CBYE - Auditions
The Nutcracker and Hansel & Gretel Ballet ~ Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

What are the benefits of taking part in a production?

• Rare opportunity to share the stage with professional dancers and experience the life of a professional dancer from the audition to the grand finale performance

• Enhance your dance training by learning key stage performance techniques

• Showcase your talents to world-renowned choreographers and teachers for future dance opportunities such as international dance exchange programs

• Build your dance resume.  Many senior students who have participated in our productions have gone on to attend the York and Ryerson University dance programs and dance professionally with companies such as the National Ballet School of Canada, Kirov Ballet, and the New York City Ballet.

How is the audition set-up?  Do I have to prepare a dance routine?  How are students evaluated?
The audition has two main components: ballet class work and choreography.  Students will be taught and asked to repeat ballet exercises both in the centre and across the floor.  For the choreography component, students will be taught a brief excerpt of the production’s choreography.  Students are not required to come prepared with a dance routine.  Students are evaluated on their technical ability, musicality, artistic expression, ability to pick up new choreography, ability to incorporate corrections to their dancing etc.

What should I wear for the audition?

Students are required to come dressed in regular ballet class attire.  Presentation must be tidy and elegant. 

Girls: ballet bodysuit, tights, ballet shoes and pointe shoes (if applicable).  Please avoid wearing stage costumes as this only distracts from the student’s body placement.  Hair must be off the face, worn in a bun. 

Boys: black tights, sleeveless white t-shirt, white socks with black or white shoes

No jewellery or watches are to be worn with the exception of small stud earrings and medic alert bracelets.  Eye glasses can be worn for the audition but removal of glasses for the performance must be discussed if the student is accepted in the production.

Are parents, friends, and outside dance teachers allowed to watch the auditions?
All of our auditions are closed to any spectators.  Parents are welcome to wait in the waiting room during the audition.

Does it matter what dance studio I currently attend classes at?
It is a requirement for students selected to be part of the production to continue regular dance training a dance studio of their choice.  CBYE is not affiliated with any dance studio and evaluates students solely on their dance talents.

When will I find out if I am selected to be in the production? 
Successful candidates who will be invited to be in the production will be contacted by e-mail. 

When do successful students find out their role?
Students who accept their invitation to be in the production will be cast in their role during the first intensive training with the artistic director.  This will provide further opportunity for the dance instructors to evaluate the student.

What if I am not accepted into the production?
A group of select students that were not accepted may be placed on a waiting list.  Students on the waiting list may be called any point up to the start of rehearsals in the event a spot becomes available.  

Age requirements for the audition?
Students must fit the age requirement at the time of the audition.  Students who will be turning 7 shortly after the audition may attend to gain exposure to the audition process.  On some occasions students who are turning 7 have been accepted into our productions. 

How many auditions do I need to attend?
Students are only required to attend one audition.  Students are welcome to attend additional auditions for added experience but will only be evaluated based on their first audition. 

If you have any questions, please send us an e-mail to info@cbye.ca or call our office at 905-512-1453