By Cecka Rose

My sister told me about a month ago that she was buying tickets to The World Ballet's production of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker—a ballet performance made internationally famous through George Balanchine's choreography performed by the New York City Ballet (NYCB).

The World Ballet—founded by Henry Hernandez in Tallahassee, FL (who also serves as the company's artistic director)—for the past few years has performed a version of The Nutcracker. Frankly, I have not been interested in attending any of the past performances. Sight unseen, I used my own recollection as the only little Black girl in 1977 chosen for the corps de ballet (i.e., a large group of dancers) for The Gainesville Ballet's traditional rendition of the famed piece, to prematurely judge The World Ballet as producing another traditionally, all-White performance.

Rachael Jones,

Sugar Plum Fairy

See, nearly 34 years ago, I was the “token.”

The Gainesville Ballet was coming to town to perform the Nutcracker and they needed dancers for the small, group parts; I had the nerve to audition…and they had the guts to pick me. My mom was so proud, too. She made my dress…a beautifully sewn peacock blue velvet, with a full petticoat slip and knee-length white bloomers. She pressed and curled my hair into Shirley Temple curls (back then, I had really long, black hair, so it was truly “bouncin' and behavin' LOL!). It was only after the three- or four-night production that I realized that I was the ONLY one…there was not one other girl who looked like me. Not even the damn Rat King!

But, that was not the case this afternoon. The World Ballet not only adapted The Nutcracker to be inclusive of African Americans, but also Asians, Hispanics, young and matured. And, I should have known by the title of the production, it was going to be different: “The Nutcracker: A Diversity Celebration.” I

 sat there with my sister and my 8 and 10-year-old daughters watching several of the most beautiful and talented young Black girls dance some of the major roles of the production…most memorable of which was the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” performed by Rachael Jones. I was instantly taken back to the night that President Obama was announced the victor in the 2008 Presidential election.

That night, I had a renewed hope for my son—a Black boy who I will tell many times over “you can be anything you want to be…even President of the United States of America!” Now, I have a renewed hope for my daughters because they can be the Sugar Plum Fairy, the White/Black Swan (from Swan Lake)…and they don't have to go all the way to New York and join the Dance Theatre of Harlem or Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre to get there.

SIDEBAR:

This production of The Nutcracker even featured members of nationally acclaimed “FAMU STRIKERS!” And, Marcus Bailey–who also teaches at the World Ballet school–danced as the “Nutcracker.”

*dries my eyes and composes myself…and I'm back!*

The FAMU Strikers

Just when I think it's getting worse, I see the Sugar Plum Fairy…and I know, one day, WE will get there. Thank you, Rachael, Mr. Hernandez, and the entire World Ballet. You have given me hope, once again.

World Ballet is located at 2518 Cathay Ct right here in Tallahassee.  (off Centerville Rd)

They offer dance classes for all ages in Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Jazz, Stretch, Modern and Creative Movement. They are also the only school where you an learn Hip Hop Dance by member of the FAMU Strikers!

Call them at 850.553.3315 or visit their website at worldballetinc.com