Local 'Nutcracker' auditions announced

If your child would like the opportunity to dance with a professional ballet troupe, mark your calendar for Friday, Sept. 16. That’s when auditions will be held for Pend Oreille Arts Council’s traditional performance of “The Nutcracker” performed by Eugene Ballet Company.

The Nut will get the holiday season started on December 12 at 7 p.m. at the Panida, and your fledgling star could be in the spotlight.

Auditions will be held at DanceWorks Studio, 409 N. Fourth Avenue, Sandpoint as follows:

Baby Mice (ages 5 to 7) 4 to 4:30 p.m.; Angels (ages 7 to 9) from 4:30 to 5 p.m.; Bon Bons (ages 9 to 11) from 5 to 6 p.m.; Party Children (ages 11 to 15) 6 to 7:30 p.m. and Waltz from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Children auditioning for Angels, Bon Bons and Party Children should have at least one year’s ballet training. Those trying out for the Waltz should have at least three years of pointe. There are no prerequisites for Baby Mice, except a willingness to learn.

Applicants should arrive 20 minutes prior to their assigned time to fill out registration forms. There is a $5 audition fee; checks can be made out to Eugene Ballet Company.

Girls should wear class uniforms or a solid colored leotard, pink tights and pink ballet shoes. Their hair should be covered in a bun. Boys should wear a white T-shirt black tights and black ballet shoes.

All students must be available for once a week rehearsals and, of course, the performance. The ballet mistress from Eugene Ballet Company will conduct the auditions; local dance instructor, Becky Lucas, will teach the choreography and conduct the rehearsals.

If you have questions, call Becky Lucas at 208-265-9186.

Tickets for the event will be on sale on October 1 at the POAC office, 302 N. First Avenue, online at www.artinsandpoint.org or by calling (208) 263-6139. Ticket prices are $30 for adults and $12 for youth 18 and under.