Greater Niagara Ballet Co. hosts 'Nutcracker' auditions Sept. 14

Local ballet company invites dancers to participate in Christmastime performances

Fresh from two successful presentations of "Coppélia" at Artpark, the Greater Niagara Ballet Co. is now preparing for its annual holiday production, "The Nutcracker." The family-oriented show features local dancers, guest artists and character performers under the direction of Beverley Feder.

Auditions are planned for Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Feder School of Classical Ballet, located within the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center, 1201 Pine Ave.

The schedule includes tryouts for the following:

Character dancers

•9-9:45 a.m. girls and boys, ages 6-10: Dancers needed; some dance experience is necessary. Roles available include party scene and grand march children.

•9:45-10:30 a.m. girls and boys, ages 8-12: Dancers needed; some dance experience is necessary. Roles available include battle scene, mice and soldiers.

•10:30-11 a.m. girls and boys, ages 8-10: A dance or gymnastics background is necessary. Roles available include "Bon-Bons," Arabian handmaidens and manservants.

•11-11:30 a.m. girls and boys, ages 12 and up: Dancers needed; dance experience is necessary. 
Roles available include Act I party scene (maids and butler) and Act II jesters (gymnastics required).

Corps de Ballet and soloists

•12:30 to 1:30 p.m.: Girls/women and boys/men ages 12 and up can audition for a spot performing with the GNBC Corps de Ballet or for a solo role. Corps parts include "Waltz of the Flowers," "Snowflakes," "Russian" and "Chinese." Solo parts include "Harlequin," "Columbine," "Drummers," "Dew Drop," "Spanish," "Candy Canes," "Chinese," "Russian" and "Arabian."

A dance background is necessary for these more advanced numbers. Moreover, females must have strong pointe skills.

Clara and Fritz

Children interested in portraying the roles of Clara and Fritz must audition for at least one of the other parts.

Those auditioning should enter through the NACC's purple door and arrive in proper dance attire 20 minutes before tryout time. The participation fee is $40 (U.S.).

"The Nutcracker" is on stage Dec. 6 and 7 at the Niagara Falls High School Performing Arts Center. For more information, call 716-285-6800.