CLARA’S DREAM
IMPACT DANCE CENTER’S NUTCRACKER
FEATURED lead BALLET AUDITIONS
MONDAY, AUGUST 10 • IMPACT LOS AL
4:00 - 5:00 PM: Ages 9-12 Enroll here →
Enrolled in Ballet 2A and higher
5:00 - 6:00 PM: Ages 12+ Enroll here →
Enrolled in Pointe IB and higher. Dancers will audition on pointe.
Step Into the Spotlight
We’re casting for a variety of featured and principal ballet roles in our annual holiday tradition, Clara’s Dream. Dancers ages 9 and up are invited to audition for a chance to perform in this magical winter production.
From iconic solos like Sugar Plum Fairy and Clara, to ensemble roles like Waltz of the Flowers and Toy Soldiers, this is your dancer’s moment to shine.
What to Know Before You Audition
Audition Fee: $15
Attire: Any color leotard, pink tights, ballet shoes, hair in a bun
Casting Age Minimum: 9 years old
Rehearsals:
Clara's Dream 2026 Choreography Workshops
Thursday, August 13, 2026 • 4PM - 7PM (Waltz, Clara, Candy Canes, Hot Chocolate)
Saturday, August 15, 2026 • 10AM - 2:30 PM (All-Cast)
Clara’s Dream Repertory Classes (Starting in September)
Saturdays, 8:00 - 9:00 AM @ Impact Los Al (Gnomes, Bakers, Clara, Candy Canes)
Saturdays, 1:00 - 2:00 PM @ Impact Los Al (Waltz, Mirlitons, Hot Chocolate Leads, Dew Drop, Sugar Plum, Doll) Clara will attend on select weekends.
All-Cast Theater Rehearsal: TBA (December 2026)
Performance Date: TBA (December 2026) during Winter Fantasy
Production Fee Overview
Dancers cast in featured roles will be charged a production fee, which includes:
Costume rental
Rehearsal time
Cast t-shirt
Semi-private sessions for principal roles
Photo shoot sitting fee
Associated fees will be confirmed upon casting.
Dancers cast in featured roles are also invited to perform with their regular group classes in the production at no additional cost—a special benefit exclusive to featured performers. Please note that participation with their group class is subject to show order and logistical feasibility.
Click BELOW to enroll in THE audition before FRIDAY, August 7, 2026
How Featured Roles Are Cast
Casting for Clara's Dream is based on many factors and is designed to place each dancer in a role where they can be challenged, grow artistically, and contribute to the overall production. While every role is unique, our casting team considers:
Age & Training
Most featured roles have typical age ranges and technical prerequisites. Some principal and featured roles require dancers to be training en pointe.
Technical Readiness
We evaluate ballet technique, musicality, strength, coordination, artistry, and overall preparedness for the demands of each role.
Physical & Choreographic Needs
Height, partnering, costume availability, and overall visual balance may also influence casting.
Performance Quality
Some roles require exceptional storytelling, character work, stage presence, or the ability to lead an ensemble.
Artistic Growth
Many dancers progress through different featured roles over several seasons. While there is no guaranteed casting pathway, we often build upon previous performance experiences as dancers continue to develop.
Featured Role Guidelines
The guidelines below reflect the ages and training levels typically associated with each featured role. They are intended to provide transparency into the casting process, but do not guarantee casting.
| Featured Role | Typical Age | Training Level* | Pointe Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clara | 9–12 | 1B+ | Optional |
| Sugar Plum Fairy | 13–18 | 4/5 | Yes |
| Dew Drop Fairy | 13–18 | 4/5 | Yes |
| Doll | 12–18 | 4/5 | Yes |
| Peacock | 12–18 | 3/4 | Yes |
| Hot Chocolate Lead | 12–18 | 4/5 | Yes |
| Mirlitons | 12–18 | 3/4/5 | Yes |
| Flowers | 12–18 | 3/4/5 | Yes |
| Hot Chocolate Demi | 11–16 | 2B/3 | Optional |
| Candy Canes | 11–16 | 2B/3 | Optional |
| Bakers | 9–12 | 1B+ | No |
| Gnomes | 9–12 | 1B+ | No |
| Birds | 10–16 | 2A+ | No |
| Toy Soldiers | 9–12 | 2A+ | Optional |
| Mother Ginger | Teen/Adult | N/A | No |
* Training level refers to the dancer’s current ballet and/or pointe level at Impact Dance Center.
Casting decisions consider age, technical readiness, artistry, musicality, stage presence, rehearsal availability, costume fit, and the overall needs of the production.
These guidelines may vary from year to year. Meeting the typical age and training level for a role does not guarantee casting.