On "Pointe" – Stepping into Leadership with Confidence

St. Mary’s 7th graders Sophie and Rowan Porter laced up their slippers for major roles in St. Mary’s performance of “Nutcracker: Land of Enchanted Sweets” this year, fulfilling dreams that have been years in the making.

In 2019, the Buckman Dance Conservatory (BDC) adapted “The Nutcracker” to accommodate the Buckman’s younger student-base with a wider variety of roles for children. 

In this sweet spin of the enchanting classic, audiences meet Junia as her Aunt Clara recalls her childhood adventure with the Nutcracker. Through Clara’s storytelling, Junia becomes the main character in “Nutcracker: Land of Enchanted Sweets.”

A few years ago, Sophie set her “barre” high. One afternoon after ballet class, Sophie jotted her ambitions down on a scrap of paper.

“I really looked up to Ivy Uhlhorn '29 when she played Junia, and I noticed there hadn’t been a Black Junia yet.” Sophie realized. “I thought I could be the first one, and I really wanted that role.”

Cindi Younker, Director of the Buckman, kept Sophie’s handwritten aspiration on the wall in her office, a quiet, steady promise that Sophie would have the support she needed as she reached for her goal. 

With BDC Director Mandy Possel and Cindi Younker guiding Sophie in the studio, St. Mary’s Lower School teacher Mary Clayton Garavelli nurtured Sophie’s confidence in the classroom. 

“In first and second grade, Rowan and I did a cheer camp with Mrs. Garavelli,” Sophie remembered. “I started talking to her about ballet, sharing that it was sometimes overwhelming to learn the steps and skills. She always encouraged me from her own experiences as a cheerleader, telling me it would get easier and I would get stronger.” 

At just four years old, Sophie and Rowan became ballet students at the St. Mary’s Buckman Dance Conservatory (BDC). With hard work, patience, and dedication, Sophie and Rowan found their footing. 

“I felt like I was good at ballet when I was little,” Sophie recalled. “The technique came naturally, so I just started loving it more and more.” 

As young ballerinas, Rowan and Sophie looked up to the older dancers at BDC, imagining the roles they might one day grow into. Sophie, as she mentioned, sought to follow in the footsteps of Ivy Uhlhorn '29 as Junia, whereas Rowan admired Holden Taylor '25, last year's Sugar Plum Fairy. Envisioning the possibilities, both girls set their sights on bigger roles.

“In ‘Land of Enchanted Sweets’ we have a snowflake scene, and the ‘larger’ snowflakes are portrayed by older girls in a flat, classical tutu. We call them ‘Advanced Snow,’” shared Rowan. “I was always mesmerized by the costumes and wanted to become ‘Advanced Snow.’” 

This year, after putting their best foot forward, Rowan graduated to Advanced Snow, and Sophie landed the role of Junia. 

“It feels like we earned it,” Rowan said proudly. “Ms. Mandy had us practice certain characters before she even cast the show, so she prepared us well by teaching us to put in the work.”

Sophie added, “In the years after I decided I wanted the role of Junia, I really wanted to put forth my best effort. When the 2025 season arrived, I felt confident that I had put in everything I had. I felt like I deserved it. I’d done enough and given 100%.” 

Sophie was cast as Junia alongside classmate Lily Clapper ’32, with the girls alternating performances to balance the show’s extended schedule. Sophie and Rowan credit Lily, along with classmates Smith Mallory ’31, Corinne Uhlhorn '31, and Claire Weaver '31 with the teamwork, laugher, and full support that has grounded during shows.

Sophie remarked, “Lily and Smith were always there to lift me up. They offered feedback and encouragement when I needed it.” 

With Advanced Snow and Junia under their belts, Rowan is preparing to pass her pointe test, and Sophie is hopeful for a solo in the spring show, maybe even the honor of becoming Sugar Plum Fairy or Snow Queen in future productions of “Nutcracker: Land of Enchanted Sweets.” 

As they look forward to what’s next, Rowan and Sophie want to ensure the next generation of young girls feel empowered to dream big, too. 

“I want the younger girls to feel proud of the space they’re in and how far they have come,” Rowan reflected. “Practice makes progress, so be happy with where you are – it’s higher than where you were.” 

Sophie’s echoed Rowan’s words of advice. 

“I tell the younger girls all the time that they are beautiful, and they are doing a great job,” Sophie smiled. “If they feel unsure, they can always ask anyone, me, or Ms. Mandy for help. They’ve got people around them who believe in them, and they should believe in themselves too.” 

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Image Credits: Patricia Possel Photography