Dear Parents and Dancers,

Our production of The Nutcracker is a long-standing community tradition and is revered in the community as a high-quality production that rivals traveling companies and other large ballet schools. Because of the extremely rigorous rehearsal schedule and high level of commitment, detailed information about the production and the expectation for participation are given prior to auditioning. This is so you can make the best decision for your dancer and your family.

As outlined in The Nutcracker requirements, #3 states:

3. Participants must attend all rehearsals. Plan on having rehearsals every weekend beginning the weekend of September 6th, 7th & 8th.

-Rehearsals will also be held the weekend before Thanksgiving: November 22nd, 23rd & 24th. No rehearsals the weekend after Thanksgiving.

-Performers must reserve December 6th through 15th for mandatory rehearsals and performances.

The day of your audition everyone was also made aware of the following policy:

WEEKEND BEFORE THANKSGIVING

Rehearsals will be held Friday, November 22nd and Saturday, November 23rd. NO ONE WILL BE EXCUSED FROM THOSE REHEARSALS. NO REHEARSAL WILL BE HELD ON Sunday, November 24th.

At this point in our rehearsal process we simply cannot take this weekend off. When training at at preprofessional level the consistency in your class and rehearsal attendance is paramount to maintain stamina, strength, and artistic quality. When we return from the Thanksgiving break, we have one week of classes and final dress rehearsals before our extremely demanding tech week and run of shows. For your safety as a dancer and to produce the highest quality show, we cannot excuse anyone from the Friday and Saturday rehearsals before Thanksgiving.

As outlined in the upper division Attendance Policy:

You cannot use an excused absence for the Friday or Saturday rehearsals prior to Thanksgiving, Studio Final Dress, or Tech Week.

If your dancer is unable to attend rehearsal on any of the following dates, they will be unable to perform in the production: November 22, 23; December 6-15.

The next five weekends are critical as we enter the final phase of ramping up to out performances. Please prioritize your dancer’s health. Consistent class attendance as well as proper rest and nutrition are important contributing factors to being able to dance at a preprofessional caliber. There will be no exceptions to these policies. Thank you for your highest level of commitment, it will help us continue the tradition of producing the most professional quality show possible.