Usenko wants to make a Christmas tradition in Brome County
Hear ye, hear ye! It’s time for your children to lace up their ballet shoes once again and hit the dance floor.
The École de Ballet Classique de Sutton has scheduled open auditions for The Nutcracker. To be performed December 16 and 17 at Theatre Lac-brome, this seasonal treat is sure to attract a number of tourists and visitors alike. Auditions will be held Saturday, September 23 at the ballet school’s studio at 50, rue Principale Nord in Sutton between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
School Director Anastasia Usenko encourages dancers and ballet lovers from neighbouring towns and studios to try out for this year’s production, which is once again a one-act children’s version of the beloved Tchaikovsky classic.
As magical as Christmas already is, The Nutcracker is a favourite among families and children alike for bringing a world to life where nutcracker princes and sugarplum fairies dance on stage. “It is an exciting opportunity for young dancers to live a role on stage,” says Usenko, “and it is exciting for us to open the production to the wider community.” Indeed, this year is the first time that the École de Ballet Classique Sutton invites outside dancers to audition for The Nutcracker, granted that last year’s sold-out success at Sutton’s Salle Alec-etgérard-pelletier attracted so much attention. “The demand was so high that some people had to be turned away, so this year we want to accommodate as many people as possible,” added Usenko. Thankfully, the newly refurbished Theatre Lac-brome can seat up to 161 people.
“We really want to make The Nutcracker a tradition around here,” said Usenko in an interview. She enjoyed directing at Sutton’s Christmas market last year but is looking forward to the big stage at Theatre Lac-brome. Usenko is planning on welcoming visitors with a large Christmas tree as well as organizing activities for children.
Eligible candidates must be aged 7 years and older and must be currently enrolled in dance classes or have at least two years of training. Boys and adults are encouraged to audition even if they do not have formal experience.
Candidates who have taken yoga or martial arts classes will be considered an asset.
Auditions will consist of a warm-up, exercises, and short choreography sessions. Girls are asked to wear pink tights, a solid-coloured leotard, and ballet shoes, and to prepare their hair in a neat bun. Boys are required to wear a white Tshirt and black pants. As for adults, they are asked to wear athletic attire.
For more information on the auditions, visit fb.com/balletclassiquesutton or call 450-531-3115.