If you joined Atlanta Ballet for the season opener La Sylphide at the weekend, you might have been charmed by the impressive performances of the children’s cast, all Academy students courtesy of the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education.

Allison Dixon and Madison Hasner skillfully brought the role of ‘A Little Girl’ to life, playfully portraying a mixture of child-like emotions and behaviors. At one point they were lifted in the air ‘mid-tantrum’ by Gurn (played by Atlanta Ballet dancers Erik Kim, Anderson Souza and Spencer Wetherington), culminating in a foot stamping moment that sent a giggle through the theater. The girls ultimately danced with Gurn at the wedding preparation celebrations, mirroring the movements, style and expressions of dancers well beyond their years.

Six children per performance joined Company and Atlanta Ballet 2 members for the wedding preparation dance at James’ manor house, colorfully dressed in bright colors of Scottish tartan. While their sweet demeanors initially triggered gasps of delight, the audience mood quickly changed to admiration as the boys and girls performed part of the famous Bournonville choreography with expertise and grace.

Students from Academy 6, the most progressive level of training at the Centre for Dance Education, commanded an impressive stage presence in their roles as guest ladies and servants, and demonstrated proficiencies in acting as well as in dance.

All these Academy dancers experienced the opportunity of working with Company repetiteurs as well as with acclaimed choreographer and dancer Johan Kobborg, who joined dancers on stage as Madge the Witch in the Saturday evening performance. The children absorbed his instruction and were as focused as the professionals during rehearsals.

It was a pleasure seeing students of this age and caliber dancing with the Company and Atlanta Ballet 2 and being true ambassadors of the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education. They were a joy to watch and brought such enchanting moments to the ballet. We’re incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing them on stage in The Nutcracker and Cinderella.

Congratulations to the Centre for Dance Education Academy Students cast in La Sylphide:

A Little Girl:
Allison Dixon, Madison Hasner

Servants:
Harper Bosch, Kyra Jockell, Avery Nelson, Danielle Pelletier, C’Jae Ransom, Kahlen Wright

Children:
Alexandria Arthur, Ayla Icgoren, Charlotte Kang, Lila Leslie, Weiyi Liu, Walker McCarren, Mila Nedvigin, Lille Belle Palmer, Harper Preston, Sydney Sommers, Gretchen Walter, Ashlyn Williams

Guest Ladies:
Harper Bosch, Kyra Jockell, Avery Nelson, Danielle Pelletier, C’Jae Ransom, Kahlen Wright

The Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education is now enrolling for Fall 2023. Whether your child dreams of being a professional dancer of just loves to move, we offer dance classes for all ages, interests and experience levels. Classes are available at three convenient locations, in West Midtown, Buckhead and Virginia-Highland. To find out more and to register, click here.

Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education students with Atlanta Ballet and Atlanta Ballet 2 dancers. Photos by Shoccara Marcus.