Ballet Arts endeavors to encourage and inspire the personal growth of youth by providing access to the performance of classical ballet.
Ballet Arts develops and inspires youth through the art of classical ballet.
Ballet Arts exists to provide the youth of West Tennessee with an opportunity to develop character, life skills, integrity, and independence through the study of and participation in classical ballet. We strive to enrich the cultural life of the community through outstanding performances and outreach programs. Ballet Arts seeks to cultivate a learning environment based on tolerance and trust and one that values diversity among its students, faculty, staff, volunteers, and patrons.
Board of Directors
Robyn Hicks – President
Ronnie Smith – Vice President
Shirley Futrell – Treasurer
Steve Myers – Assistant Treasurer
Ballet Arts exists to provide the youth of West Tennessee with an opportunity to develop character, life skills, integrity, and independence through the study of and participation in classical ballet. We strive to enrich the cultural life of the community through outstanding performances and outreach programs.
Tabitha Atkisson
Roger Chute
Martha Campbell – Secretary
Nicole Hicks
Susan Pierson
Stephanie Freeman*
Cecilia Hammond
Laurice Lanier
Lane Lemons*
Wendy Mills
Pat Brown*
Mary Kaye Woods
*ex-officio
Ballet Arts seeks to cultivate a safe learning environment based on acceptance and trust and one that values diversity amongst its students, faculty, staff, and patrons. Ballet Arts does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, or national origin. Ballet Arts complies with all Title VI guidelines under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
This project is funded under an agreement with the Madison County Commissioners, the Jackson Arts Council, Visit Jackson and The Tennessee Arts Commission.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the Alice in Wonderland performance. I have had the privilege of working with artists, families and friends who are members of the company, a creative and innovative staff, and everyone who has a passion for ballet. May the anticipation and excitement we feel about the performance be passed on to you.
Our ballet company is comprised of talented young ladies and men who are between the ages of ten and eighteen. I am amazed to see their extraordinary talent, fervent work ethic and commitment to dance. They are very dedicated to bringing enjoyment and awareness of the arts through ballet.
As you consider your involvement with Ballet Arts, may you offer your time, make financial donations, or spread the word around Ballet Arts of Jackson. We appreciate you. Enjoy the show!
Best Regards,
Robyn Hicks President of the Board of Directors
Robyn Hicks - President
Mary Kaye Woods - Vice President
Shirley Futrell - Treasurer
Marcus West - Assistant Treasurer
Erica Godwin - Secretary
Madison Borden*
Pat Brown **
Kathleen Bryan
Byron Chaney
Kimberly Evans
Cecilia Hammond
Nicole Hicks
Brian Kemp
Sharla Key
Laurice Lanier
Lane Lemons*
Tawanika Mckinney
Caroline Meinert*
Susan Pierson
Imani Williams
*Ex-officio
**Emeritus
Caroline Purcell Meinert is a Jackson native and a Ballet Arts alumna. From the young age of four years old Caroline began dancing, wanting to be trained in all forms of dance offered at Pat Brown School of Dance. She was trained in ballet, pointe, modern, jazz, tap, hip hop, and musical theatre. She received other training with Joffery Ballet, American Ballet Theater, Orlando Ballet, Kirov Academy of Ballet, and the Radio City Rockettes. Wanting to immerse herself more in the art of dance, she attended the conservatory at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, where she received a bachelor of fine arts degree in dance performance and choreography in 2017.
While at UMKC Caroline was blessed to be a part of many professional opportunities as a dancer, such as her performance with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts in Kansas City. Caroline has performed many lead roles in The Nutcracker, Peter Pan, Paquita, Dorothy in the Emerald City, Sweet Lips, Pas de Quatre, Deanna Hiett’s 3 Play 4 Play, Madison Cannon’s And Then There Were Five, Ronald Tice’s Mata Hari, and many more
For the past three years Caroline has continued her love for dance by performing professionally, choreographing, and teaching. As a teacher Caroline trained dancers and choreographed pieces for the Youth American Grand Prix. There, her contemporary choreography qualified for the finals in NYC.
Caroline is humbled and grateful to be recently named the new Artistic Director of Ballet Arts where she can be a part of their legacy and look forward to strengthening the company for years to come.
Madison Borden is from Jackson, TN and has been dancing since the age of four. She began her dance training with Pat Brown School of Dancing, studying a variety of dance styles including, ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, and modern. Following her time as a student, she worked as a dance instructor for two years where she enjoyed sharing her passion of movement to aspiring young dancers. As a Ballet Arts alumna of eight years, she has danced in over a dozen productions, her most memorable roles being Snow Queen in The Nutcracker, Wendy in Peter Pan, and Snow White in Snow White. Since her membership with the company, Madison has held the positions of Ballet Mistress and Interim Artistic Director for Ballet Arts.
Carrying forth her love for the arts, Madison attended Union University where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Pre-Professional Art Therapy. Working closely with local art therapists, she has witnessed the healing power of combining applied psychological theory with the creative process and encourages everyone to use artistic creation and movement as a means of expression.
Madison has performed with the Jackson Theater Guild and worked as a choreographer with Jackson’s Dancing with the Stars, STAR Center’s fundraiser, earning her couple the People’s Choice award.
Working as Ballet Arts’ Assistant Artistic Director alongside Caroline Meinert has been such an honor for Madison and she is grateful to be a part of Jackson’s dance community.
Ballet Arts appreciates the many individuals and businesses that donated time, supplies, expertise and financial support to this season’s performances. We thank those who have made generous donations to Ballet Arts and also to the Jackson Arts Council, the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Madison County Commissioners from whom Ballet Arts has received operating support. We hope you will patronize these businesses and thank these individuals. Without their continued support, Ballet Arts, performances would not be possible.
Tennessee Arts Commission
West Tenn Pediatric Dental
Jackson Arts Council
John & Kim Borden
Randy & Susan Pierson
Lee Berry
Remy & Tammy Valdivia
Aeneas Communications LLC
BancorpSouth
The Bank of Jackson
DoubleTree by Hilton Jackson
WBBJ-TV
First Bank
Jackson Symphony
Forever Communications
WLJT/PBS of West TN
WNBJ NBC 39
WNWS Newstalk 101.5
VIP Magazine
Allegra Design •Print • Mail
Lowes
Jackson Energy Authority
Elite Signs
Viamedia
Thomas Media
John & Mary Kaye Woods
MasterFit
The Home Depot
Town & Country Realtors
David & Shirley Pickering
Association of Behavioral Counselors PLLC
If you would like to become an individual or corporate sponsor, please visit our website: www.balletartsjackson.org,email balletartspresident@gmail.com or call (731) 697-8558
Like all good stories, this one begins, once upon a time...
Alice has been reading her book under the big tree that stands on the hill. She becomes very tired, so tired that she is not really sure if she can believe her eyes! Alice actually sees a white rabbit dressed in a waistcoat. Is she dreaming? The rabbit worries about being late for someone or something! Before Alice can speak to him, he disappears into a tree and down a deep hole. Alice being her curious self, must follow him. And so, the adventure begins!
Alice’s arrive in wonderland is rather frightening. She is at the bottom of a hole far from home. The strange people sheet meets are very surprising. She sees the white rabbit disappear through a door. She really wants to meet him, so she continues after him. But the door is too small when she is big, or it is too big when she is small. Oh! How confusing it all is to Alice. She cries tears that turn into a river with birds and creatures swimming by. So wet! Only a caucus race will dry them. It is a very silly race, where nobody wins or loses.
The doors in wonderland lead to forests and gardens with giant flowers and caterpillars. Is it that Alice is smaller? My, this is a puzzle! Who has the answers to all the questions in her head? Which way shall she go? Will she ever get home? A disappearing cat with a left-over grin seems to know all about this curious place and tells Alice, “If you go that way, you will definitely get somewhere.” While thinking this over, Alice comes upon a tea party. Tea parties are always such fun. At home, Alice cannot have tea with the grown-ups, but here in wonderland, there aren’t any rules… at least, not such silly ones. What a tea party it is! But… do they ever have any tea?
I’M LATE! I’M LATE!
In the meadow where lovely butterflies are dancing about, Alice finally meets the white rabbit. They quickly become friends. Some friends, however, must be on their way doing whatever it is they do! Alice is left alone and wants so badly to find her way home. Which way should she go? Who can help her? There must be a ruler in this land… the king or queen, of course. She will go to the queen!
The knave or hearts could lead Alice to the queen, but instead she comes to a noisy little cottage inhabited by an eccentric duchess. Inside, she hears the crashing of pots and pans, a baby crying, and sneezing, sneezing, sneezing. The duchess is so rough with her baby! Alice must take it away or surely some harm will come to it. But what an ugly baby! It could grow up to be a handsome pig.
When Alice finds the queen, she thinks that this queen is quite disagreeable. However, wonderful refreshments were served, some delicious tarts that were absolutely enjoyed by all, especially the knave. Alice discovers games like croquet are not much fun if one is playing against “The Queen.” Especially when her favorites words are, “off with their heads.” Since Alice would like to keep her head, she follows the rules of the Queen’s game, even though she does not know what they actually are!
While Alice and the duchess are fearfully awaiting their trial – the Queen is happily making her delicious tarts. Oh, how she loves her tarts. If anyone stole her tarts she would show no mercy. It would be off with their head!
The Knave of Hearts is on trial for stealing those delicious tarts. Such a trial Alice has never seen. Witnesses appear who haven’t much to say and confused little animals from the jury. “Off with his head,” bellows the Queen to the Knave. But anyone’s head will do! When Alice defends the Knave, it looks like it may be her head! There are so many contradictions, so many strange people and fearful feelings. How Alice wants to go home… go home, home, home!
Suddenly, Alice awakens under the big tree on the hill. My, what a strange dream she had… and it seemed so real!
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR:
Caroline Purcell Meinert
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR: Madison Borden
BALLET MISTRESS: Kim Borden
VIDEOGRAPHER: Brandon Battershell
ALICE: Grace Peeples
WHITE RABBIT: Reese Davis
TWEEDLEDEE: Amelia Bain
TWEEDLEDUM: Ellyn Beebe
TEARS: Caroline Alea, Penny AtKisson, Tori Battershell, Olivia Botter, Sophia Evans, Emi Hammond, Macy Moore, Hope Newman, Sarah Peeples, Emma Riddle
WAVES:
Bailey Blankenship, Megan Hicks, Allison Smith, Mia West
CAUCUS RACE:
Matilda Campbell, Mimi Campbell, Eboni Godwin, Isabelle McKnight, Makenzie Winters
ROSES:
Megan Hicks, Sophia Phillips. Nova Rice, Mariana Valdivia
DAISIES:
Lydia AtKisson, Bailey Blankenship, Isabelle McKnight, Mia West
TIGER LILY: Reese Davis
CATERPILLAR: Kinley Viers
CATERPILLAR FEET:
Mamie Hopper, Hannah Newman, Margaret Peeples, Makenzie Winters
LADY BUGS: Penny AtKisson, Olivia Botter, Matilda Campbell, Emma Riddle
FOREST ANIMALS:
Tori Battershell- Squirrel, Sophia Evans- Skunk, Macy Moore-Turtle, Sarah Peeples-Blue Bird
TOADSTOOLS: Caroline Alea, Annaliese Estes, Emi Hammond, Maleah Hopper, Hope Newman, Emma Pickering, Olivia Replogle
HUMPTY DUMPTY: Mimi Campbell
ALL THE KING’S HORSES AND ALL THE KING’S MEN:
Mimi AtKisson, Amelia Bain, Ellyn Beebe, Kasey Davis, Mamie Hopper, Isabelle McKnight, Margaret Peeples, Sophia Phillips, Nova Rice, Allison Smith, Mariana Valdivia, Makenzie Winters
MAD HATTER: Makenzie Winters
MARCH HARE: Olivia Grantham
DORMOUSE: Penny AtKisson
DEMI BUTTERFLY SOLOISTS: Mamie Hopper, Margaret Peeples
BUTTERFLIES:
Lydia AtKisson, Olivia Grantham, Megan Hicks, Hannah Newman, Sophia Phillips, Nova Rice, Mariana Valdivia, Mia West
KNAVE OF HEARTS: Trey Brown
COOK: Hannah Newman DUCHESS: Mimi AtKisson
PAINTING THE ROSES RED: Lydia AtKisson, Bailey Blankenship, Sophia Phillips
CHESHIRE CAT: Kasey Davis
CARD OF HEARTS: Lydia AtKisson, Bailey Blankenship, Megan Hicks, Isabelle McKnight, Hannah Newman, Sophia Phillips, Nova Rice, Mariana Valdivia, Mia West
CARD OF SPADES:
Tori Battershell, Olivia Botter, Matilda Campbell, Sophia Evans, Macy Moore, Sarah Peeples, Emma Riddle, Allison Smith
TART GUARD: Mariana Valdivia
EXECUTIONER: Allison Smith
RED QUEEN:
Eboni Godwin
CROQUETTE BALLS:
Beatrice Bain, Sadie Battershell
JUDGE PEEPLES: as himself
DINAH: Lucky
JURY: Caroline Alea, Penny AtKisson, Annaliese Estes, Emi Hammond,
Maleah Hopper, Hope Newman, Emma Pickering, Olivia Replogle
PROPS:
Elinor Bain
SETS:
Brian Bain, and Bobby Smith
COSTUMES:
Cynthia Elliot, Kaye Fox, Wendy Mills, Rhonda Peeples
LIGHTING:
Ghost Lighting (Ned location)
MUSIC:
Caroline Meinert, Scott BrownGrow and Shrink Scene
-Artlist, Shock Sound Wave, Musopen
VENUES SPONSORS:
The Venue at Twin Oaks
The Cumberland House
Jackson’s AMP at the Market
The Ned
The Barn at Snider Farms
Humboldt Plaza 3
PRODUCT SPONSORS
Dumplins -Pink Cake in Tea Party
Shirley’s Bakery- Pettifor in Grow and Shrink Scene
Yarbros Antiques- Door in Grow and Shrink
Reinhausen Manufacturing Inc.Red Pointe Shoes for Cards
Kinny and Anna McPeake- Red Pointe Shoes for Cards
ARTS SPONSORS:
Tennessee Arts Commission
Jackson Arts Council
West TN Pediatric Dental
MEDIA SPONSORS:
WNBJ 39
101.5 FM WNWS The Talk of Jackson
Froggy 104
Star 107.7
VIP Jackson Magazine
Viamedia
Elite Signs Jackson TN
Mimi AtKisson, daughter of Michael and Tabitha AtKisson, is a sophomore homeschooled student. Mimi began dancing at age 3 and has performed with Ballet Arts for 5 years. Some of her most memorable roles have been Clara, Chinese Tea, and a Doll in The Nutcracker. In this production of Alice In Wonderland, Mimi will be performing the roles of Duchess and Kings Men. Mimi would like to dedicate this performance to her two younger sisters Lydia and Penny, who will also be performing in Alice In Wonderland. “ I love you two forever and always and I’m so proud of how far you’ve come in your dancing! It’s been an honor to have the privilege of dancing right alongside my built-in best friends.”
Mimi Campbell the daughter of Jonathan and Martha Campbell, is a sophomore at the University School of Jackson. Mimi began her dance training at Pat Brown School of Dancing, and she has been dancing there for 13 years. She made her first appearance in 2012 as a Tumbling Bonbon. She later joined the company, and this will be her fifth year. She has had the privilege of attending many Ballet Arts intensives, as well as the Ballet Magnificat summer dance intensive. A couple of her favorite roles include Clara and Mouse King from the Nutcracker. In this performance, Mimi will be performing as Humpty Dumpty and the mouse in Menagerie. She will be dedicating this show to her grandmother, Becky Lee Haynes, who has never missed a show and has always been there to cheer her on.
Kasey Davis, is the daughter of Kevin and Angie Davis and is a Senior at Jackson Christian. She has been dancing for 14 years and this is her seventh year in the company. Some of her favorite roles include Clara, Waltz Demi-Soloist in The Nutcracker and The Rainbow in Dorothy in the Emerald City. In this production, Kasey will be dancing as the Cheshire Cat and Kings Men. Kasey would like to dedicate her performance to the best prop lady, Elinor Bain.
“Thank you for being so caring and encouraging to me all these years. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Reese Davis, daughter of Lauren Davis, is 17 years old and a Junior at Jackson Christian School. She has attended training at the Memphis Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Ballet West’s ArtÈmotion, and many Ballet Arts summer intensives. Some of Reese’s favorite parts have included “Clara”, “Arabian Soloist”, and “Dew Drop” in The Nutcracker, “The Wicked Witch” in Dorothy In The Emerald City, and “knife” in Beauty And The Beast. In this performance, she will be playing the roles of “The White Rabbit” and “TigerLily.”When not dancing, Reese enjoys musical theater and training in aerial silks.
Eboni Godwin is the daughter of Nikia and Erica Godwin and is a graduating senior at Madison Academic Magnet High School. She is a member of National Honor Society, secretary of French Honor Society, and president of French Club. In the fall, Eboni will attend Middle Tennessee State University to study political science. She is currently completing her thirteenth year of training at Pat Brown School of Dance and has been a member of Ballet Arts of Jackson since 2015. Some of her favorite roles have been Teenager, Guardian Angel, Soldier Doll, and Waltz corps in The Nutcracker. She also enjoyed performing as Sunflower and Monkey in Dorothy and the Emerald City and Night Princess in Cinderella. In this year’s production of Alice in Wonderland, Eboni will perform as the Dodo Bird in Menagerie and the Red Queen. She would like to dedicate her final performance to her little cousin, Laila. “Laila, you may only be 7 years old, but you are the brightest, most caring person I’ve ever met. Knowing you has taught me how to be a better person, and I am eternally grateful that God sent you into my life. Thank you for being the little sister I never had.”
Grace Peeples, daughter of Clayburn and Rhonda Peeples, is a junior homeschooled student. Grace began her training at Pat Brown School of Dancing at age 3 and has performed with Ballet Arts for seven years. She has had the privilege of attending several ballet intensives, including numerous Ballet Arts
Summer Intensives, International Ballet Intensive in Georgia, and two summers with the Rock School for Dance Education. Her most treasured past roles include Snow Queen and Arabian Coffee in The Nutcracker, Reflections in Beauty and the Beast, and Lady at the Ball in Cinderella. In this production, Grace will be dancing the role of Alice. Grace would like to dedicate her performance to the memory of family friend Billy Stott, who passed away in September.
Kinley Viers, daughter of Kaylea and Shane Viers, is a junior at South Side High School and has been dancing for 14 years. Kinley has danced in many Ballet Arts productions and some of her most cherished roles include Clara and Arabian Coffee Trio in The Nutcracker, Lady of the Ball in Cinderella, and Glinda in Dorothy in the Emerald City. In this year’s production of Alice in Wonderland, she will be dancing as the Caterpillar. She will be dedicating her performance to her directors Madison Borden and Caroline Meinert. “Thank you for not giving up on me and for trying to understand me. I’m so grateful for you both.”
Front Row: Megan Hicks, Abbey Berry, Sophia Phillps, Lydia Atkisson, Olivia Grantham
Back Row: Taylor Chute, Nova Rice, Ellen Bebe, Mia West
Not Pictured :Amelia Bain, Mariana Valdivia
Left: Isabelle McKnight, Macy Moore, Bailey Blankenship, Allison Smith
Front row: Bonnie Xu, Olivia Botter, Matilda Campbell, Caroline Alea
Back Row: Sophia Evans, Sarah Peeples, Tori Battershell, Emma Riddle, Hope Newman
Left: Penny Atkisson
Right: Emi Hammond
Left: Emma Pickering, Olivia Replogle, Annaliese Estes, Maleah Hopper
Tabitha & Michael Atkisson
Amanda & Brian Bain
Erin & Adam Battershell
Jennifer & Rob Beebe
Casey & Lee Berry
Ashley Blankenship
Becky & David Botter
Martha & Jonathan Campbell
Linda & Roger Chute
Angie & Kevin Davis
Lauren Davis
Erin & Marty Estes
Kimberly & Daniel Evans
Erica Godwin
Amber & Randy Grantham
Cecilia & Stephen Hammond
Robyn Hicks
Bryant & Banetta Hicks
Mary & Shannon Hopper
Leah Lowery
Ashley & Mike McKnight
Monica & Gary Moore
Kathy & Clay Newman
Rhonda & Clayburn Peeples
Sara & Allen Phillips
Shirley & David Pickering
Matthew Pickering
Kelly & Josh Replogle
Kathryn Rice
Stephanie & Abe Riddle
Patti & Bobby Smith
Tammy & Remy Valdivia
Kaylea Stout
Shane Viers
Alecia & Marcus West
Celeste Winters-Blow & Reggie Blow
Bridgett & Nathan Wright
Lily & Joseph Xu
Humboldt Plaza 3
December 10-12, 2021