Hot Springs Children's Dance Theatre Company welcomes dancers of all ages and abilities to its annual "Nutcracker" auditions on Saturday, Sept. 17.

Auditions will be from 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. 13-plus-year-old dancers, with pointe shoes for females.

"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 artist and 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 10 years.

Performance dates are Nov. 25 and 26 and Dec. 1, 2, and 3. The cost to audition is $10. Rehearsals are held during the fall, on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and additional evening rehearsals are required for some performers on weeknights based on size and challenges of roles. The first act of "Nutcracker" involves "several character acting roles an excellent opportunity 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 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." The Hot Springs Children's Dance Theatre Company is a "professional organization producing two full-scale stage ballets annually in central Arkansas. The auditions are open for dancers from the entire community," the release said.

Cooper, a Hot Springs native, is a "former professional touring performer and acclaimed choreographer. His talent, energy, and vision breathe life in the dance company every day, on all levels," the release said.

The audition is open to both girls and boys ages 5 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 years of age 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.

Male students should wear tights, biking shorts or shorts, a fitted T-shirt or leotard, and black ballet slippers.

Female students are required to have their hair groomed neatly in a bun.

Print Headline: ‘Nutcracker’ auditions set for Sept. 17

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