A Storybook Nutcracker is a performance opportunity dancers fully enrolled in Level 2B who maintain consistent attendance in their weekly classes. Dancers in Levels 3-5 may perform in the concert as members of the Youth Ballet Ensemble. 

Required Dates

Weekly Rehearsals: All scheduled weekly rehearsals for each group

Level 2B rehearses following their weeknight class time.

Levels 3-5 rehearse during Youth Ballet Ensemble rehearsals on Saturdays.

Production Week Rehearsals at Space Place Theater: Sunday-Thursday before opening night*

*Schedule subject to change

Performances: All dancers perform during each showtime

A Storybook Nutcracker Registration

A Storybook Nutcracker provides a window into upper level dancers' progression as they develop the skill to learn and retain choreography. Essential to their dance education, student performers are immersed in the rehearsal environment and production elements of a cohesive theatrical dance performance. 

To keep this performance opportunity available year after year, UIYB aims to keep concert enrollment costs low. For this reason, tickets to attend the performance are not covered by registering for A Storybook Nutcracker or Youth Ballet Ensemble. 

You can help us continue to offer this performance opportunity at a low cost by:

  • Telling your friends and family about A Storybook Nutcracker
  • Purchasing tickets through Hancher's Box Office
  • UIYB Donation through the Dance Department Enrichment Fund
  • Enrolling in UI Youth Ballet and Community Dance School classes

Sign-up for A Storybook Nutcracker opens at the beginning of the fall semester each academic year.

Rehearsals

At the UI Youth Ballet and Community Dance School, all rehearsals are separate from technique classes. Keeping performance activities separate allows us to focus on providing the highest level of technical instruction during class time. Weekly rehearsals are scheduled following class time.

Class Attendance Policy

The UI Youth Ballet and Community Dance School holds performing students to high expectations for weekly class attendance. For participation in A Storybook Nutcracker, all dancers Level 2B through Level 5 are required to be fully enrolled in their level and maintain consistent attendance in their classes each week.

Fully Enrolling in Level 2B 

Participation in A Storybook Nutcracker is intended to be an introduction for Level 2B dancers to experience a glimpse into the workload of a Youth Ballet Ensemble dancer. 

Because of the skills taught in class and implemented in choreography, dancers are required to fully enroll in their level to join the performance. Level 2B dancers cross-train across multiple styles to broaden their dance vocabulary.

If unforeseen circumstances prevent a student from keeping a class, rehearsal, or performance commitment, contact DNC-CommunityDance@uiowa.edu immediately.

Costumes 

Costumes for the concert are provided by the program and returned once all performances have been completed. Dancers are responsible for taking care of the costumes while wearing them. The cost of costume use and cleaning is covered by concert enrollment fees and community contributions to the dance department enrichment fund.

Dance undergarments, tights, shoes, and hair styling supplies are supplied by performers’ families. Required color and style are specified by staff each year.