# Ballet for Youth — full site text > Ballet for Youth is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing performance opportunities for Spokane area dance students. We support young dancers by offering productions like the annual Nutcracker, providing financial assistance, and hosting master classes with visiting Master Teachers. Website: https://balletforyouth.org · Phone: (509) 471-8686 · Spokane, Washington · 501(c)(3) nonprofit (also known as Parents of Ballet Arts Academy) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balletforyouth/ · Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Ballet-For-Youth-61581049091732/ ## About Ballet for Youth is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing performance opportunities for Spokane area dance students. We support young dancers by offering productions like the annual Nutcracker, providing financial assistance, and hosting master classes with visiting Master Teachers. These programs give students the chance to learn from top industry professionals, enhancing their dance education and personal growth. Through community engagement, fundraising, and sponsorships, we strive to ensure that every aspiring dancer has the opportunity to shine on stage and develop in their artistic journey. ## The Nutcracker (2026) Source: https://balletforyouth.org/nutcracker Ballet for Youth's 5th annual Nutcracker is performed by Spokane-area youth dancers alongside professional guest artists. It is Ballet for Youth's main fundraiser: ticket sales help pay for financial assistance for young dancers, master classes with guest teachers, and next year's production. It is a separate production from the Spokane Symphony Nutcracker. - Dates: Saturday & Sunday November 21st and 22nd, 2026 - Saturday, November 21: 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM - Sunday, November 22: 2:00 PM - Length: about 90 minutes; a perfect first ballet for young children - Venue: SCC Lair Auditorium — Spokane Community College, Lair Auditorium (Building 6), 1810 N Greene St, Spokane, WA 99217 - Tickets (sold through Eventbrite): https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/the-nutcracker-2026-4864214?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=creatorshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=odclsxcollection&utm-source=cp&aff=escb ## Nutcracker auditions Source: https://balletforyouth.org/audition 2026 auditions: Saturday August 29th, 2026, at Ballet Arts Academy, 109 W Pacific, Spokane, WA. Dancers of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Auditions are typically held in late August each year. ### Ages 6–11 - Check in: 12:00 PM–1:00 PM - Audition: 1:00 PM–3:00 PM - Some children may be asked to stay for the second audition slot. ### Ages 12–Adult - Check in: 2:15 PM–3:15 PM - Audition: 3:15 PM–5:30 PM - Parents and guardians register their dancers. Adults can register themselves. - Parents and guardians register a dancer: https://balletforyouth.org/register-your-dancer (submit once per dancer) - Adults register themselves: https://balletforyouth.org/register-yourself - Get audition updates by email: https://balletforyouth.org/nutcracker-audition ## Donate Source: https://balletforyouth.org/donate Support the future of dance by making a donation to Ballet for Youth. Your generous contribution helps provide performance opportunities, financial assistance, and advanced training for young dancers in the Spokane area. Every donation, big or small, directly impacts the lives of aspiring performers, ensuring they have the resources and support they need to thrive. Together, we can keep the art of ballet alive and accessible for the next generation. Donate today and make a difference! Suggested amounts: $25, $50, $100, $250, or any amount. Donations are made online through a secure payment page, and a receipt is emailed. ## Sponsor the Nutcracker Source: https://balletforyouth.org/become-a-sponsor Make a lasting impact on the arts and support young dancers through our exclusive sponsorship opportunities. By becoming a sponsor, your business will gain visibility and recognition while directly helping to provide performance opportunities, training, and financial assistance for Spokane-area dance students. Choose from one of our six sponsorship tiers, each offering unique benefits, including logo placements, social media features, and exclusive brand recognition at our annual performances. Explore the details below and find the perfect sponsorship level for your business—together, we can nurture the next generation of ballet talent. ### Nutcracker Guest Artist Sponsor — $5,000 - Brand recognition as “Nutcracker Guest Artists presented by [Your Business]” - Opportunity to provide a 10-second “A message from our sponsor” video posted on Ballet for Youth social media (provided by sponsor) - Logo placement in the primary zone of the Ballet for Youth home page - Logo placement on a banner displayed at Ballet Arts Academy studio - Logo placement in the primary zone of the printed Nutcracker program - Three (3) shared social media posts in the calendar year - Your organization/brand will be seen by 1,000+ targeted attendees ### Principal | Presenting Sponsor — $3,500 - Brand recognition as “Ballet for Youth presented by [Your Business]” at the Nutcracker performance - Logo placement in the primary zone of the Ballet for Youth home page - Logo placement on a banner displayed at Ballet Arts Academy studio - Logo placement in the primary zone of the printed Nutcracker program - Three (3) shared social media posts in the calendar year - Your organization/brand will be seen by 1,000+ targeted attendees for ~$3 per person ### Soloist | Premier Sponsor — $1,000–$3,000 - Logo in the secondary zone of the Ballet for Youth home page - Logo placement in the secondary zone of the printed Nutcracker program - Two (2) shared social media posts in the calendar year - Your organization/brand will be seen by 1,000+ targeted attendees for <$2 per person ### Scholarship Sponsor — $1,800 - Logo in the secondary zone of the Ballet for Youth home page - Logo placement in the secondary zone of the printed Nutcracker program - Two (2) shared social media posts in the calendar year - Your organization/brand will be seen by 1,000+ targeted attendees for <$2 per person ### Corps de Ballet Sponsor — $250–$950 - Featured in the sponsor section of the Ballet for Youth homepage - Logo placement in the printed Nutcracker program - Your organization/brand will be seen by 1,000+ targeted attendees for <$1 per person ### Ballet Sponsor — $50–$200 - Logo placement in the printed Nutcracker program How it works: choose a sponsorship level (or a custom amount), pay securely online, and send your logo with the form or by email afterward. ### Current sponsors - Chaps (https://chapsspokane.com/) - CCD Law (https://ccdlaw.com/) - Rotary 21 (https://www.rotaryspokane.com/) - Pro Builders (https://www.probuilderswa.com/) - LifeWorks Private Wealth (https://www.lifeworksprivatewealth.com/) - American Graphics Installations (https://www.agdecal.com/) - CHAS Health (https://chas.org/) - Herzog Family Center (https://herzogfamilycenter.com/) - Independent Electric Services - Lydig Construction (https://www.lydig.com/) - North Town Insurance (https://www.northtowninsurance.com/) - Wonders of the World (https://wondersoftheworldinc.com/) ## Volunteer Source: https://balletforyouth.org/volunteer Be a part of something magical by volunteering with Ballet for Youth! Whether it’s helping backstage, assisting with events, or supporting our dancers during performances, your time and effort make a huge difference. Our volunteers are the heart of what we do, and by joining our team, you’ll help young dancers shine while contributing to the vibrant arts community in Spokane. Sign up today to lend a hand and experience the joy of bringing ballet to life! Volunteer roles: Child Minders, Costumes, Flowers, Decorating, Merch/Baked Goods, Sponsorships, Social Media/Graphic Design, Ushers/Tickets, Load in/Load Out, Wherever Needed. ## Frequently asked questions ### When are Nutcracker auditions held? Nutcracker auditions are typically held in late August each year. Be sure to join our email list or follow us on social media for audition updates. Dancers of all ages and skill levels are welcome to audition! ### Where can I buy tickets for the Nutcracker performances? Tickets go on sale each year, typically on the last Monday in September. See showtimes, location and ticket links on our Nutcracker page. Be sure to check back for updates on ticket availability and performance dates! ### Is this the same as the Spokane Symphony Nutcracker? No. Ballet for Youth’s Nutcracker is a separate production, performed by Spokane-area youth dancers with professional guest artists at the Spokane Community College Lair Auditorium. Before you buy tickets or register for auditions, check that you’re on balletforyouth.org or our Eventbrite page and that the venue listed is the SCC Lair. ### How can I support Ballet for Youth? You can support Ballet for Youth by donating, volunteering, or becoming a sponsor. Donations help provide financial assistance for young dancers and support our annual Nutcracker production. Volunteers are always needed for events and performances. Businesses and individuals can also sponsor our performances and events. ## Policies - Privacy policy: https://balletforyouth.org/privacy-policy