Creo Auditions 2026-2027
Open to dancers grade 2+ in the 2026-2027 performance season
*See the details of the various opportunities as they apply to each age group.
Opportunities Information
Due to the nature of procedures for securing venues, some performance dates remain TBA.
Elevate gives dancers the opportunity to explore artistry, collaboration, and personal expression through small-group and individual choreography. This year Elevate performance opportunities include the Elevate Summer Recital, Cathedral, and possibly other events throughout the year.
- This year, there will be no formal audition for Elevate. Instructors will consider your current class work, attendance, and performance experience for placement.
- Dancers interested in Elevate should complete an Elevate Interest Form, sharing: Preferred dance genre & Type of piece (solo, duet, trio, etc.)
- Our staff will thoughtfully pair dancers with teachers and collaborators.
PARTICIPATION OPTIONS
Option 1: August Recital Only
- Dancers work on their Elevate piece over the summer.
- Summer rehearsal/learning weeks are June 22, July 13, August 3.
- Dancers rehearse 6 times and must be available at least 2 of the 3 rehearsal weeks.
- Perform in our End-of-Summer Recital on August 20.
- This option concludes after the August recital. Some Elevate dances may be invited to perform at Apple Days (September 18–20).
Cost to participate in Option 1:
Option 2: August Recital + Cathedral
- Dancers work on their Elevate piece over the summer.
- Rehearsal/learning weeks are June 22, July 13, August 3.
- Dancers rehearse 6 times and must be available at least 2 of the 3 rehearsal weeks.
- Perform in our End-of-Summer Recital on August 20.
- From January–May, the piece is refreshed and refined in preparation for Cathedral. You can expect at least 4 rehearsals with their instructor.
- Refreshing a dance may include thoughtful updates to reflect dancers’ growth and improved skills.
Option 3: Cathedral Only
- Dancers begin work in January.
- Rehearsal/learning weeks will be announced by November.
- Dances are completed before Spring Break.
- Results for January-only Elevate participation will be shared in the fall.
- Dancers performance at Cathedral Dance Festival – Usually last weekend in April/first weekend in May.
*Please note: Some Elevate pieces may be selected to perform at special events throughout the year.
General Requirements:
- Entering Grade 6+ or Level 3 for 2026-2027 academic year.
- Commitment to the Elevate Rehearsal process outlined below.
- Availability for Summer Elevate Rehearsal Weeks:
- June 22-26
- July 13-17
- August 3-7
Parent Obligation:
- Volunteering: Volunteers play a vital role in any CREO performance event. We will need parent help during Cathedral and Elevate Recital weekends.
- Rehearsal Preparation: It is the parents’ responsibility to ensure their child’s dance is well prepared – including, (as necessary) the scheduling of any additional studio time or private rehearsals with an instructor.
- Costume Preparation: Parents are responsible to ensure their dancer has secured a costume and hair piece. We encourage dancers to source previously used recital costumes from their friends or their own wardrobes.
In the 2027 Spring season the Faith-Based Conservatory ensemble, The CREO DanceVERVE & Roots will focus on preparing Esther: For Such a Time as This. Set in the opulent yet perilous Persian Emprie, ESTHER is a captivating tale of beauty and bravery. Esther’s ordinary like is changed forever when she was taken through the palace doors, entering a new wolrd of royalty and risk. With a crown on her head and a secret in her hearts, can she find the courage to trust in God’s plan and believe that she was made for such a time as this?
*Esther Is a limited cast. Not all dancers who audition will be accepted into a role.
Grade 6-7 Dancers for the 2026-2027 Academic School Year – Dancers of this age will be considered for large group numbers and understudy roles.
ESTHER AUDITION
August 17–19 | 4:30–8:30 PM: Dance Audition Camp Week
- August 17: Dancers learn group choreography
- August 18–19: Preliminary/trial placement in dances
- Dancers going into Level 3 & up or Grade 6+ in 2026 can audition for Footprints
- Dancers Level 4 – 5 or 5p can audition for Roots & Verve which includes ensemble, small roles, and main roles.
- August 24: Roles will be finalized and shared with families
REHEARSAL COMMITMENT
- Esther (Verve/Roots) dancers will work on opening and closing feast choreography during their regular class time
- Class time TBA
- January–March Fridays 4:30-6:30 Saturdays 1:00pm-4:30pm
- Some Wednesdays as needed
- We hope to perform in March, likely at a smaller, more intimate venue
Cost to Participate: $175
Featured Roles: $225
CREO Arts & Dance will hold auditions for the 2026 production of The Nutcracker. CREO Arts & Dance Conservatory presents Lake Minnetonka’s, The Nutcracker! For over 130 years the tradition of the Nutcracker has inspired artists of all kinds to evolve the beloved musical and choreographic themes from their classical origins to modern variations. Experience this timeless holiday tradition like never before with an innovative, multi-genre interpretation of Clara and Marie’s journey through the Land of the Sweets.
NUTCRACKER AUDITION
Pointe Roles auditioned during Ballet Intensive | June 15–20
- Nutcracker Dancers en pointe should expect to begin rehearsals over the summer.
All Other Roles
- Option 1: Audition at the Blitz August 12 – Current Grades 3-5 & Level 1-3 Dancers who are currently in Grade 3+ 1:00-5:00pm | Grades 6+ & Level 4-7 9:00-2:30pm
- Option 2: Audition on September 18, 4:30-7:30pm – Grades 2+
If a dancer knows they cannot attend the audition for your age or ability, please let us know and we can make arrangements to watch the dancer in class.
REHEARSALS
A detailed rehearsal schedule is in the Nutcracker Information Packet. Our goal is to give families a clear view of the fall season while helping dancers be informed regarding what roles to select for audition.
Performance Date: December 11-13, 2026
*Performance dates subject to be determined based on theater availability.
Cost to Participate in The Nutcracker:
- Tier 1 = 1 role: $300
- Tier 2 = 2 roles: $325
- Tier 3 = 3+ roles & featured roles: $350
Parent Obligation: Parent Volunteers play a vital role in any show weekend at CREO. Because Tales & Tails typically involves over 100 children, we ask that each family volunteer for at least 1 position to ensure the success of our rehearsal process and performances. A Sign-up Genius will be sent out in December. Families unable to volunteer will be charged a $75 activity fee after the close of the show.