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Dear 2026 Elevation Nutcracker Families,
Welcome back to another magical year of Elevation Nutcracker rehearsals and performances! We're thrilled to see familiar faces returning and excited to welcome new families joining our dance family. Together, we'll transform hours of hard work and preparation into the enchanting world of the Nutcracker!
As we approach the Nutcracker choreography camp, we want to ensure you have the most up-to-date information at your fingertips. Most importantly, please be sure to double-check the links below for the Team Up Calendar AND the dress code information for rehearsals!
All important info can be found at our dedicated Elevation Nutcracker website. Please bookmark it (or you can always find the link on the Elevation website under Performances > The Nutcracker).
Please look for a WEEKLY email on Thursdays starting today!
VERY IMPORTANT!!! SIGN UP IS REQUIRED
Nutcracker Costume Sizing for ALL DANCERS (including Gingers and Bumblebees):
Renee will be at the studio Aug 27, 28, 31, Sep 1, 2, 3 to size all dancers. You must sign up for a sizing appointment (see below).
Before signing up for an appointment, please consider the following:
A parent must be present to approve sizing, regardless of the dancer's age.
Rehearsal time is limited, so sizing must be scheduled before or after your dancer's rehearsal (or on a day they are not rehearsing) to not take away from their rehearsal time. Please double-check your dancer's rehearsal schedule HERE.
Please arrive at the studio 3-5 minutes BEFORE your scheduled time slot.
Please have your dancer wear fitted clothing for their sizing appointment. (Ie: leotard, tights, bike shorts, leggings, etc.)
Dancers who are in multiple pieces will be able to do all of their sizing during one appointment time slot.
If you do not sign up for an appointment or you miss your appointment, you will have to wait until someone is available to size your dancer, which may delay the arrival of your dancer's costume.
To keep things efficient, please choose adjacent time slots when booking appointments when possible.
Sign up for appointments HERE.
We are looking for volunteers to help with costume sizing! Earn a $10/hour volunteering discount credit for Nutcracker tickets. Volunteers must be comfortable with measuring dancers with a measuring tape. Contact renee@elevationdancestudio.com for more information.
Quick links to stay informed over the next few weeks:
Team Up Calendar - Find the most up-to-date rehearsal schedule (search by your child’s first and last name AND also search by the name of the dances they are in. This is the best way to CROSS CHECK their schedule.) Did you know you can also download the Team Up App to your phone and set up reminders and notifications?
Rehearsal Dress Code - Please check this ASAP as you may need to order shoes specific to your dance!
Timeline and Important Dates - Be sure to mark your calendars!
Nutcracker Absence Notification Form - This is ONLY for NUTCRACKER absences after the choreography camp (the camp is mandatory!) To notify staff of a regular/technique class absence (NOT NUTCRACKER), go through the parent portal.
Questions? - Click here to see who to contact, depending on your specific question.
Thank you for being an essential part of the Elevation family! We are so excited for another performance full of growth and pure dance magic!
Dear Gingers and Bumblebees Families,
Although these pieces do not rehearse in August, we DO NEED to get their costumes ordered in time for them to arrive for the performances. Please read the information below and SIGN UP for a costume measurement appointment. Thank you!
Nutcracker Costume Sizing for ALL DANCERS (including Gingers and Bumblebees):
Renee will be at the studio Aug 27, 28, 31, Sep 1, 2, 3 to size all dancers. You must sign up for a sizing appointment. (see below)
Before signing up for an appointment, please consider the following:
A parent must be present to approve sizing, regardless of the dancer's age.
(Applies to dancers who are also in other pieces besides Gingers/Bumblebees) Rehearsal time is limited, so sizing needs to happen before or after your dancer's rehearsal (or on a day they are not rehearsing) to not take away from rehearsal time. Please double-check your dancer's rehearsal schedule HERE.
Please arrive at the studio 3-5 minutes BEFORE your scheduled time slot.
Please have your dancer wear fitted clothing for their sizing appointment. (Ie: leotard, tights, bike shorts, leggings, etc.)
Dancers who are in multiple pieces will be able to do all of their sizing during one appointment time slot.
If you do not sign up for an appointment or you miss your appointment, you will have to wait until someone is available to size your dancer, which may delay the arrival of your dancer's costume.
To keep things efficient, please choose adjacent time slots when booking appointments when possible.
Sign up for an appointment HERE.
We are looking for volunteers to help with costume sizing! Earn a $10/hour volunteering discount credit for Nutcracker tickets. Volunteers must be comfortable with measuring dancers with a measuring tape. Contact renee@elevationdancestudio.com for more information.
Greetings 2026 Nutcracker Cast -
We are thrilled with the cast this year and cannot wait to begin rehearsing with your dancer in August! We know everyone is eager to see the August Nutcracker Choreography Camp Schedule—thank you for your patience. Look for those details by the second week of July! (If your dancer is a Ginger ONLY or a Bumblebee ONLY, they will NOT be required to attend the choreography camp.)
The Nutcracker rehearsal schedule will be available to access on the mobile app (or on desktop) "TEAM UP". While you await the schedule link, you can download the TEAM UP app to your mobile device today! From this app, you will be able to search for your dancer's schedule by their first and last name, along with the role(s) they are cast in. From there, you will CLICK ON THE REHEARSAL EVENT in TEAM UP to ensure your dancer is needed for each rehearsal. There are some instances where dancers are NOT needed for a specific rehearsal. If your dancer is not needed, it will say it next to their name. If your dancer crosses over from one rehearsal to another, it will list what time they switch to the other studio. Please note: if you view the TEAM UP calendar from any time zone other than MST, it will show up in the time zone YOU are currently in. All rehearsals will be in MST. (Don't worry, I'll send out these instructions again.)
Reminder About Role Cancellations
As a reminder, yesterday (6/19) was the deadline to decline any casting roles without financial obligations. As a reminder, any cancellations starting today will follow these guidelines:
Cancellations Between June 20 – August 31
Any changes to casting initiated by a parent, made between June 20 and August 31, will still be responsible for the first month of Nutcracker tuition for the piece(s) being dropped.
Cancellations On or After September 1
Cancellations made on or after September 1, for any reason other than illness or injury, will be responsible for paying the monthly tuition rate for August through November. Refunds and/or tuition credit will not be available.
Cancellations due to illness or injury will require a doctor’s note to be released from this financial obligation.
Any cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to: renee@elevationdancestudio.com
That's all for now! Please look for the Choreography Camp Schedule in the second week of July!
Dear Nutcracker Applicants,
Thank you for submitting your application!
Reminder, your dancer must audition in the age group they will be in as of 9/1. No exceptions for September birthdays, 9/1 is the cut off date.
Please see the following age guidelines:
-If your dancer is currently 7 years old or YOUNGER and will NOT turn 8 by 9/1, they do NOT need to attend the audition.
-If your dancer is currently 7 years old and will be turning 8 years old by 9/1, they need to attend the 8-10 yr old audition.
-If your dancer is currently 10 yrs old and will be 11 by 9/1, they need to attend the 11-12 year old audition.
-If your dancer is currently 12 yrs old and will be 13 by 9/1, they need to attend the 13+ audition.
2026 Nutcracker Audition Dates and Times
Audition specifics will be emailed on May 1st - please be prepared to dance in ALL styles (ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, tap). Your dancer is not required to have tap or jazz shoes for the audition, but your dancer will need ballet shoes and clean sneakers for hip hop. All the dance supplies you need are available at the studio - be sure to stop by the front desk in advance in case you need to order anything! (Please note: The studio is closed over Spring Break and response times will be slower during that time, so we recommend ordering before April 17th).
Ages 8-10 (as of 9/1)
Saturday, May 9th
Check-In 8:45am-9:00am
Audition 9:00am-11:10am
Ages 11-12 (as of 9/1)
Saturday, May 9th
Check-In 11:15am-11:30am
Audition 11:30am-12:45pm
Ages 13+ (as of 9/1)
Friday, May 8th
Check-In 5:15pm-5:30pm
Audition 5:30pm-9pm
If you have any questions or concerns in the meantime, please feel free to email me, or you can also check out the Nutcracker Website HERE, which will be updated periodically!
I am so excited for another magical production!
Respectfully,
Tiana Buschman
Dear Nutcracker Applicants (Ages 7 and under),
Thank you for submitting your application!
If your dancer will NOT be turning 8 years old by September 1st, they do not participate in the audition. (Please email me if they WILL turn 8 years old by September 1st.)
Your application will be reviewed and processed in the order received.
Casting will be posted/announced on June 3rd.
We appreciate your patience as we process applications. Please email me with any questions regarding your dancer or their application.
We look forward to sharing this magical experience with your child!
Respectfully,
Tiana Buschmann