Meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Cavalier

The star roles of The Nutcracker are the Sugar Plum Fairy and the Cavalier. Since these roles are choreographed to dance together, safety protocols would have made it difficult to keep up with the intense, partnered practices that the dances require. Centralia Ballet is fortunate to have two members of one household - a talented brother and sister duo - who were able to step into the roles and bring the characters to life with grace, strength, and charm.

The Sugar Plum Fairy is played by Jenova Williams, 16 and the Cavalier is played by Marius Williams, Jr., 15. Both have been dancing for about seven years and attend Tacoma School of the Arts where they have had the opportunity to study with guest instructors from world renowned groups such as Alvin Ailey Dance Theater and American Ballet Theatre. They have trained and performed with both Centralia Ballet Academy as well as Olympia Dance Center, and they have received training through private lessons and summer intensives with dance schools such as Oregon Ballet Theatre and Texas Ballet Theater.

In the story of The Nutcracker, the Sugar Plum Fairy is the ruler of the Land of Sweets. She welcomes the Nutcracker Prince and Clara to her land and orders the festivities. One of the challenges of this role is to portray a sugary sweetness while performing difficult techniques that take concentration and focus.  The Sugar Plum Fairy’s partner is the Cavalier, a role known for its high energy and athleticism.  To train for Centralia Ballet Academy’s production of The Nutcracker, Jenova and Marius trained for about 15-20 hours a week for many weeks leading up to the filming.

For Jenova and Marius’s mom, who also made all of the set decorations for the Land of the Sweets, it has all been worthwhile. “Despite all of the restrictions and extra work that it takes to be safe right now, all of the dancers in this production have been bright-eyed and willing to do what needed to be done. Mick and Nancy made sure everyone was taken care of and followed all protocols to be safe and healthy. Everyone has worked hard to make this show come together.”

For this upcoming summer, Jenova and Marius are seeking out pre-professional classes and looking into dance schools around the country in places such as Boston, Atlanta, Texas, and Mississippi. The pandemic has restricted life for many, and for dancers it has created obstacles for practicing and performing.  Centralia Ballet’s production provided an outlet for the ambition and dedication of these two talented young dancers.  Jenova is also grateful for her parents’ support of her art.

“I really want to thank my mom and dad,” she said at a recent practice.  

Indeed, Centralia Ballet appreciates all of the moms and dads supporting their kids as they grow in dance and reach for the stars.