Nutcracker 2026-2027
A Holiday Tradition
Each December, Northern Michigan Dance Academy proudly presents The Nutcracker, a beloved holiday tradition that brings together dancers, families, and our community through the timeless story of Clara's magical journey. For many dancers, performing in The Nutcracker is one of the most memorable experiences of their dance education—a chance to grow as an artist, build confidence on stage, and create friendships and memories that last a lifetime.
Whether performing in their very first role or dancing as a principal character, every dancer plays an important part in bringing this production to life.
Who Can Participate?
Petite 1 & Petite 2
Our youngest dancers participate in the Land of Sweets Welcome, a special performance designed just for them.
Participation includes:
Learning choreography during regular weekly class time
Performing in the Thursday Friends & Family Showcase December 3 at 5:30 PM
Opening Act II of the Saturday Matinee December 5 at 1 PM.
An age-appropriate introduction to performing in The Nutcracker
Participation Fee: $50
Demi I Through Grande
Dancers in Demi I, Demi II, Demi III, Demi IV, and Grande participate in the full Nutcracker production.
Depending on casting, dancers will perform in our holiday performances while experiencing the excitement of rehearsals, costumes, backstage preparation, and performing on stage as part of a full-length classical ballet.
Participation Fee: $150
Auditions
Tuesday, August 18
Demi I
No audition required. Roles will be assigned by the artistic staff.
Demi II & Demi III
5:30–6:30 PM
Demi IV & Grande
6:30–7:30 PM
Petite 1 and Petite 2 dancers do not audition.
Rehearsals
The Nutcracker is a team production, and consistent attendance is essential to creating a successful performance.
Petite 1 & Petite 2
Choreography is taught during regular class time.
No additional rehearsals are required.
Demi I Through Grande
Most rehearsals will be scheduled Saturday mornings between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
Not every dancer will rehearse every Saturday or for the full three-hour block. Rehearsal commitment is dependent on role assigned.
Additional rehearsals may be scheduled as performances approach.
Families should reserve Saturday mornings throughout the rehearsal season when planning fall activities.
Attendance & Commitment
Every role matters.
When one dancer misses rehearsal, it impacts spacing, partnering, formations, and the preparation of the entire cast. We ask families to carefully review their fall schedules before registering.
By registering, families are committing to:
Making Nutcracker rehearsals and performances a priority
Communicating known conflicts in advance
Supporting their dancer throughout the rehearsal process
Monitoring email and the Band App for studio communication
Casting Philosophy
Casting is one of the most exciting parts of Nutcracker, and it is also an important learning experience.
Casting decisions are made thoughtfully by the artistic staff based on many factors, including:
Age and class placement
Technical ability
Artistry and musicality
Stage presence
Rehearsal attendance and commitment
The overall needs and balance of the production
Every role is an important part of telling the story. We encourage dancers to embrace every opportunity to perform, challenge themselves, and contribute to the success of the entire cast.
By participating in Nutcracker, families acknowledge that casting decisions made by the artistic staff are final.
Registration
Registration includes:
Nutcracker participation form
Attendance and commitment acknowledgment
Nutcracker participation fee.
After submitting your registration, you'll receive a confirmation email with instructions to complete your Nutcracker participation payment.
Your dancer's registration is complete once both the registration form and participation fee have been received.
Join the Magic
For generations, The Nutcracker has been a treasured holiday tradition at Northern Michigan Dance Academy. We are honored to share this experience with our dancers and families each year and look forward to another season filled with growth, teamwork, beautiful performances, and unforgettable memories.
We can't wait to welcome you to Nutcracker 2026!
