Six months ago, the pandemic caused the shutdown of our classes, rehearsals and venues in the name of safety and public health, thus requiring the cancellation of our production of Cinderella and our Butterfly Ball event. I, like you, had no idea that it was the beginning of such a lengthy drought but I knew one thing for certain – we would be together again. Dance is important in our lives, and I know in yours as well. Dance will survive….it always does.

We begin again in what seems like an altered world, but one that promises change we wholeheartedly embrace and are committed to making real and lasting.

Even now, without knowing what will happen tomorrow or next week, we are taking measured steps to prepare for the return to the stage for our dancers and community.  Through long conversations and considerations with the Board of Directors safety protocols have been established, consultation with medical professionals is ongoing, and we are participating in conferences with state and national entities to share information, check on progress with our colleagues and learn from their experiences.

As with every dance organization, The Nutcracker plays a large part in Northern Plains Dance’s budget for the year. Simply put, until we begin to perform again, we are without a major source of income. We anticipate that regardless of when our company can once again hold classes at full capacity, and return to the stage, classrooms and outreach locations that we have frequented for such a long time, we will feel the financial effects of COVID-19 for years to come.

We also know how important The Nutcracker is to our dancers and community and that it makes so many precious memories for all. It is our hope to honor the tradition with a socially distanced production that will keep everyone safe and will allow our students, especially our seniors, to keep the tradition that they hold so dear. 

With the staff and Board of Directors, we have established a Decision Tree to provide guidance on how to proceed. Please note this is a fluid document and we are ready to, within our capabilities, move between levels as needed.

Below is this year’s audition information, auditions will be spread out over two days in order to decrease the number of people at the studio and increase our ability to socially distance. Should you decide to participate, additional requirements will be added to this year’s process and casting agreement – our goal is to keep everyone healthy and back to performing – even if that means being overly cautious.  Requirements will include, but are not limited to:

• All auditioners and parents will need to watch a video prior to auditions (video will be posted by September 13).
• All forms will be submitted electronically.
• The cast may perform in masks.
• Members may have their temperatures taken in the weeks leading up to the production and may be released from participation if symptoms cause them to miss mandatory rehearsals.
• A statement of personal responsibility that acknowledges that each person is equally responsible for the health and ultimate continuation of the production.
• Members may be asked to increase mask wearing even outside of the studio in order to keep their fellow dancers safe.

I am extraordinarily grateful to everyone who has been a part of our decisions, been a sounding board or a shoulder to cry on, and have participated in the emotional rollercoasters I have been on throughout this whole time.  If you know me at all, you know that uncertainty and indecision is my worst nightmare – I like a plan that can be communicated and stuck to. You know, too, that when I say something, I mean it and I am confident in saying this: unless we are faced with a total state and county shutdown (essential workers only) OR if not enough dancers are comfortable with the protocols established for participation we WILL make a form of The Nutcracker happen. It may not be as long as previous productions, it may not have the same basic structure we’ve all become accustomed to, but we will have a Nutcracker in 2020. Like I said – our dancers will be back; looking forward to, indeed needing, the gift they receive from an audience ….love.