Company
Company Mission
Classical Ballet of Mobile’s Youth Performance Company is committed to producing excellence in performance by honoring the beauty of both the classical ballet tradition and innovation. Our Company will present works that inspire, enrich and enhance our community through the art of classical dance.
Academy students selected for the Company by process of audition, are sufficiently trained and prepared to represent Classical Ballet of Mobile, not only as we perform, but in our community outreach throughout the Gulf Coast Region.
Company Auditions
2024 Auditions TO BE ANNOUNCED
Audition Fee:
$40 due day of in-person audition via cash, check, or credit card
General Audition Criteria:
12 years+ by Dec. 31 of prior year
Training en pointe (not pre-pointe) at least one year (minimum)
Submit a photo in first arabesque via email to academy@classicalballetmobile.org prior to in-person audition
Notify Director of recent injury/sickness
Do not attend audition if sickness/injury requires petition to reschedule private audition
Audition Attire:
Ladies’ attire:
Conservative black leotard, pink tights under leotard, over toes
Hair in bun, tasteful makeup
No jewelry beyond (one per lobe) earrings
Pink slippers, pink pointe shoes
Gentlemen’s attire:
Black tights/dance pants with dance belt for safety
White t-shirt
White/black socks
Black or white ballet slippers
Technical proficiency must include:
Correct technique and strength in barre work and center work
Pirouettes from fourth and fifth, both en dehors and en dedans
Controlled petite and grand allegro
General, controlled flexibility
Knowledge of specific ballet terminology, demonstrating understanding of difference between en dehors, en dedans, a terre, en l’aire, croise, en face
Artistic qualities must include:
Natural musicality
Ability to learn combinations of steps quickly
Graceful movement quality
History of strong work ethic at Classical Ballet of Mobile in class, rehearsals and on stage
Enthusiasm for personal development and growth as a ballet dancer
Company Requirements
Entrance into the Company will be by audition or, in exceptional cases, at the invitation of the Artistic Director. A dancer must be at least 12 years of age by December 31 of the year of his/her eligibility. Female dancers must have had one full year en pointe (not pre-pointe).
All Company members must be taking at least six dance classes each week: 4 ballet technique classes, 2 or more pointe classes, jazz and strength & conditioning.
All Company members must train year-round either at Classical Ballet of Mobile or an approved summer program out of town. If an auditioning dancer trains at another studio and is accepted into the Company, that dancer must take at least 2 classes at Classical Ballet, and the other classes must be approved by Classical Ballet.
Company dues of $250 per year.
Commitment to looking your best speaks a lot about a dancer. Being consistently well-groomed is defined by having hair in a sleek ballet bun; a bit of makeup; clean tights; ballet slippers and pointe shoes, ready to go. Only conservative leotards are permitted at Classical Ballet of Mobile - no cut-outs or low-cut neck/back lines permitted.
The only jewelry allowed are small earrings and tasteful rings. No bracelets, Apple watches, or heavy necklaces. Company members set the tone for the standards of appearance, work ethic, and behavior at Classical Ballet.
Lovely dancers come in various shapes and sizes. A dancer’s body is their instrument which must be cared for by proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.
CASTING:
Casting for performances will begin with Company members. If young children are needed who are not yet eligible to be in the Company, they will be selected based on their ability to fill the need. All casting is subject to change and is at the discretion of the Artistic Director.
It is Classical Ballet of Mobile’s policy that casting is based upon:
technical and proven performance qualities
attitude and work ethic in class
dependability to give 100% in class attendance
REHEARSALS:
Attendance is required. There may be 3 excused absences per production. The Director must be notified in advance of the rehearsal to be missed.
Acceptable reasons for missing rehearsal include: illness, family emergency, or to fulfill an academic school requirement (eg. school performance, not a test).
Leading up to a production, class time may be used for rehearsal only if it involves the entire class, such as Showcase.
All absences must be documented by a parent. If a Company member is unable to attend class/rehearsal due to illness, please contact the Director before the class or rehearsal is scheduled to begin. This is extremely important for planning purposes.
At Classical Ballet of Mobile, we will always present excellence in age-appropriate settings, and in so doing, we honor our art and each other. Every dancer is important at Classical Ballet. Our goal is to teach classical ballet technique that improves their movement quality. We want them to have a wonderful experience so they will have a lifelong love of this art form.
It is an honor to be selected to be a member of the Classical Ballet of Mobile Company. We cannot wait to see how far our dancers will soar!