Atlanta Dancers Bring New Life to “The Nutcracker” This Holiday Season

Atlanta’s Youthful Talent Shines in This Year’s “The Nutcracker” Ballet Production

In the heart of Atlanta, the holiday season is about to get a magical boost with the much-anticipated annual performance of “The Nutcracker,” brought to life by the talented dancers of Atlanta Ballet. Among these skilled performers are three students from Midtown’s own youth, who are set to take the spotlight and bedazzle audiences with their prowess and passion.

A Dance Journey Began Early

Freshman Laylah Flit, along with sophomores Lilo Cassimatis and Hanalei Hampton, share a long history with dance, each beginning their journey at quite a young age. As Freshman Flit enthusiastically puts it, “I’ve been dancing since I was 3… almost my whole life.” Her commitment to the art form grew stronger at the age of 7, with “The Nutcracker” being a staple in her annual performance repertoire.

Cassimatis, who finds herself comfortably at home in the world of “The Nutcracker,” acknowledges that after four years in the production, the moves and sequences have become a part of her memory, requiring less mental effort each time she steps onto the stage.

Shedding New Light on Classic Roles

This year, all three dancers will play the role of “Stars” in the show, a part that’s seen an evolution from its original representation. Hampton gave an insider’s perspective on their role, sharing that it’s an interpretation of Mother Ginger’s clowns from the original “Nutcracker.” Their placement is a testament to the skills nurtured under the watchful guidance of the Atlanta Ballet’s rigorous ”Academy” program.

A Life of Passion and Commitment

The “Academy” program is not for the faint-hearted, with intense training that prepares students for professional dance careers. Despite the long hours committed to honing their craft, Flit, Cassimatis, and Hampton all swore by their passion, with the added excitement of working alongside seasoned professionals in the company.

Rising to this level means grueling hours that stretch beyond typical school and leisure activities — a commitment shared by many from public schools like theirs. Hampton highlighted how they often have to navigate school schedules to attend rehearsals, especially as show dates loom near, demanding even longer rehearsals.

The Delicate Balance of Health and Discipline

In the weeks leading up to the performance, keeping a healthy lifestyle becomes just as essential as the practice itself. “You have to make sure that you’re keeping your body healthy because you don’t want to get sick before a performance,” Flit cautioned, acknowledging the challenge of staying fit during cold seasons.

Emphasizing Health Over Toxic Body Standards, Cassimatis shared a grounded view, wary of excessive attention to dancers’ bodies, “One thing about ballet is that it has toxic body standards. It’s not good for dancers to think about their bodies too hard.”

A Tradition in the Making

Beyond the rigorous preparation comes the culmination — the grand performance itself, which is as awaited by the dancers as much as the audience. Each dancer expresses hope and excitement for what the show brings to friends, family, and strangers alike. “I’m excited for people to see the company. They work really hard,” Flit remarked, her words echoing the sentiments of a dedicated artist.

A parent of one of the younger dancers in the troupe, fourth grader McKay Huber, shared her daughter’s enthusiasm for being part of something so magnificent. The Huber family turned it into a holiday tradition — hosting friends and family post-show at home, complete with hot cocoa.

“The Nutcracker” isn’t just a performance; it’s an annual tradition, a connection through dance that binds friends, families, and even communities together under a spell of holiday enchantment and elegance. As the curtains rise, Atlanta readies itself to be swept away into a world of festive fantasy once again.