August 24, 2026
Story and photo by Joe Vinduska
The Barton Dance Department will host auditions for its upcoming “Nutcracker for the Golden Belt” production from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aug. 29 in Studio 34 on the Barton Campus.
Auditions for this classic holiday ballet are open to dance students ages seven and up. Ballet experience is not required for all sections, but taking ballet classes is highly recommended during the Nutcracker production season. The auditions will have two sessions, one from 10 -11 a.m. for ages 7-11 and the other from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for ages 12-18. Dancers will need to arrive 30 minutes before their audition time to check in. Adults interested in performing in Act I’s “Party Scene” should contact Barton Dance Instructor and Coordinator of Fine and Performing Arts Danika Bielek at bielekd@bartonccc.edu.
Dance experience is required for all roles except adults in Act I. For ages 7-11, dance, gymnastics, or sports experience is a plus, but not necessary. Dance experience is mandatory for those auditioning in the 12-18-year category, with the additional requirement of currently attending dance classes. Dancers should come to the audition warmed up and dressed to dance.
Bielek said the holiday event was a success the first time it was performed in 2024, and she is excited to expand on the project this year.
“The first time we produced ‘The Nutcracker for the Golden Belt’ we had a terrific turnout of dancers, musicians, and actors who worked to make E.T.A Hoffman’s Christmas fairytale come to life,” she said. “We had some children who got their start dancing in the 2024 production. Many of the excellent dance students from Great Bend dance studios, Aly’s Dance Studio and Be. Studios, performed in multiple sections. Additionally, we had a lovely dance student come in from as far as Jackie Creamer’s Dance Studio in Hays. It was fun to watch dancers of all ages and experience levels working with our Barton dance students in rehearsals. It was such an enriching experience for all of them. This year, we are looking for more performers to fill the stage with dancing snowflakes, mischievous mice, strong toy soldiers, and waltzing flowers.”
Be Studio dance student Amara Nwachukwu-Udaku of Larned said performing a lead role in the 2024 production was unforgettable.
“Performing in the Nutcracker as Clara was an amazing and magical experience,” she said. “The first time hearing the beautiful music on opening night sparked within such a deep passion for ballet.”
To register for auditions or for more information, contact Barton Instructor of Dance and Fine and Performing Arts Coordinator Danika Bielek at bielekd@bartonccc.edu, (620) 792-9253, or visit shows.bartonccc.edu. Dancers who are unable to attend the audition date are welcome to contact Bielek for an alternate time to try out.
“The Nutcracker for the Golden Belt” will take place Nov. 20-22. The show is being produced in conjunction with Aly’s Dance Studio and Be. Studios, which are both located in Great Bend.