Hot Springs Children's Dance Theatre Company welcomes dancers of all ages and abilities to its annual "Nutcracker" auditions on Saturday, Sept. 7.
"'The Nutcracker' is a holiday classic that is perfect for the beginner yet also a marvelous experience for the well-trained ballet student. Be a part of this wonderful performance that will foster your love of dance and enable you to share the joy of ballet with others. This Christmas favorite will provide students with the wonderful opportunity to share the stage with Hot Springs Children's Dance Theater's talented guest professional dancers from around the country. Join us at the auditions to be a part of this magical production," a news release said.
The Hot Springs Children's Dance Theatre Company and the Hot Springs community have presented the Yuletide holiday classic for the past six years. This year's performance dates will be Dec. 5, 6 and 7.
The cost to audition is $10. Rehearsals are held during the fall, Saturdays 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and additional evening rehearsals are required for some performers weeknights based on size and challenges of particular roles.
The first act of "Nutcracker" involves several character acting roles an excellent way to develop an actor's skills in self-presentation, movement and stage presence, the release said.
The audition is open to the public and all schools.
"Under the artistic direction of artistic director and choreographer Edmond Cooper, those chosen will have a wonderful experience to learn the nuances of a ballet performer taken as seriously as any professional dance organization. This Hot Springs Children's Dance Theatre Company is the only professional organization to produce two full-scale stage ballets annually in central Arkansas. The auditions are open for dancers from the entire community and every dance studio that is interested in a professional experience are invited. It is a fantastic opportunity for everyone from the professionals to students trained in various styles of dancing," the release said.
Cooper, a Hot Springs native, is a former professional touring performer and choreographer. "His talent, energy, and vision breathe life in the dance company every day, on all levels. He has returned home, to Hot Springs, to be close to family and to dedicate himself fully in this Dance Theatre endeavor and the Arkansas audience is discovering how entertaining these performances are to experience," the release said.
The audition is open to girls and boys 5 years old and older. Students should arrive 30 minutes prior to the audition time to have time to register. At the audition, students will do a ballet barre and learn a small excerpt of material and will be asked to dance. A parent or guardian must be present for students younger than 18 to sign appropriate waiver forms.
Female students are required to wear designated attire: black or blue leotards, pink or flesh tone tights (no leggings or pantyhose), and pink ballet slippers, and to have their hair groomed neatly in a bun.
Male students should wear tights, biking shorts or shorts, a fitted T-shirt or leotard, and black ballet slippers.
Auditions will be at 9-10 a.m. for 6- to 9-year-old dancers; 10-11:30 a.m. for 10- to 12-year-old dancers; and 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for dancers 13 and older, with pointe shoes for females.
Entertainment on 08/18/2019