Moscow Ballet FAQ's
1. WHAT IS THE MOSCOW BALLET NUTCRACKER ?
The Moscow Ballet brings a production of the Nutcracker to many different towns. They offer
local dancers the opportunity to perform in the nutcracker.
2. WHY DO WE HAVE TO AUDITION?
Dancers have to try out to find out what part they will fit. Unlike our recitals, the dancers must
fit into the existing costumes. Dancers must also be able to perform the necessary skills. For
example a teen dancer who can not do a split will not get cast as an Arabian as that part requires a
split.
Parents must ABSOLUTELY SIGN THE AUDITION FORM, no exceptions, neighbors and aunts
don’t count. Download a form from www.nutcracker.com, and bring it with you.
3. WHO CAN BE IN THE NUTCRACKER?
Any local dancer ages 6 to teen from any studio. Miss Vivette of Vivette’s Dance Studio is the
local studio co-ordinator but that does not mean that only her dancers can be in it. We encourage,
welcome and want all dancers in the community to be part of this wonderful project.
4. WHAT IF MY DANCER DOESN’T GET A PART?
There are parts for over 60 local students. This is the 3rd year that we are part of the
production and no one has been passed over for a part.
The only exception to this student would be a student that is much too heavy to fit into the
existing costumes, and perhaps a few of our teen dancers that have been in the last two years and
are “aging out” due to height.
5. WHAT DOES IT COST TO BE IN THE NUTCRACKER?
There is no fee however… depending on what part your child is cast as you may need to buy
white ballet slippers or white tights(male party guests), black tights or black ballet slippers (Mice),
an underliner (all dancers). Most of the parts call for pink ballet slippers and pink tights.
Parents will probably want to purchase a ticket to see their dancer perform.
Dancers will also be asked to pay a fee for their dinner at Martinelli’s, part of this fee also provides
food for the Russian dancers. Last years fee was $12.00 per dancer or guest parent/chaparone.
There are also items you may wish to buy, photo’s, dvd’s of the performance, t-shirts, etc.
6. WHEN IS THE AUDITION?
Friday, September 28th at 5:00pm at Vivette’s Dance Studio.
The audition will be conducted by a Russian Dancer. (I think it will be Olga this year, but we have
had Boris and Ecaterina in the past).
The Russian MAY teach a master class between the young ones audition and the old ones. If
so, the cost is $10.00 paid at time of registration, checks made to Vivette’s Dance Studio, cash
payments also accepted. (place in marked envelope please!). More information when we find out
what is going on in that regard.
7. WHEN WILL WE KNOW WHAT PART WE HAVE?
That night before you leave.
8. MY DAUGHTER DOESN’T WANT TO BE A MOUSE, CAN WE ASK FOR A PARTICULAR PART?
In the words of teachers and mothers everywhere “You get what you get, and you don’t throw
a fit”. All parts are important or they wouldn’t have included them in the show.
9. WHEN WILL WE LEARN THE DANCES?
Most of the dances are quite simple to learn and will be taught on Saturday, Sept 29th, and
possibly Sunday Sept 30th.
You really have to be here for this. I’ve already had a few people talk to me about being gone this
weekend, and we’ll try to work around it, but it’s much more difficult for all involved.
10. WHEN WILL WE REHEARSE?
I am planning for most rehearsals to take place on Sunday afternoons. I have a few conflicts
and parents will receive a schedule. If I have to take over the Wichita position as well, we may have
to have rehearsals on Saturday afternoons. (I so do NOT want to do the Wichita show also, pray
that it all works out!)
11. WHEN IS THE SHOW?
Friday, December 14th. Dancers will need to miss school most of all of that day, due to the
schedule of costume fitting, rehearsing, photos, dinner and performance.
12. WHAT IF I MISS A REHEARSAL?
You won’t know what we have learned while you were gone. It will of course be better not to
miss any, but life happens, and we know something will come up. Please try very hard to not miss
any rehearsals, but if you must, always let us know what when and why….in WRITING…if you tell
me, it just doesn’t make it into my memory.
13. HOW CAN WE REACH YOU WITH QUESTIONS? ETC
I will send out information by email, so try really hard to give me a working email address. If I
have to take the time to mail you notes, you might not get them in time. (Not to mention that
postage really adds up and I don’t get paid much for doing this!)
Remember not all dancers will attend my studio, so I must have a way to get in contact with
you quickly.
I will post things on the Nutcracker page of my website www.vivettesdance.com
My email address is Vivettesdance@hotmail.com. The studio phone number is 827-3396, it
usually call forwards to my cellphone during non-office hours, but if I’m substitute teaching you’ll
have to leave a message