Pro dancer returns to Macon to perform in Nutcracker of Middle Georgia, teach ballet

Each year, the Nutcracker of Middle Georgia draws large audiences, and this year’s iteration drew someone special back to Macon’s Grand Opera House.

Roxy Shackelford, a Maconite and professional dancer with the St. Louis ballet, returned to her hometown last month to perform in this year’s edition of the Nutcracker and teach ballet to students.

“Being able to come back as a professional just hits me differently, because I remember when I was a student and how much I would look up to the professionals when they would come,” Shackelford said. “I fell in love with performing here.”

The lifelong dancer and former two-year member of Atlanta Ballet will play the roles of Snow Queen and Dewdrop in the Nutcracker this year.

Shackelford is just the second Macon-native pro dancer to return for a role in Nutcracker of Middle Georgia. She first danced with the Nutcracker when she was 9 and played various roles, eventually performing as Clara in 2012.

“When I first auditioned... I ended up as a toy soldier my first year, and I fell in love with it after my first experience,” Shackelford said. “Being a part of such a big cast and being on that big stage is unlike any other for a student in this area, there’s nothing like it.”

Shackelford said the performance always brings back fond memories for her. The return to her local show should be a unique treat for audience members.

While students turned pro returning to teach is more common, it’s still a special experience as well.

Shackelford helped students prepare to play the same parts in the Nutcracker experience. She said the teaching consisted of dance basics, along with tips about the Nutcracker performance specifically.

For her, it’s all about being a role model for new students.

“I just hope I can make a good impression on them and teach them, because one of them might come back as a professional someday,” Shackelford said. “I want them to have the experience I had.”

The Nutcracker of Macon will run from Dec. 8-11 this year and hopes to replicate a successful 2021 show that saw all four shows sell out. The Thursday and Friday (Dec. 8-9) shows start at 7:30 p.m., while Sunday (Dec. 11) is a matinee at 2:30 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 10) features both an afternoon show and night show.

Tickets are available at the Grand Opera House box office or online.