Gwinnett Daily Post

Photo: Richard Calmes Gwinnett Ballet Theatre student and company member Abigrace Diprima performs recently.

DULUTH -- Lace up your slippers, practice your plie and throw on your favorite leotard because its time to audition.

On Wednesday, Gwinnett Ballet Theatre will hold open auditions for acceptance into the School and Performance Division at the Gwinnett Performing Arts Center Theater for students between the of ages 7 and 18.

"The purpose of the audition is to identify young dancers who are seeking serious ballet training. Having this audition on a large stage will allow our teaching staff to see each student individually and envision them in a performance environment," GBT Artistic Director Wade Walthall said. "It is also an opportunity to evaluate and place each dancer in the level which will best serve each individual. We will also be identifying possible candidates for scholarships or financial aid."

The organization is especially seeking male students.

"We are also very committed to finding and encouraging young male dancers," Walthall said. "We will be offering tuition scholarships to young men and some paid positions are possible."

The auditions will be conducted to live piano accompaniment and in the form of a ballet class. Students are divided by age and auditioned at different times -- ages 7 to 10 at noon, 11 to 14 at 1:30 p.m., and 15 to 18 at 3:30 p.m. All students are asked to arrive 30 minutes before their audition to register.

Dancers need not prepare a variation or other piece. Those who are on pointe should bring pointe shoes. Current students will audition for placement purposes.

For more information about the auditions, visit www.gwinnettballet.org.