Jessica Nicholson received her ballet training at the Akhmedova Ballet Academy in Silver Spring, MD, under the direction of Jaqueline Akhmedova. A few of her accomplishments during her training years include taking first place at the Tanzolymp Dance Competition in Germany, placing second in the classical category in the Youth America Grand Prix Texas regionals, and performing in the New York City Finals of YAGP each year she attended. Following her graduation in 2017, she danced professionally with a small company in Charleston, SC under the direction of Alexandre Proia. In 2018 she joined Ballet Magnificat’s events company and danced on tour for a year, performing in many different states, as well as an international tour to Cuba and Mexico. After spending one season with Ballet Magnificat, she joined Alabama Ballet in 2019. Her favorite roles thus far include Green Girl in George Balanchine’s Western Symphony, Lead Hot Chocolate (Spanish) in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®, the Summer Fairy in Roger Van Fleteren’s Cinderella, and Prayer in Roger Van Fleteren’s Coppelia.

Sponsored by: Mr. and Mrs. George B. Elliot