classes - Cost $50
Description: 8-12 dancers, double cast
These babies steal the whole show! With their ADORABLE costumes and surprise entrance, they are a crowd pleaser. No better way to introduce your child to the Nutcracker than to have them dance with Mother Ginger.