Following the highly competitive audition process, rehearsals begin for George Balanchine's The Nutcracker. The lead children's roles of Marie and The Prince, as well as the rest of the ensemble, are put through their paces. Rehearsals and classwork become more demanding, as the students must balance their schedule
s. The Level IV girls receive their first pair of pointe shoes, a milestone in the life of a dancer. An advanced student is offered a coveted apprenticeship with the New York City Ballet. Some flashing lights sequences or patterns may affect photosensitive viewers.