Open auditions will be held
Sunday, JANUARY 26, 2025
BALLET DES MOINES
655 Walnut st, suite 120
des moines, ia 50309
Ballet Des Moines is honored to provide opportunities for young dancers across the state of Iowa to participate in professional performances alongside our company dancers. Intermediate and advanced dancers age 10 and above will be considered.
Audition Schedule
Int/Adv Dancers Age 10-13
Registration 11:30-12
Audition 12-1:00
Int/Adv Dancers Age 14+
Registration 12:45-1:15
Audition 1:15-2:15
Supernumerary characters Age 18+
Registration 2-2:30
Audition 2:30-3:30
*supernumerary characters don’t require dance experience and will be more acting having
All dancers should be in flat shoes and are requested to bring a headshot, no larger than 4x6 (this photo will not be returned.
Audition Dress Code and Required Materials
Female identifying dancers: please wear your hair in a ballet bun, a solid color leotard, ballet tights, and pink ballet shoes. The audition will take place in flat shoes, but if you dance on pointe, please bring your pointe shoes in the event we do a pointe section at the end of your audition.
Male identifying dancers: please wear a white t-shirt, black shorts or ballet tights and black ballet shoes.
Non-binary dancers may wear whichever attire they feel more comfortable in.
Please email erin@balletdesmoines.org if you are unable to attend our audition and are interested in participating.
FAQ
What if I can't attend the audition?
If candidates are unable to attend the scheduled auditions, alternate audition options are sometimes available. Please email erin@balletdesmoines.org if you are unable to attend our audition and are interested in participating.
My child turns five after the audition. Can they still audition?
Unfortunately, we ask that dancers are 5 years of age at the time of auditions.
Does my child/am I as a dancer learning actual choreography from The Nutcracker during the audition?
Our Nutcracker Rehearsal Director has created choreography for dancers of all levels. This choreography does not represent the actual role you/your child is being considered for within the Nutcracker production.
Do I have to supply my own shoes and tights?
Yes. If your costume includes colored tights or shoes (other than black, white, or pink), BDM’s wardrobe department will coordinate the dying process.
When are rehearsals?
Rehearsals take place weekly on Saturdays, beginning in October.
What if I can't attend every rehearsal?
It is the responsibility of each student to ensure rehearsals leading up to The Nutcracker productions are a priority. However, we understand that illness and emergencies may arise. Please discuss your availability and/or needs as early as they arise with our Nutcracker Rehearsal Director, Erin Arndorfer. She can be reached at erin@balletdesmoines.org.
How many/which performances will I be in?
The number of performances is dependent on the number of dancers auditioning and dancer availability for those communities with more than one performance.
What if I don't like my role?
All roles are loved equally by our audiences, however we understand that you may have had something else in mind. The professional staff at Ballet Des Moines provides strategic thought to ensuring the hundreds of dancers in The Nutcracker are placed in appropriate roles for their skill level. We do not allow for roles to be switched upon casting.
When and where are performances taking place?
The Nutcracker will take place December 12-15 at Hoyt Sherman Place.
Additional questions?
Please contact Erin Arndorfer at erin@balletdesmoines.org.