Mandy Dray

About Mandy Dray

This author has not yet filled in any details.
So far Mandy Dray has created 263 blog entries.

“Nutcracker Audition Information 2025”

Dear PNB Families,

As fall weather settles in and our studios fill with excited students, teachers, and the familiar music of ballet classes, our attention turns to PNB’s annual production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker. The audition is right around the corner, so we wanted to reach out to our PNBS families with helpful information about casting, rehearsals, performances, roles, and the audition process.

We intend to use as many students as possible this year. We will continue to utilize “swing” roles and will communicate those in the initial casting process. Students considered for Party Kids and Polichinelles may be cast in a role that doesn’t match their gender identity (e.g., girls may be cast as Party Boys or Polichinelle Boys). This is consistent with past practices for PNB’s Nutcracker, and standard for Nutcracker productions all over the country. All students, including those cast in swing roles, will have performance dates. Casting decisions are based on height, performing ability, musicality, technique, presence, and behavior.

Students must be no taller than 5’2” at the audition time. Students injured on the audition date are not eligible to audition for The Nutcracker. All casting decisions are made by the Artistic Staff. While we encourage all eligible students to audition, we do not have roles for every student who auditions. Please discuss the possibility of disappointment with your child before the audition.

While participation in The Nutcracker is a rewarding experience for a young dancer, it does require a considerable commitment of time and energy from the entire family at a busy time of year. Please consider the following before your child auditions for The Nutcracker.

  • Students are expected to be available for the entire rehearsal and performance period from October 6 through December 28, 2025. Please do not have your child audition if you anticipate any conflicts during that time.
  • We cannot excuse students from rehearsals or performances for vacations, family events, school events, etc.; the only acceptable reasons for missing rehearsal or performances are illness, injury, and family emergencies.
  • Auditioning for The Nutcracker is a commitment from the student and parent. Dropping out of the production for any reason, other than illness, injury, or family emergency (including dissatisfaction with casting), is a break in the child’s commitment. The student will not be able to participate the following year if the commitment is broken.
  • All rehearsals and performances will be at the Phelps Center and McCaw Hall.
  • Students are expected to attend regular PNB School classes whenever possible around their rehearsal and performance schedule.

Parents’ participation is essential to the success of The Nutcracker. All parent volunteers must complete a background check to be eligible for a volunteer position. Assignments will be made by Student Cast and Parent Volunteer Coordinator Lauren Kirchner.

In the event of a widespread health concern during rehearsals or performances, PNB reserves the right to implement safety protocols such as masking and/or testing. Masking is always an option for those who choose it. Please click here for detailed information on auditions and a general schedule, including rehearsals and performance dates and important meetings. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, September 28.

Sincerely,

Peter Boal & Artistic Staff

Artistic Director

“Nutcracker Audition Information 2025”2025-09-11T18:07:59-07:00

Free Jazz Trial Class This Saturday (9/13) Without Obligation!!!

Hello PNB School Lv I,II & III families,

Join Us for a FREE Jazz Trial Class This Saturday!
Not sure if Jazz is the right fit for your student this year? Have them give it a try—no pressure, just fun! It’s the perfect chance to explore something new.

SEATTLE:

Lv I: Can try the Bellevue Lv I class

Lv II & III 10:15-11:30

BELLEVUE:

Lv I & II 10:00-11:15

Lv III 1:15-2:30

Jazz Class Dress Options:

  • Ballet class attire: pink or flesh colored tight, matching ballet slippers, level leotard
  • Or: Black leotard, black tights, jazz shoes
  • Optional: hair in a ponytail!

 Please contact the school to get on the list for your free trail class.

**Special Events:**  

  • Fall and Spring in-studio showings!  
  • End-of-year in-studio showcase and jazz party!
Free Jazz Trial Class This Saturday (9/13) Without Obligation!!!2025-09-11T15:51:40-07:00

REMINDER!! Open House This Saturday September 6th!!

Whether you are a prospective, new, or returning student, we hope you can join us for this fun and informative event to kick off the new school year!

When: Saturday, September 6th 1:00-4:00pm

Where: The Francia Russell Center
1611 136th Pl NE
Bellevue, WA 98005

Join us for:

  • On Pointe Dancewear (they will have all level of PNB leotards)
  • Meet & Greet with teachers
  • Mini Creative Movement classes
  • “How to” Bun making tables
  • Nutcracker ticket raffle
  • Leotard Swap, hosted by the PNB School Parent/Guardian Association
  • PNBS merch for sale
  • Refreshments

We hope to see everyone there!

PNB School Staff

REMINDER!! Open House This Saturday September 6th!!2025-09-04T16:19:40-07:00

Level VIII Pointe Shoe Sewing Assistants!

Hello Level VIII students,

Our Level IV students will be getting their first pair of point shoes here very soon and will be having a sewing seminar to learn how to properly sew their pointe shoes! We are in need of some Level VIII assistants to help during this sewing seminar. Please fill out the google form below if you are interested and available to help assist during this time. We appreciate you sharing your pointe shoe sewing knowledge with the younger students!

Thank you!

Pointe Shoe Sewing Days Assistant Sign-Up!

Level VIII Pointe Shoe Sewing Assistants!2025-09-02T15:37:40-07:00

Level VIII Pointe & Pas Groups

Hello Level VIII students,

Below please find your group number which will indicate which dates you will have Pointe class and which dates you will have Pas class! These will be posted on the board in the student lounge as well.

If your group ever goes twice in a row please alert the school office. In the event of an
unplanned school closure or cancellation of class we will edit the dates.

Thank you!

PNB School Staff

Level VIII Pointe & Pas Groups2025-09-02T13:40:48-07:00

Level VII Pointe & Pas Groups

Hello Level VII students,

Below please find your group number which will indicate which dates you will have Pointe class and which dates you will have Pas class! These will be posted on the board in the student lounge as well.

If your group ever goes twice in a row please alert the school office. In the event of an
unplanned school closure or cancellation of class we will edit the dates.

Thank you!

PNB School Staff

Level VII Pointe & Pas Groups2025-09-02T13:40:39-07:00

STILL NEEDED!! Dance For All Class Assistants!

Dear Level III Families,

We are still in need of assistants! Dance for All invites your Level III student to become a class assistant for Dance for All. This season, Dance for All offers two levels of inclusive creative dance classes for students of all abilities, ages 6–11, centered in supporting diverse physical, learning, sensory, and developmental needs.

Fall Session Details

  • Location: Francia Russell Center
  • Saturdays, 9:00–10:00 am
  • Dates: October 4–December 13 (no class 11/29)
  • Orientation: Saturday, 9/27, 9:00–9:45 am

Spring Session Details

  • Location: Francia Russell Center
  • Saturdays, 9:00–10:00 am
  • Dates: January 10–April 11 (no class 2/21)

Class assistants take on the role of peer dancer—fully participating in class, supporting fellow dancers, and helping foster leadership, empathy, friendship, and appreciation of differences. We ask a commitment of 6 classes over the course of Fall and Spring Sessions.

Dance for All classes celebrate joyful movement, live music, imagination, teamwork, friendship, and community. You can view these short video compilations from our 2024–25 classes:  Video 1 | Video 2, and watch Seattle Channel’s Dance for All story to learn more about the program’s impact.

To apply to become a class assistant, please email DanceforAll@pnb.org. You can also stop by the Dance for All table at PNBS’ Open House on September 6 to learn more—we’d love to see you there!

Warmly,

Naomi Glass

Director of Access Programs

Faculty

Pacific Northwest Ballet School

STILL NEEDED!! Dance For All Class Assistants!2025-09-02T12:32:14-07:00

Freed Fitting Sign-Up!! : Level V-VIII

We are pleased to announce fitters from Freed of London will offer in-person pointe shoe fittings for students in Levels V-VIII on the following dates:

Sing-up Here:

SEATTLE Level V-VIII: Tuesday, September 16th 4:00-7:00pm

BELLEVUE Level V-VI: Wednesday, September 17th 6:00-7:00pm

We encourage students to take advantage of this opportunity if possible. Please note, space is limited and we ask that you sign-up for the location you are registered for.

Fitting Details:

  • Please arrive on time with clean feet and trimmed toenails. 
  • Dancer should arrive wearing clean convertible tights. Please no full-footed tights.
  • Students must wear tights for the fittings!
  • All shoes must meet PNB School faculty approval before sewing!
  • Please bring current pointe shoes and applicable inserts/padding

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING:

  • Completed Order Form: each dancer attending a fitting MUST bring a COMPLETED Order Form, including valid/accurate email address, credit card number and expiration date, as well as current shipping address to the fitting. Dancers will not be able to have their scheduled fitting without this form. Please print and fill out the attached form. There will be extras at the fittings if you do forget to bring yours along.
  • Toe Pads and any additional padding, spacers. These will be available for purchase as well.
  • Current pointe shoes

**PLEASE NOTE: The fitters may be taking photographs and video for use on our social media platforms. If you do not wish to be photographed or videoed, please let your fitter know prior to your fitting.

CLICK HERE FOR A PRICE LIST!

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the school with any questions!

Freed Fitting Sign-Up!! : Level V-VIII2025-08-27T15:28:28-07:00

Freed Fitting Sign- Up!! : Level IV

Freed fitting sign-ups are here! These fittings will happen in place of your scheduled class for each day. Please utilize the links below to register for a specific 20min time slot for your fitting.

*Second year level IV’s are required to participate in this opportunity

Sing-up Here:

SEATTLE Level IV – Mondsay, September 15th 4:00-7:00pm

BELLEVUE Level IV A– Wednesday, September 17th 4:00-6:00pm

BELLEVUE Level IV B– Thursday, September 18th 4:00-7:00pm

Fitting Details:

  • Please arrive on time with clean feet and trimmed toenails. 
  • Dancer should arrive wearing clean convertible tights. Please no full-footed tights.
  • Students must wear tights for the fittings!
  • All shoes must meet PNB School faculty approval before sewing!
  • *Second year level IV’s: please bring current pointe shoes and applicable inserts/padding

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING:

  • Completed Order Form: each dancer attending a fitting MUST bring a COMPLETED Order Form, including valid/accurate email address, credit card number and expiration date, as well as current shipping address to the fitting. Dancers will not be able to have their scheduled fitting without this form. Please print and fill out the attached form. There will be extras at the fittings if you do forget to bring yours along.
  • Toe Pads and any additional padding, spacers. These will be available for purchase as well.
  • Current pointe shoes (if you are a second year Level IV)

**PLEASE NOTE: The fitters may be taking photographs and video for use on our social media platforms. If you do not wish to be photographed or videoed, please let your fitter know prior to your fitting.

Pointe shoe fitters from Freed of London’s New York office will be at the Francia Russell Center and the Phelps Center to fit pointe shoes for all Level IV students. Most students will be fit in the Freed “Studio” shoe.  See below for a price list. The School is grateful to take advantage of this very rare opportunity to be fit with expert guidance.

PRICE LIST

Level IV Sewing Seminars

The first pointe class after Freed fittings will be an official sewing day for students. A list of required materials will be provided at your fitting.

Do not sew your shoes until the scheduled sewing day! Faculty must approve your shoes before sewing, and pointe shoes are to be worn only in class!

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the school with any questions!

Freed Fitting Sign- Up!! : Level IV2025-08-27T13:55:46-07:00
Go to Top