Ballet West's Nutcracker

I really almost just threw in the towel and gave up on my blog altogether, but I have had several requests to get it going again, and talking about Chloe's fun new adventure seemed like the perfect opportunity. So here it goes.




On September 10th, we headed to the Rose Wagner Theater in Salt Lake City for Ballet West's Nutcracker auditions. I was unaware the auditions were open to the public until a year ago, but once Chloe heard that they were open she was determined to audition this year. You are assigned a part to audition for according to height, so we knew she was auditioning to be a soldier. I also knew she was on the short end of the height scale, making her one of the youngest girls auditioning for the role. I told Chloe time and time again to remember that this would be a good opportunity and experience no matter what happened. But that didn't stop Chloe from making one of her birthday wishes, when she blew out her candles the night before, to get a part in the ballet (if you think I was feeling anxiety and pressure, you are right. but I also kept telling myself that this was just for the experience - logically thinking, this was Chloe's first year auditioning and she was one of the youngest. I didn't think her chances were good at getting a part, so no pressure)

We entered the theater filled with excited little ballerinas and anxious mothers. Chloe got her # and we pinned it on (#512 - her new favorite number). We did a few finishing touches on her bun and then she began to stretch as we waited for the morning audition group to finish. We watched as tear filled eyes came out after being cut. We watched crying mothers console their daughters. Finally it was time for the soldier auditions. Looking like the perfect little ballerina Chloe went into the audition leaving me and my mom there to wait. And wait. And wait.

After what seemed like forever (actually 3 hours), a woman came out and announced that in a few minutes a group of girls that had been cut would be coming out. She proceeded to tell us that there would be many sad and teary eyed girls that needed our love and support. Any feelings of calm that I had were gone at this point. My stomach was in knots as we waited for the doors to open. About 15 minutes later the doors opened and what seemed like a never ending stream of sad, teary eyed girls starting pouring out. I searched through the sea of girls, all dressed in black leotards with their hair in buns, for Chloe's face. I saw a couple of girls I knew (5 years older than Chloe) come out and my heart sank. I expected her face to be the next I saw. But then the doors closed, and no Chloe. But would there be more cuts... Over 130 girls had gone in to the audition. How many had come out in that first cut? I can honestly say that this was the most heart stopping experience I have had as a mother. And that is saying a lot considering we have been through bunches of dance things, sport tryouts and games, etc. So again we waited. And finally they came out and announced that the girls who has made soldier would be coming out shortly. Chloe was among the select girls who made it. We were all so excited.

Here is a short video clip.




Braxton, Justice, and Belle were so cute and excited for Chloe as well. They made her a big poster with special messages on it (I am sure Dave suggested the idea). It is was also fun that a couple of Chloe's cute friends made it as well. And a special thank you to my mom (aka. Grandma/Mrs. Peek) for going with us to the audition and being Chloe's dance teacher.




I am so proud of her and so thrilled for her. This is such a great opportunity and experience. Since, we have had many hours of rehearsal, costume fittings, cast photos, and lots and lots of driving to Capitol Theater. But I have to say, as I see Chloe come out with her smile beaming and her eyes sparkling, it is all worth it.

I sent out an email to family and friends, but I thought I would post it here as well - this is what I sent

"Chloe auditioned for Ballet West's Nutcracker and was selected to perform as a Blue Soldier. She has been working hard with lots of rehearsals and loving every minute of it. She was selected to be in Cast A which is the first to perform. It is a great cast because she gets to perform at Weber State University as well as Opening weekend at Capitol Theater. The downside to her Cast is that they also does all of the Ballet West Corporate Sponsor and Invited Guests performances, which means there are not as many performances open to the general public to buy tickets for. If you are interested in buying tickets to the Nutcracker and would like to see Chloe, they go on sale tomorrow, October 15th. The tickets for the Weber State performances (Friday, Nov. 25th - evening and Saturday, Nov. 26th - matinee and evening) need to be purchased through Ogden Symphony. The tickets for the performances at Capitol Theater Friday, Nov. 25th - evening and Saturday, Nov. 26th - matinee and evening)can be purchased at Capitol Theater or go to Balletwest.org and follow the links. She gets to perform 8 other times at Capitol Theater, but the tickets are not for sale to the general public."