JOin US: Auditions coming aug 15th.
"Every seat filled this December is a step toward a future full-length production — a bigger stage, a bigger cast, and a place for many more of our dancers to shine."
click LInk above for more information and to Register
About the Nutcracker Suite Gala
The Nutcracker Suite Gala is a festive holiday performance and fundraiser presented by Dolkas Dance to support the growth of Dolkas Dance Productions and future community performing arts initiatives. This special evening will feature selected excerpts from The Nutcracker, a featured professional guest couple performing the iconic Grand Pas de Deux, talented young dancers, refreshments, and a celebration of the performing arts.
Created as both a performance and a fundraiser, the Nutcracker Suite Gala reflects Dolkas Dance’s commitment to fostering artistic excellence while expanding opportunities for dancers and enriching the cultural life of our community.
Rather than presenting a full-length ballet this season, our inaugural event is designed as an intimate gala experience. This special fundraiser will help support the artistic growth of Dolkas Dance Productions through the development of costumes, scenery, production equipment, and other resources that will strengthen and expand our artistic programming.
Due to the intimate stage size at The Blue Goose Event Center and the scale of this inaugural production, this year’s cast will be intentionally limited. Our goal is to create a beautiful, high-quality performance while providing a meaningful artistic experience for everyone involved.
We hope the Nutcracker Suite Gala is the first step in a larger vision, bringing dancers, artists, patrons, and our community together while creating new opportunities to collaborate, perform, and enrich the cultural life of our region through the performing arts.
OUR Creative TEAM:
Artistic Director / Choreographer
The Nutcracker Suite Gala
Peggy Dolkas
Peggy Dolkas is the Founder and Artistic Director of Dolkas Dance. Following an international career as a professional dancer with The National Ballet of Canada and Ballet West, where she rose to the rank of Soloist, she has devoted her career to choreography, artistic leadership, and mentoring the next generation of dancers. She has served as Ballet Mistress for Nevada Ballet Theatre, Associate Director of Ballet West II, and Artistic Director and Choreographer for Placer Theatre Ballet. Her choreography has received numerous awards, and her productions have been performed by Ballet West, Cincinnati Ballet, Longview Ballet, and Placer Theatre Ballet.
Founded in 2025, Dolkas Dance reflects Peggy’s vision of providing exceptional classical ballet training in a personalized, supportive environment while fostering artistry, discipline, and excellence. The Nutcracker Suite Gala marks the inaugural production presented by Dolkas Dance and represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter— one that aspires to grow into a dedicated production initiative to create meaningful performance opportunities for artists and enrich the cultural life of the community.
Robin Bartholomew is pleased to co-direct this special Gala and Fundraiser alongside Peggy Dolkas for the upcoming holiday season. A dedicated community leader for the past 22 years, Ms. Bartholomew has instructed dancers of all ages and directed local youth ballets for over a decade. She brings a rich historical perspective alongside extensive artistic and organizational expertise to this production.
For more than 35 years, Ms. Bartholomew has taught dance throughout the region, fostering enduring relationships with students and their families. Under her guidance, numerous pupils have received prestigious accolades and established professional careers in dance. She remains deeply honored to nurture the next generation of artistic talent.
Ms. Bartholomew initiated her training in the San Francisco Bay Area at age five, studying ballet, tap, jazz, and acrobatics. She began her professional tenure with the San Francisco Ballet Company, where she both trained and performed. Subsequently, she spent six years with the San Jose Civic Light Opera, sharing the stage with acclaimed artists such as Michele Lee, Tyne Daly, Ken Berry, Ron Palillo, and Joanne Worley.
Throughout her career, Ms. Bartholomew has studied under renowned masters, including Brenda Buffalino, Sam Weber, and Joe Tremaine. She has earned multiple scholarships and awards across California and frequently serves as an adjudicator for dance competitions and conventions. Notably, in 1985, she joined the San Francisco 49ers' elite cheerleading squad, The Gold Rush.
Ms. Bartholomew welcomes this new collaboration with Dolkas Productions and invites you to celebrate an elegant evening dedicated to dance, community, and the performing arts.
Artistic Director / Choreographer
The Nutcracker Suite Gala
Robin Bartholomew
Christie Lowe
Administrative & Communications Manager
The Nutcracker Suite Gala
Frequently Asked Questions
Who may audition?
Dancers ages 5 and older from all studios are welcome to audition. We encourage dedicated dancers with a passion for performing to join us.
Do I have to be a Dolkas Dance student to audition?
No. We welcome dancers from all studios. Our goal is to bring together dedicated young artists from throughout the community to create a beautiful and inspiring performance.
How do I register for auditions?
Email productions@dolkasdance.com to request a registration packet. The packet will include audition details, rehearsal expectations, participation information, and required forms.
Is there an audition fee?
There is no audition fee. We welcome optional donations, payable by cash or check at the audition. Donations directly support the production and the growth of Dolkas Dance Productions.
Will everyone who auditions be cast?
Because of the intimate venue and limited stage space/costumes, this year’s cast will be intentionally limited. Casting decisions will be based on the needs of the production, technical ability, artistry, stage presence, and the overall balance of the cast.
Is there a participation fee if my dancer is cast?
Yes. Dancers who are cast will be asked to pay a participation fee to help offset the costs of rehearsals, costumes, and production expenses. Participation fee details will be included in the registration packet.
When are rehearsals?
Rehearsals are anticipated to take place on most Sundays, with occasional Saturdays as needed. The complete rehearsal schedule will be finalized after casting is complete.
Will professional guest artists be performing?
Yes. The gala will feature a professional guest couple performing the iconic Grand Pas de Deux alongside a cast of talented young dancers selected through audition.
Is this a full-length production of The Nutcracker?
No. This year’s event is an intimate gala performance featuring selected excerpts from The Nutcracker, created specifically for the unique setting of The Blue Goose Event Center.
When will tickets go on sale?
Ticket information, event times, fundraising opportunities, sponsorship opportunities, and additional event details will be announced as planning progresses. Please check back for updates.
What if I have a scheduling conflict?
We understand that occasional conflicts may arise. Please let us know of any known scheduling conflicts in your registration materials. While we will do our best to accommodate conflicts when possible, attendance at rehearsals is important to the success of the production.