By: Arianna Dominici '25
Every December in New York, the American School of Ballet and its company of professional ballerinas prepare for the performance of a lifetime: The Nutcracker. This spectacular show has been in production annually for numerous years and will continue for many more. Last year, I was privileged with the opportunity to observe a rehearsal of the second act of the show at the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center, and I can attest to the fact that these performances are breathtaking. My younger sister, Isabel, danced as a Candy Cane in the show, and I got a special insight into the world of ballet through her. Behind the glamorous costumes and melody of the orchestra is a supportive family who push each other for the best through each pirouette and arabesque. Before the meticulous practice begins for these young achievers, the SAB kids, otherwise known as the American School of Ballet students, line up to give their all in front of the faces of familiar teachers.
Auditions for SAB Children
Those who are at a younger level of five or below at the American School of Ballet, otherwise known as SAB, are eligible for The Nutcracker auditions. Reaching this level of professionalism and opportunity in a young person's life is beneficial in many areas and exemplifies how persistence can result in rewarding experiences.
On one faithful day between September and October, students who are usually below the height of 5”1 gather in the studio to audition for specific roles. Leading roles are given to the companies’ professional ballerinas leaving characters such as The Candy Canes eligible for students. Some would expect an intense and harsh atmosphere, but I learned that friends and bonds with teachers made that possibility scarce. Firstly, when the roles came out, the parents and students were told not to brag or be abashed because of the casting. Additionally, the teachers show the dance in a sufficient time frame and provide constructive criticism as well as an appreciation for everyone's overall effort.
Rehearsal for SAB children
After receiving a role, the ballerinas start their extended hours of
ballet on top of a great deal of practice they already put in for a standard week. For example, one who is in Stage 5 has a technique class, pointe class, and rehearsal with an hour and a half each. These three classes are interchangeable in the schedule and have often occurred all in one long day. The determination a performer would need to persist from class to class is outstanding, especially considering the young ages of these students.
As the first performance is fast approaching, parents and family are allowed to watch a part of the rehearsal. Last winter, I went with my family to watch my sister, Isabel, perform as a Candy Cane in Act 2, and it's safe to say that all their hard work had paid off. It is nice to see that this positive experience continued within an encouraging environment of parents, teachers, professionals, students, and friends. I highly enjoyed watching the full performance that December and look forward to attending again this year, as it is definitely a wintertime experience that shouldn't be missed.
“It was amazing to work with professionals and to have the great honor of being in ‘The Nutcracker,’ everyone should definitely come to see the show!” - Isabel, The Nutcracker ballerina.
Sources: SAB student interview, NYC Ballet First Image: Arianna Dominici '25
Second image: Lonely Planet
Edited by: Katarina Radulovic '24 and Ms. Brilliant
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