Aspiring to be a Ballerina

The music’s familiar, the story classic and for some aspiring ballerinas this is what they work for, a spot in a production. But, getting a part takes work which is why students ages five and up are taking part in Nutcracker Ballet camp. It’s all in preparation for this weekend’s auditions.

"it gives them a chance to really work on their technique before the audition to really go in and work on their ballet audition," said the Nutcracker’s Artistic Director Whitney Joseph.

The Nutcracker will be put on by the East Central Ohio Dance Theater and Joseph said she’s already impressed.

"A lot of great kids with tons of potential and a lot of enthusiasm. It’s really exciting," said Joseph.

Not only do the ballerina’s learn a new skill they are having fun while they’re doing it.

"The younger kids relate well to imagery so I try and use different things like flowers, rainbows, letters and numbers," explained Joseph. "They really relate to having the imagery to connect to."

And while being cast in the Nutcracker will mean months of hard work these dance students are up to the challenge and do it for the love of dance.

"I really like being with my friends and a lot of my friends do dance and it’s fun to get up and dance," said 7-year-old Maggie.

When asked how much fun is dance, 5-year-old Kaileen exclaimed, "So much fun!"

Try-outs are open to anyone in the community from kids to adults who want to audition and will take place at Movement on Main Saturday and Sunday. The Nutcracker will be performed November 26th and 27th.