Audition:
The Nutcracker
Share the stage with The United European Ballet Company
...in a timeless holiday ballet classic!
Dance Artistry Unlimited, Inc., is proud to serve as the host studio for Classical Arts Entertainment and their upcoming performance of Swan Lake. Dancers and those with dance experience age 3+ may audition for one of the many available performance roles.
AUDITIONS:
Auditions will be held on Saturday, September 19th, 2026 at Dance Artistry Unlimited, Inc., located in Pleasant Valley Marketplace off of Lynnhaven Road in Virginia Beach. The studio is diagonally across from Salem Middle School, located directly in between Food Lion and Tung Hoi inside the shopping center. There is plenty of free parking on site.
Dancers do not need to prepare audition material. Choreography will be taught to demonstrate dance technique and/or acting ability. Younger students must be able to follow directions, remain on-task, and be able to participate in the entire audition and performance process without parental supervision and assistance.
REGISTRATION:
Please pre-register and pay the $25.00 Early Bird fee using the online registration link provided at the top of this page. Registration after September 15th will incur an additional $10.00 fee.
REQUIRED ATTIRE:
Girls: Leotard, ballet tights, well-fitted ballet slippers/or Pointe shoes, hair swept up and back off face and in bun.
Boys: White t-shirt, black tights/shorts, well-fitted ballet slippers.
WHAT TO BRING:
Dancers should bring a water bottle. Valuables and jewelry should be left at home or with a parent/guardian.
NOTE: This is a closed audition, so parents are expected to leave after dropping off your dancer. Please return five minutes before the conclusion of your dancers audition.
CAST MEMBER ACCEPTANCE AND ROLE ANNOUNCEMENT:
Please note: Turning in the completed form and audition fee does not guarantee acceptance as a cast member, it only guarantees the opportunity to audition. No one will be allowed to audition without completed forms.
Those chosen for the cast will be notified on the same day by the end of the audition; A mandatory Parent Meeting for those offered roles will be held immediately upon the end of auditions. The specific routines each dancer will perform and the rehearsal schedule will be confirmed 1-2 weeks following the audition and conveyed to performers via Evite and email from Miss Sonya, once roles are determined by the audition director.
The Nutcracker
Classical Arts Entertainment, with a cast of The United European Ballet Company is once again coming to the Tidewater Area. This year's performance is the timeless holiday ballet classic, to present the full-length ballet The Nutcracker.
Step into a magical holiday world with The Nutcracker, presented by Classical Arts Entertainment and performed by the United European Ballet Company. This beloved masterpiece brings the spirit of the season to life through breathtaking choreography, rich storytelling, and a truly immersive theatrical experience.
Set to the timeless score of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the story follows young Clara as she embarks on a dreamlike journey filled with dancing snowflakes, the heroic Nutcracker Prince, and the enchanting Land of Sweets. From the iconic Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy to the vibrant international dances, every moment on stage is filled with elegance, beauty, and wonder.
This visually stunning, Broadway-style production features an international cast of dancers from across Europe, including leading Ukrainian artists. Audiences will be captivated by hand-painted sets, elaborate stage design, and luxurious costumes created by European designers, all combining to create a magical atmosphere that transports viewers into a world of fantasy.
Presented by Classical Arts Entertainment, The Nutcracker is a heartwarming celebration of imagination, joy, and the timeless magic of the holiday season.
Classical Arts Entertainment is led by Michael Art, the company's Founder and Owner, who warmly invites you to experience this beautiful production. Bring your family, friends, and loved ones, and enjoy an unforgettable evening of world-class ballet, music, and magic together.
Miss Sonya can attest to Classical Arts Entertainment's outstanding skill and professionalism, as well as that of the cast members and CAE staff. It is a true pleasure to work with this amazing company for the fourth year in a row, providing local dancers with the opportunity to showcase their own talent on the stage with this impressive group of professional dancers and their accomplished director!
Schedule of Auditions
Audition Fee: $25.00 in advance.
Early Bird registration closes at midnight on September 15th.
The registration fee is $35.00 if you pay online after 9/15 or in person on the day of the audition.
Roles Available: Little Swans, Slavik Dance, Waltz, Neapolitan Dance, Hungarian Dance
Audition Age Groups & Audition Timeframe:
Ages 3 - 5 (Must be enrolled in a ballet class)
Ages 5 - 9 (Dance experience required)
Ages 9 - 12 (Dance experience required)
Ages 13+ (Dance experience required)
All dancers will audition from 5:00 - 6:00 PM
Arrive at 4:15 PM for check in and warm up
6:00PM Parent Meeting
Rehearsals & Performance
The Nutcracker Rehearsal Dates
Dance Artistry Unlimited, Inc. - Studio A & B
Saturday dates and times - TBD
This performance commitment will run from late September through the final performance in December 2026. The commitment time for those selected, is from the 1st rehearsal through the final performance. There may be no absences from rehearsal. Any student missing the rehearsal classes may be removed from the cast to the position of understudy with no refund of performance fees. Extenuating circumstances, such as injury or illness, should be discussed with the director. Participants must be consistent in rehearsal attendance in order to achieve a performance of the highest caliber.
-
All roles will regularly rehearse once per week at Dance Artistry Unlimited, Inc.
-
Rehearsals will likely be held on Saturday afternoons to minimize conflicts with other commitments.
-
A rehearsal calendar will be provided via email and also available through a Google Calendar for participants.
-
Thursdays are an option for rehearsals if dancers in a particular routine are available.
-
Rehearsals will be suspended during Virginia Beach City Public Schools Thanksgiving Break.
The Nutcracker Mandatory Dress Rehearsal
Harrison Opera House: Friday, December 4th, 2026
We will meet at DAUI at 9:00AM for run-thrus and make-up prior to our call time at HOH.
160 West Virginia Beach Boulevard, Norfolk, Virginia 23510
The Nutcracker Performance Dates
Friday, December 4th, 2026 @ 7:00PM
Saturday, December 5th, 2026 @ 7:00PM
Sunday, December 6th, 2026 @ 2:00PM
Harrison Opera House - 160 West Virginia Beach Boulevard, Norfolk, Virginia 23510
Opportunity and Commitment
Classical Arts Entertainment’s production of The Nutcracker is an incredible opportunity for local dancers to experience a professional production that will be seen by thousands of people this holiday season. Being selected as a cast member is an honor and a privilege. Those selected will work with professional directors, choreographers, and dancers, wear exquisite costumes, and appear on a lavish set at Harrison Opera House - 160 West Virginia Beach Boulevard, Norfolk, Virginia 23510. This year, selected dancers will participate in three performances of The Nutcracker from December 4th - 6th, 2026.
Along with the honor of being selected comes commitment and responsibility that require a high level of dedication from both the performer and the performer’s parents/guardians. Before auditioning, potential cast members must consider all their other activities and be willing to put their commitment to this production above those activities should they conflict with The Nutcracker rehearsal or performance times. When deciding to audition, please keep in mind that this is a professional production, not just another extracurricular activity. Dozens of performers, directors, the choreographer, as well as the performance itself, will depend on each of its cast members.
Communication
Communication with parents/guardians will be done mainly through emails and at rehearsals. These updates will provide parents with pertinent rehearsal and performance information. Please be sure your email information is current and check for emails periodically to ensure you are getting all email communications. I can be contacted via email at danceartistry@aol.com. I will make every effort to check this email once daily to ensure that all questions and concerns are addressed in a timely manner. Please allow 24-48 hours for a return response regarding information not already addressed in written correspondence.
Questions regarding rehearsals at Dance Artistry Unlimited may also be directed to Miss Sonya by using the contact form or chat feature on this website.
Production Fee
A participation fee of $100.00 (non-refundable) will be required of all participants offered a role. The participation fee helps to cover the following expenses incurred by CAE: rehearsals, costume use and cleaning, and administrative fees. Half of this fee will be due at the Parent Meeting immediately following the audition. The remaining balance (50%) is due before the first rehearsal. Payments may be made by cash, check, money order or credit card. Please note that credit card and ACH payments will incur a 5% convenience fee.
Costumes
Costumes will be provided by CAE. They will be used on the day of the performance and will be returned after the performance without any damage before the participants are released to their parents. Eating and drinking are prohibited when costumes are on. Participants are responsible for providing your own tights, shoes, make up and other personal items to be announced at a later date.
Miss Sonya will order tights, shoes, and other items that are needed for a uniform and professional appearance on stage. Every effort will be made to order quality items at a reasonable cost. The expense for these items will be added to each dancers account and must be paid in full on or before Saturday, December 20th, 2025.
Tickets
Tickets are available for purchase through the studio, with a Special Promo Code offering a 10% discount for the cast and studio families/friends. Each family participating is required to advertise and secure the purchase of 6 tickets. You will be provided with a form to track tickets purchased by family, friends, coworkers, etc. This form will be turned in prior to the general rehearsal.
Etiquette
-
Students should exhibit good behavior at the studio and the theatre by being on time, listening to and respecting the teacher/director, and keeping quiet at all times when backstage. Being on time means arriving at least 15 minutes early to dress and stretch.
-
Due to our performance in a professional and union theatre, we must follow certain theatre rules. These will be provided to all cast members so that they can be adhered to by all.
-
Most importantly, students must be courteous to directors, teachers, backstage personnel and fellow performers.
Photography & Videography
CAE will have an exclusive professional photographer taking photos of the dancers in costumes. The photos will be available at the theatre as printable and digital ($30 digital and printed first photo; two formats in one). Any additional digital photo will be $25 per photo. The company's policy does not allow any other photographer on site. All videotaping during auditions, rehearsals, and/or performances is prohibited. Professional videography of the performance is offered by Classical Arts Entertainment.
For Questions please contact...
For questions about the rehearsal schedule contact Miss Sonya Leigh McGee via email at danceartistry@aol.com or call (757) 368-5711. Please note that this phone is not manned daily; leave a message and your call will be returned within 24 hours.
For a faster response, use the "chat" feature when available or the email address provided.
See the official Audition Information letter provided below for remaining details or to print your own copy of the aforementioned items.