No. The DMV Adult Cohort is not an auditioned program.

Instead of auditioning dancers, we've designed this program for dedicated adult dancers who have previous ballet training and are excited to rehearse, grow, and perform together. We ask participants to honestly consider whether they have the ballet experience needed to comfortably participate in a fast-paced rehearsal environment.

If you're unsure whether the program is the right fit for your current level, we'd be happy to answer your questions before you register.

Participants should have previous/current ballet training and be comfortable learning choreography in a group rehearsal setting.

Many participants may have trained pre-professionally, while others may have started or continued dancing through adult ballet classes or returned to ballet after time away. This program is best suited for dancers with a solid technical foundation who are looking for a meaningful performance opportunity.

If you're unsure whether your experience is a good fit, please reach out—we're happy to help.

That's perfectly okay.

Many dancers step away from performing because of college, careers, family life, relocation, or other life changes—not because they stopped loving dance.

The DMV Adult Cohort was created for dancers who want to continue growing artistically, regardless of how long it's been since their last performance. As long as you have the ballet experience and ability to attend and participate in rehearsals, you're welcome here.

We understand that dancers have busy schedules and that occasional conflicts arise.

Participants are expected to attend at least five of the eight scheduled rehearsals, communicate any known absences as early as possible, and attend all required Westminster rehearsals and performances.

Because rehearsals build on one another, consistent attendance helps ensure everyone is prepared and confident onstage.

No. Pointe work is not required to participate in the DMV Adult Cohort.

Choreography will be created with the participants and production needs in mind, and dancers will only be asked to perform movements appropriate for their experience and assigned role. 

Dancers interested in performing on pointe are welcome to discuss that possibility with Ballet Embody's artistic leadership. Pointe casting decisions will be made on an individual basis, with safety, technical readiness, and the artistic needs of the production as our highest priorities.

Casting will be based on each participant's previous dance experience, rehearsal attendance, and the artistic needs of The Maryland Nutcracker.

Every registered participant who fulfills the program expectations will perform in the production. Roles will vary in style, choreography, and stage time, allowing us to create a balanced and artistically successful production while providing a meaningful experience for every dancer.

Yes. The DMV Adult Cohort is designed to provide a professionally directed rehearsal experience. Rehearsals will move efficiently, and participants should expect to learn choreography, receive corrections, and build material from week to week.

That said, our goal is to create an environment that is both artistically challenging and welcoming. We value encouragement, collaboration, and continued growth just as much as high-quality performances.

Participants should wear comfortable ballet attire that allows for safe movement and clear visibility of alignment.

Leotards, ballet tights, fitted athletic wear, and flat ballet shoes are all acceptable. Hair should be secured away from the face, and jewelry should be kept to a minimum.

Additional costume and performance information will be shared before the production.

No. The DMV Adult Cohort welcomes dancers from throughout Maryland, Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia.

The majority of rehearsals will take place in Montgomery County, Maryland, one rehearsal and all performances will be held in Westminster, Maryland. Participants are responsible for their own transportation, though Ballet Embody may help connect dancers interested in coordinating carpools for required Westminster rehearsals and performances.

Absolutely. Many participants will continue taking classes at their home studios while rehearsing with Ballet Embody. We encourage dancers to continue their regular training and appreciate the many studios throughout the region that support lifelong dance education.

The DMV Adult Cohort is designed to complement your existing training by providing a meaningful performance opportunity within a professionally directed production.

Many dancers wonder whether they have "enough" experience or whether they've been away from performing for too long. If you're asking yourself those questions, we encourage you to reach out. We'd much rather have a conversation and help you determine whether the DMV Adult Cohort is a good fit than have you miss an opportunity because you weren't sure.