New Orleans young dancers have a unique opportunity to perform in the iconic NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet this holiday season. On October 11, 2024, the production will hold auditions for local children at Arabesque Ballet Theater International. The auditions are part of the “Dance with Us” program, inviting aspiring dancers ages 6 to 17 to audition for roles in the performance at the Saenger Theatre.

The open auditions will be directed by company soloist Aleksandra, who will also lead the first rehearsal for the selected dancers. This collaboration offers young performers a chance to participate in a professional ballet production alongside 75 world-renowned artists from 16 ballet capitals around the world. The production is produced by Talmi Entertainment, which is known for its pioneering work in bringing classical ballet to North American audiences.

With its 32nd season underway, NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet will tour over 85 cities across North America, spreading holiday cheer through a spectacular display of ballet. Talmi Entertainment’s rich history of ballet productions includes critically-acclaimed tours such as the Cynthia Gregory Celebration Tour, Bolshoi to Broadway, and full-length productions of Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty. Their legacy of bringing world-class ballet to a diverse audience continues to thrive.

Auditions will take place at Arabesque Ballet Theater International, giving local children the chance to be part of this timeless holiday tradition. For more details on the event or to purchase tickets for the performance, visit nutcracker.com. Special group pricing is available by calling (800) 320-1733 or emailing groups@nutcracker.com.