Christmas has come early for ballet enthusiasts in the Lower Mainland. The Goh Ballet Academy is holding open auditions for its second annual performance of The Nutcracker on Sunday (May 30).

Auditions will take place at the Scotiabank Dance Centre (677 Davie St) from 1:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dancers of all levels – from Junior (age 6+) to Professional – are encouraged to attend.

The Nutcracker features principal dancers from The National Ballet of Canada, as well as members of the Pacific Northwest Ballet, who will be involved for the first time this year when the show runs December 16 to 19 at the Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts.

A live rendition of Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky’s iconic score will be performed by musicians from the Vancouver Opera Orchestra and led by conductor Leslie Dala.

Chan Hon Goh, former prima ballerina with the National Ballet of Canada, is the executive producer of The Nutcracker, which has been choreographed by Anna-Marie Holmes and received critical raves last year.

Further details regarding pre-registration and audition schedules can be found at www.gohballet.com/.