Meet the Nutcracker! Audition Directors
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet’s Vaganova-trained Soloists and Audition Directors are integral to the success of the “Dance with Us” student dancers who perform beside the pros! These accomplished soloists audition and rehearse over 5,000 local ballet students annually in cities on the tour, helping to prepare them for their debut alongside NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet’s company of 40 professional international artists.
Sarah Cascone
Sarah Cascone is an accomplished dancer with a diverse training background spanning various dance disciplines. Beginning her journey at the Music & Dance Academy in Marra (NA), she honed her skills through intensive courses and workshops with esteemed instructors such as Michele Villanova, Anbeta Toromani, and Alessandro Macario.
Tailys Poncione
“Tailys Poncione is a French professional dancer currently touring Europe in 2025 with Rock the Ballet (Zurich, Berlin, Munich, Fürth, Hamburg), while also serving as Audition Director and Demi-Soloist with The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet. Named Gaynor Minden Muse 2025 and Russian Pointe Ambassador 2023–2024, she represents two of the world’s most iconic dance brands.
Maria Molotsiyan
Step into a world of enchantment with Maria Molotsiyan, a remarkable ballet artist and teacher who has captivated audiences worldwide with her exquisite talent and passion for the art of dance. A true luminary in the realm of choreography, Maria carries an impressive resume that speaks volumes of her dedication and expertise.
Anna Trofimova
Ballerina Anna Trofimova was born in 1994 and at just 8 years old she was invited to study at the Vadim Pisarev School of Choreographic Mastery.