Magic City Nutcracker 2020 Audition Instructions

Our world is changing rapidly and we are excited to evolve and bring the Magic City Nutcracker to life in a whole new way.   Our production this year will be a digital version, filmed in various locations around Birmingham and put together in a cinematic format to be streamed and cherished for years to come.

In order to conform to health safety standards, auditions will be held by video submission.  If needed, callbacks will be conducted via a Zoom session.

Audition Preparation Instructions

  1. Select a room with a clear space with plenty of room to move.

  2. Find a camera angle where your full body can be viewed.

  3. Ensure that your floor is non-slip and safe to move on.

What to Wear

  • Ladies - ballet tights that match the natural line of the dancer and a solid black leotard, flat ballet shoes, and hair secured in a traditional bun.  No makeup required.

  • Gentlemen - white t-shirt and black pants or tights.

Let’s Film!

  1. Begin your video by clearly stating your first and last name and how old you are.

  2. Tell us where you receive your dance training and how many years you have danced.

  3. Let us know if you have danced in the Nutcracker before and what role you played.

  4. You can also tell us a fun fact about yourself! (optional)

Time to Dance

  • See age brackets below for what material to perform.

  • Each age group will have expectations that the student with ballet training should know how to perform.

  • If they need help, a link for harder steps will be available for a review.

5-7 Years Old

  1. Skip across the room.

  2. Jump feet apart and feet back together.  Hands on hips.

  3. Cartwheel (if they can perform safely)

  4. Any other special tricks or dance moves they want to share.

  5. Finish with a ballet curtsy.

7-11 Years Old

  1. Starting in 1st position, perform 8 balance’s side to side.  Need a refresher?  Click this link to see how to perform a balance’.

  2. Stand in 1st arabesque and hold a short balance.  Click this link to see an image demonstration.

  3. Starting in 5th, perform a pas de chat.  Click this link for a tutorial.

  4. Any other special tricks (split) or dance combination that they want to share.

  5. Finish with a ballet curtsy.

12 Years to Adult

  1. Starting in B plus, perform 2 consecutive waltz turns.  Click this link for a tutorial.

  2. Stand in 1st arabesque, perform a slow 8 count penche.  Click this link for tips.

  3. Tombe, pas de bourree, glissade step grand jete.  Click this link for a demonstration.

  4. Any other dance combinations that highlight your talents (can be related to a role you are interested in performing).

  5. Finish with a ballet reverence and curtsy.

Advanced Pointe Dancers - only perform these skills on secure, non-slip flooring*

  1. Starting in 5th position en face, perform 8 tendus a le second, alternating legs, backwards.

  2. Starting in tendu devant, perform a pique to first arabesque onto pointe.

  3. Bourree across the floor, arms in a position of your choice.

  4. From 5th, perform 8 echappe releves in a le second.

  5. Any other step you would like us to see.

* MCN is not held responsible for any attempts at dancing that could result in injury. 

** Interpret steps to your best ability.  Helpful links are not provided for pointe dancers to see how proficient they are in written interpretation.

All Done? Submit Your Audition

  1. Create an email to audition@magiccitynutcracker.org.

  2. Include the body of the email the following:

    1. Dancer’s full name

    2. Age

    3. Training studio

    4. Years of training

    5. Former parts in any Nutcracker production

  3. Also include the following for parent/guardian info:

    1. Name

    2. Email address

    3. Phone number

  4. Suggested donation of $5 can be submitted at this link.

  5. Don’t forget to attach your video!

  6. DEADLINE for submission is Saturday, July 25th

Thank you for your consideration for participating in Magic City Nutcracker 2020!

Any questions - please email Jamie Grimes at jamie@magiccitynutcracker.org.