Nutcracker Auditions

Nutcracker Auditions

Students and dancers are invited to audition for the opulent full scale production of Von Heidecke’s Nutcracker. This production has been touring the US since 1990 for rave reviews and over sold out theaters. The cast is led by numerous internationally renowned dancers and features Chicagoland’s best young students and gymnasts. Mr. von Heidecke is a choreographer of international stature having choreographed productions at major opera houses around the world.

Selected dancers will be invited to participate in this professional production of the Chicago Festival Ballet’s production of the Nutcracker. Auditions will be held on Saturday, August 7th & Saturday August 21st at VH Dance Center, 4222 Meridian Parkway, Suite 100, Aurora, IL 60504.

Auditions will take place according to the following schedule:

• 12:30 pm - 12:45 pm: dancers ages 3-4

• 12:45 pm – 1:00 pm: dancers ages 5-6

• 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm: dancers ages 7-12

• 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm: dancers ages 13 - professional level

• Dancers must arrive 30 minutes prior to their age group’s start time to register.

• Audition forms are available at the link below. .

• Preregistration is encouraged due to capacity limits.  Register at the link below, call 630-527-1052 or email

• Cast member participation fee (for those selected):

  • Cast as Angel: $30

  • Cast as Mouse & Angel: $40

  • Cast as Mouse & Flower: $50

      Other roles:

•  Cast in two roles: $60

•  Cast in three or more roles, or a main role: $70

SPECIAL OFFER: New students or former DanceWest students who audition and register for classes receive 50% off their first two months tuition installments!

The Von Heidecke Chicago Festival Ballet will present “The Nutcracker,” choreographed by Kenneth von Heidecke at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet, and at the Ritz Theater in Tiffin, Ohio.

All chosen dancers will perform at the Rialto Square Theater, while select dancers will be chosen to perform in Tiffin, OH with the professional dancers’ tour.

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*Selected dancers are encouraged to enroll in classes appropriate for their level, to learn the technique required for the performances. Rehearsals are held on weekday evenings and Saturdays. Rehearsal tuition is charged at class rates for student dancers.

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There will be additional touring fees (to cover bus, hotel, and food) for dancers selected to perform out of town. These fees cannot be determined until the number of dancers in the cast is finalized

Rialto Square Theater:

• Sunday, November 28th at 2:00pm, at the Rialto Square Theater in Joliet, Illinois

Ritz Theatre:

• Saturday, December 18th at 7:30pm at the Ritz Theatre in Tiffin, Ohio.

Pre-Professional Auditions

VH Dance Center’s Pre-Professional program has three levels and is designed for intermediate to advanced students who wish to pursue careers in professional dance. 2021-22 school year dates are August 16th to May 28th. Students attend 7-19 hours of instruction weekly, depending on the student's level. Besides studying Ballet technique, and Pre-pointe or Pointe, students also study Contemporary, and learn variations and repertoire to participate in Von Heidecke's Chicago Festival Ballet's Nutcracker, as well as VH Dance Center's Spring ballet performance.  

Class options include Jazz, Hip Hop and Contemporary, and Acting Masterclasses.

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Auditions are free, but preregistration is required. Students may enroll in the program at any point during the term, and tuition will be prorated.  However, for new students, audition is required. Please contact us to schedule your audition! 

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Ages 12 and up: Choose Monday 10:30am -  12:00pm, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday 10:00am - 11:30am, or Friday 5:00- 6:30pm;
Ages 8 - 11: Choose Monday or Wednesdays 4:30 to 6:30pm or Friday 1-3pm

Auditions may be in-person or video

In-person auditions may be scheduled by phone or online:

To schedule online:

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• Choose 'Register Now' below

• Log into your account or create an account

• Choose Register for classes

• Choose Summer 2021 

• Choose Pre Professional Audition.

• Select Schedule trial, and choose your Audition date.

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Video Auditions

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Upload recorded video auditions to YouTube or Vimeo, and include dancer's name and age in the title. 

For YouTube, post as unlisted and email the link to . 

For Vimeo, email the log in and password to .

Videos must be no more than 3 months old and must include the following: 

                  All en pointe if applicable

Combinations to be included at barre:

• Plie including grand plie and relevé balance

• Tendus

• Rond de jambes

• Grand battements

Combinations in the center:

• Adagio, include développé, penché, promenade

• Pirouettes, including en dehors and en dedans

• Petite Allegro, including battu jumps

• Grand Allegro

• Optional: Variation of your choice

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Don't miss VH Dance Center's performance of Cinderella!

Sunday, August 1st at 2pm, at Center Stage Theater in Naperville! 

The delightful story of Cinderella unfolds with the hilarious antics of the stepmother and stepsisters, the frail beauty and kindness of Cinderella and the grandeur of her wedding to the Prince in this lavish production. Cinderella is wonderful for all ages and is pure family entertainment of the highest level.

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Choreographer Kenneth Von Heidecke’s works are performed around the world. Sumptuous and colorful costumes depict the fairy godmother and fairies transforming Cinderella’s rags to the grand ball gown when she makes her entrance into the swirling ballroom of the palace. Humor and tender love scenes truly make this the perfect family treat. It’s no wonder that the production has received national acclaim on tour.

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Tickets on sale at

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Due to theater capacity restrictions, tickets must be purchased in advance, and will not be available at the door. 

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Masks required in theater for those without COVID vaccine and anyone under age 12.

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Embrace Your Love of Dance

Our Program

Your quest for the perfect Ballet Academy can end right here. Our extensive list of classes includes many types of dance and a variety of skill levels, so rest assured there’s an option that’s perfect for you. We’re constantly updating our offerings, so check back often to make sure you don’t miss out on a new dance opportunity.

Children's Ballet

Led by a dedicated team of instructors, dancers ranging from age 2 through intermediate level begin with basic ballet steps and gradually transition to more advanced technique and prepointe in these classes. Classes encourage dancers to grow in skill and love of ballet, as they are gradually prepared for advanced level classes. Interested in learning more? Get in contact with a member of our team, we’re happy to answer any questions.

Advanced Ballet Classes

Advanced level students continue to study technique and pointe in the Balanchine style class. Performance opportunities with Von Heidecke's Chicago Festival Ballet are offered as an additional opportunity for dancers. Our amazing instructors make sure students get individual attention. Want to find out more? Get in touch with us today.

Pre-Professional Program

Our Pre-Professional Program is designed for the intermediate through advanced level student interested in a professional career in dance. Besides intermediate through advanced level ballet, curriculum includes contemporary dance, and performance opportunities with a professional company. Classes in Character, Jazz, and Hip Hop  are encouraged. Instructors with professional backgrounds, who give dancers meticulous attention, and methodical analysis of technique help students achieve their highest potential. Instructors are committed to giving each student attention while also moving the class forward. We’re happy to answer any questions you have about this program or any others - simply contact us or stop by.

Special Programs

Whether you’re looking to learn new dance moves, hone in on your existing talent, or work on getting in shape these classes are what you are looking for. Classes offered include Ballet for Figure Skaters I & II, Adult/Teen Beginning Ballet, Character, Contemporary, Jazz I, Jazz/Hip Hop (intermediate/advanced).  Fitness classes include WERQ Fitness and Strong by Zumba. The instructors are committed to giving each student attention while also moving the class forward. Our dedicated instructors are ready to answer any questions about our classes - simply contact us or stop by.

Our Story

More About VH Dance Center

VH Dance Center is located in Aurora, Illinois where dancers begin instruction as young as 3 years of age. Our school specializes in professional ballet training in the Balanchine style, while also promoting positive body image and building self esteem. Classes offered include classical ballet as well as multiple other styles of dance to provide a well rounded dance education.  Our program is ideal for dancers looking to pursue a professional career in ballet.

STUDIO HOURS

Monday -- Friday: 10:00-7:30pm

Saturday: 9:00 - 3:00pm

Sunday: Closed

Contact Us

4222 Meridian Parkway, Suite 100, Aurora, IL

630-527-1052