Moscow Ballet and the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts announce open auditions for 7- to 16-year-old dancers to perform side-by-side with 40 Russian professionals in the “Great Russian Nutcracker.”

Auditions are at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 21, at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin. Moscow Ballet soloist Svetlana Todinova is in town specifically to conduct the auditions and to train the young dancers for several days.

Students from all area dance studios are invited. Those accepted will perform in the “Great Russian Nutcracker” at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 27.  

Applicants must have dance training, dress in dance attire and may bring pointe shoes.

866.273.4615 email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.nutcracker.com/Audition_Dates.