The Journey to the Land of Sweets

Th

o the Land o t y e n r f Sw u o J e e

et s

Photo Essay by Maiya Banks in collaboration with Chattanooga Ballet

The Nutcracker Season is a busy and magical time for dancers worldwide. From rehearsals to costume fittings, it’s filled with excitement and hard work.

As someone who has participated in it 11 times, I understand why it holds a special place in the dancer’s hearts. Now entering my 12th year and my last semester, it’s a bittersweet moment. Although I am reaching the end of my collegiate journey, I know the Nutcracker Season will continue with me forever.

For my photo essay, I partnered with Chattanooga Ballet, the only professional ballet company in Chattanooga, Tennesse, to follow two dancer’s journeys through this magical time of the year.

- Maiya Banks

Jenna Naik and Will Freeman rehearsing their Columbine couple dance. This will be their first time performing this role in the Chattanooga Ballet Nutcracker.

Saturday, September 23, 2023.

Will taking the Boys 2 class. He started dancing when he was 10 years old and will be performing in his sixth Nutcracker.

Thursday, September 28, 2023.

Jenna rehearsing her role as a flower in the Waltz of the Flowers. She is a senior at Girls Preparatory School, and this will be her last Nutcracker at Chattanooga Ballet.

Thursday, October 19, 2023.

Will being fitted for his Columbine costume by Wardrobe and Production Manager, Haley Warner. Due to the show being double-casted, the costumes must be fitted to fit two different dancers.

Thursday, September 28, 2023.

Jenna performing her choreographed dance “System of Order” at the Assemble dance festival in Red Bank, Tennesse. She is a member of GPS’s modern dance company, Terpsichore.

Additionally, her and Will are both part of Chattanooga Ballet School Ensemble, a student-based performance group.

Saturday, September 30, 2023.

Will warming up for dress rehearsal at Memorial Auditorium. Dancers always warm up on the stage before dress rehearsals and performances to ensure their muscles are properly warmed up.

Tuesday, December 5, 2023.

Will and Jenna performing their dance for the first time on the stage. Dress rehearsals are crucial to make sure the show runs as smoothly as possible.

Tuesday, December 5, 2023.

Jenna warming up for the first school performance. School performances were at 10am and warm up was at 8:15 am for the dancers.

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Will and Jenna performing during the first school show.

They will continue to perform school shows throughout the week and have four shows over the weekend.

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

After performing as Columbine, Jenna watches her friends perform from the wings. Jenna and Will both mentioned that being surrounded by their friends is one of their favorite parts of the Nutcracker.

Wednesday, December 6, 2023.

Note from dancers

“I am in 11th Grade. I go to the Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts. I am a Dance Major there. This is my seventh year of Ballet experience and my sixth year in Nutcracker. I started dance at Ballet Tennessee when I was 10 years old in the Summer going into 5th Grade. My first year of dance experience I was in the Nutcracker and have been in it every year except for 7th Grade when Ballet Tennessee did a Winter Extravaganza. After Ballet Tennessee closed down during the pandemic, I moved to Chattanooga Ballet going into 8th Grade and was in the pandemic version of it on film and have since been in every production of the Nutcracker. I guess my favorite part about Nutcracker is that I have the opportunity to perform with all of my friends when I have the chances and that I get to spread my love and joy in dance to everyone watching. My dream is to become an actor for Disney. I want to write a story for them and make it into an episode series while implementing my dancing in it while being very inclusive, traveling all of the countries of the world for inspiration.”

- Will Freeman

“I am a senior in high school at Girls Preparatory School. I have been taking ballet since around the 4th/5th grade. I have been in The Nutcracker for 6 years with roles from arch angel, angel attendant, Clara, Snow corps, spice drop, flowers, columbine doll, and coffee(Arabian). I am currently an advanced student at Chattanooga Ballet. My favorite part of Nutcracker is the stage warm-up class before opening/closing night. There is a special feeling about being with such a great community and being able to surround myself with such talented dancers who keep pushing me to improve. We all just soak up every bit of the warm-up and have the most fun with it. The minute we all step out on the stage to perform is the best and most magical feeling as a dancer and I can only imagine what joy and magic the audience feels too. I truly leave it all on the stage when I am done, and I perform with the biggest smile on my face no matter what. I am planning on going to college to pursue a degree in Dance Performance whether it is a BFA or BA. I am interested in joining a company and getting my master’s degree in dance.”

- Jenna Naik

Maiya Banks is a talented individual who recently graduated summa cum laude from Southern Adventist University with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, specializing in Photography. Maiya’s passion for capturing moments through her lens has flourished over the past six years as a photographer. In addition to her artistic endeavors, Maiya has dedicated 12 years and counting to ballet, showcasing her grace and skill on stage. As a member of the Civic Ballet of Chattanooga for three years and having completed an internship at Chattanooga Ballet, Maiya’s commitment to her craft is truly commendable.

@Maiya_Banks Maiyadbanks@gmail.com Maiyabanksphotography.com