The Steadfast Tin Soldier, A Story Ballet
Dance Fremont's The Steadfast Tin Soldier, A Story Ballet, is celebrating its 30th year in 2026! This beloved Dance Fremont tradition is a delight for performers and audience members alike. Dancers in levels Preparatory Dance and up are eligible to participate and are highly encouraged to perform!
Performing is a fun and invaluable part of a dancer's education. Participating in a performance gives dancers something to work towards, and celebrates their accomplishments in dance as they share their talents with friends and family. Our production helps build connections between dancers of different ages, which inspires young dancers and gives them something to aspire to. We hope your young dancers join us in bringing this magical production to life!
Performances
- Saturday, December 12 at 2:00 & 7:30 & Sunday, December 13 at 2:00
Rehearsal Schedule
Most rehearsals are on Saturday afternoons, with a few Sunday rehearsals. Students in Level 6 will also have some Tuesday evening rehearsals. Each role has a limited number of rehearsals; accordingly, dancers may only miss one rehearsal maximum, and there are several mandatory rehearsals as the performance approaches. The Sunday after Thanksgiving is a mandatory full cast rehearsal.
Mandatory Rehearsals
There will be no excused absences on these days. Dancers missing any of these rehearsals will not perform.
- Sunday, Nov 29, 2026: 1:30–5:30 pm This is Thanksgiving weekend! (No rehearsal Saturday.)
- Saturday, Dec 5, 2026: 1:30–6 pm (Individual roles may be called for just part of the time.)
- Sunday, Dec 6, 2026*: 1–5 pm Rehearsal only held if necessary!
- Thursday, Dec 10, 2026: 5-9 pm Tech rehearsal
- Friday, Dec 11, 2026: 4–9 pm, Dress rehearsal
Parent Volunteers and Other Ways to Help
The dancers would not make it to the stage without the dedicated support of their parents, friends, and family— thank you! The participation of all families is vital to the production's success. You can help by signing up for a volunteer task, by purchasing an ad or putting a message of support in the program, and by inviting people to the performances.
Attendance Policy
There is a strict attendance policy to ensure that every child has sufficient preparation to have a successful and joyous performance experience. If a child misses their first rehearsal, it has a great impact on the child's self-confidence and on the other students who are trying to imagine a missing body. Depending on the role, a student who has to miss their first rehearsal may not be allowed to participate.
- A maximum of one absence is allowed for illness or a family emergency only. Please do not intentionally plan an absence!
- If a child misses more than one rehearsal, they will be excused from the production.
- Certain rehearsals are mandatory including the Sunday after Thanksgiving, the Saturday before the performances, and the technical and dress rehearsals — no absences allowed.
Participation Fee
There is a participation fee to help cover the costs of upkeep, maintenance, and construction of new costumes and set pieces, royalties and professional fees, and faculty rehearsal hours. Please contact Dance Fremont if you need financial assistance with the participation fee. We are committed to all dancers being able to participate, regardless of financial means.
