Established in 1977, Ballet Midwest has a rich history sharing the art of ballet as a civic ballet company located in Topeka, Kansas. Dancers from any studio in the community are invited to audition for the opportunity to join Ballet Midwest and bring the magic of ballet to our local communities. Auditions for Ballet Midwest’s Nutcracker Ballet are held every August, and auditions for Company and Junior Company are held in January and February.

Nutcracker auditions are typically held on the third Saturday of August at our host studio, Barbara’s Conservatory of Dance. Auditions are open to dancers age 4 years and older from any dance studio. With the exception of adults in the party scene, all dancers must currently be enrolled in a ballet class that meets at least once a week. 

Company Auditions are held the Sunday of Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend each January. Dancers accepted into the company have the opportunity to be cast in Ballet Midwest’s spring ballet. Dancers from any studio who meet the following requirements are welcome to audition: All dancers must take ballet class at least twice a week. Male dancers must be in 8th grade or age 14 and older by the date of the spring ballet performance. Female dancers must have at least one full year of experience on pointe in addition to meeting ONE of the following criteria: (1) currently be in 8th grade or older, (2) be 14-16 years old, or (3) perform as a flower in Ballet Midwest’s most recent performance of The Nutcracker.  Female dancers 16 and older must have at least two full years of experience on pointe.

Junior Company Auditions are held the first Saturday of February. Dancers from any studio who are in 5th grade or 11 years and older (by the date of the spring ballet) are welcome to audition. All dancers must take ballet class twice a week. Female dancers do not have to be on pointe to be part of the Junior Company.