“I think everyone should come see “The Nutcracker” because it is a show that truly encapsulates the magic of the holiday season. It is a wonderful show that is perfect for all ages and also supports the arts, which is so important,” Amelia Jenkins (12), GMDT dancer, said.
Every year over Thanksgiving weekend, Marietta’s Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theater presents six performances of “The Nutcracker.” Dancers are trained at Georgia Dance Conservatory and range from second grade to seniors.
“The Nutcracker” is about a girl named Clara who is hosting a Christmas party at her house in the 1800s. Here, her Uncle Drosselmeyer gives her a Christmas gift, a nutcracker. After she goes to bed, a huge battle takes place in her dreams between the nutcracker and his soldiers, and Mouserinks and her mice. Clara wakes up and watches the whole battle, which ends with the nutcracker winning. The nutcracker then invites her to the Land of Sweets, which leads them through the Pine Forest, where it snows. In the Land of Sweets, they meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and get to see different characters dance from all over.
GMDT has hosted the production of “The Nutcracker” for decades, adding more Christmas magic and traditions for the city of Marietta. This year’s production will be at the Jennie T. Anderson Theater, with performances on Nov. 28-30.
Amelia Jenkins:
MHS Senior and Sugar Plum Fairy
The Pitchfork’s senior managing editor, Amelia Jenkins, has one of the leading roles as the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Amelia has been dancing at Georgia Dance Conservatory since she was three and has been a part of GMDT’s company since second grade. This is her second year as the Sugar Plum Fairy, and she is excited to perform the role again for her senior year. She reflects on her experiences at GMDT and performing in “The Nutcracker.” It is special to her and a tradition her family partakes in every year.
courtesy of abigailphotos.com
What makes GMDT’s “The Nutcracker” special?
For me, “The Nutcracker” is special because it has become a tradition for my family. I am about to perform in my 11th season, so the show has so much nostalgia and fondness for all my family who have been coming to see it since I was seven years old.
It is a magical show that I think everyone should see at least once in their life to truly understand the beauty of ballet. I also love seeing the younger girls and boys who dance or are going to begin dancing become inspired from watching the show.
What’s been your favorite part of “The Nutcracker”?
My favorite part of “The Nutcracker” has always been our theater week and all the fun traditions we have. During spacing rehearsals, we get to sit in the audience and watch our friends perform which is so special, as well as getting to get all glammed up in full costume, hair, and makeup for our dress rehearsals. Also during the show weekend, we do a big secret Santa over three days which adds some fun and love to the weekend.
Do you have a favorite role in Nutcracker that you’ve performed?
My favorite role I have performed is definitely the Sugar Plum Fairy. For me, it is such a nostalgic role because every time I perform it, I think about when I was a kid and saw the show and always dreamed of performing this role one day. As well, the costumes are absolutely stunning and truly just bring the role to life. The music is beautiful, and I also just love performing the Grand Pas de Deux at the end of Act 2.
What’s been your motivation in dance? What keeps you going when times get hard?
Whenever times get hard, I always try to remember my ‘why.’ It’s very easy to get frustrated or burnt out in an art form where you are always striving for perfection, so oftentimes taking a step back and remembering that I am there to dance because of my love for it helps to refocus myself.
It’s also very very important to have mental health days and prioritize self care with so many long rehearsal days. Coming home after a long day and prioritizing sleep, rolling out my muscles, and taking epsom salt baths helps me to recharge so I can get through hard days of rehearsals.
Also just having the best, supportive friends in the whole world helps make everything okay because I know no matter how I show up to dance, they will always be there and will add love and brightness to my day.
Do you have any future plans that involve dance?
I am currently auditioning and applying to colleges for a dance major. I hope to get a BFA through a four year university where I can refine and strengthen my technique, as well as open myself up to new styles and teachers. After college, my dream would be to get a job dancing for a professional ballet company. Or, my dream dream job is to get to tour performing in the ‘Phantom of the Opera,’ my favorite Broadway musical, as a Ballet Girl.
