Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories

GNBC hosts 'Nutcracker' auditions

by jmaloni
Mon, Sep 5th 2011 07:00 am

Niagara Falls ballet company invites dancers to participate in holiday performances

The start of the school year marks the beginning of rehearsals for the Greater Niagara Ballet Company's presentation of "The Nutcracker." The family-oriented holiday production showcases dancers and character performers under the direction of artistic director Beverley Feder, FISTD.

Auditions are planned for Saturday, Sept. 17, 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 to 9:45 a.m.: Girls and boys ages 6 to 10 can audition for the Act I "Party Scene" and the "Grand March." Both dancers and non-dancers are needed. No experience is necessary.

•9:45 to 10:30 a.m.: Girls and boys ages 8 to 12 are invited to try out for the "Battle Scene" and the roles of "Mice" and "Soldiers." Once again, both dancers and non-dancers are needed. No experience is required.

•10:30 to 11 a.m.: Girls and boys ages 8 to 12 are encouraged to audition for the "Bon-Bon," "Arabian," "Maiden" and "Manservant" roles. A dance or gymnastics background is preferred.

•11 to 11:30 a.m.: Girls and boys ages 12 and up are needed in the Act I "Party Scene" ("Maids" and "Butlers") and as "Jesters" in Act II. No experience is necessary for the former, while the later requires a background in gymnastics.

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 with the GNBC Corps de Ballet or for a solo part. Corps roles 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 $30 for GNBC members and $35 for the general public.

"The Nutcracker" is on stage Dec. 9-10 at the Niagara Falls High School Performing Arts Center. For more information, call 716-285-6800, toll-free (from Canada) 1-877-236-8055, or visit www.niagaraballet.org.

About the Greater Niagara Ballet Company

The GNBC is a not-for-profit, 501(c) (3) corporation dedicated to providing local dancers the opportunity to develop their talents in a professional theatrical setting; work with professional dancers from all parts of the world; build an understanding and appreciation of the ballet arts through ongoing educational workshops and performances; and participate in dance projects that establish the Niagara region as a high-quality ballet center.

GNBC productions are open to all ballet students by audition.

Hometown News

View All News