3 sheriffs dancing in ‘Nutcracker’ ballet? Why Columbus area law enforcement is doing it
It’s a tradition within a tradition.
For nearly three decades, the Columbus Ballet usually has at least one local celebrity in the cast of its annual production of “The Nutcracker.”
But for the first time, this 27th edition of the classic Christmas story will include three local sheriffs: Greg Countryman of Muscogee County, Mike Jolley of Harris County and Heath Taylor of Russell County.
No, not because of any increased concern about security. Yes, because it’s another way to spread awareness about this show, which generates joy for the season and revenue for the organization.
How this idea came about
As planning started during the summer for this year’s Nutcracker, Phenix City lawyer April Logan-Russell, who serves as vice president of the Columbus Ballet board, suggested asking Taylor to be in the cast.
“I knew him to be extremely entertaining and thought this would be a perfect opportunity for him,” Logan-Russell, whose husband worked with Taylor in the Russell County Sheriff’s Office, told the Ledger-Enquirer.
Board members liked the idea so much, they urged her to ask Countryman and Jolley as well. And she isn’t surprised they all agreed to participate.
“I was thankful for their willingness to help,” she said. “… It’s not something you would normally see them in. Normally, they’re having to do things that are not fun. So this is just a total opposite, a friendly way for them to interact with the community.”
Why these sheriffs will dance with the Columbus Ballet
In interviews with the Ledger-Enquirer, the sheriffs explained why they agreed to participate in this ballet.
Countryman laughed as he recalled wondering whether saying yes to this gig would mean having to wear tights in public. But he was relieved to learn the sheriffs would be dressed in tuxedos instead.
“It’s hard to turn down something for the children,” he said.
Jolley also laughed when he recalled accepting Logan-Russell’s invitation.
“She called me at a weak moment,” he said.
Taylor added, “Everybody knows we have a weak spot for kids.”
The sheriffs and their wives have ensemble roles in the party scene. Their dancing is more ballroom than ballet, but they must add a bit of background acting to their performance.
“They didn’t give us anything super-difficult to do,” Taylor said. “The main thing is just remembering the steps, the sequence of steps, and what time during our act we’ve got to do it.”
Jolley added, “They’ll have a child in front of us that we mimic, which will make it a little bit simpler.”
Taylor gestured toward Jolley and Countryman and countered with a smile, “Y’all two do. I don’t. So look out.”
None of the sheriffs has dancing experience beyond their kitchens, but Jolley sees this as an outreach opportunity.
“This is positive community involvement,” he said. “It lets people see us in a positive sense. I’m proud to be involved in it with my fellow sheriffs.”
Taylor’s only other time performing on stage has been with his band, so “it’s a little bit out of our normal day-to-day routine,” he said. “but we are happy to do something different. It’s kind of fun. … Our community is close-knit. All three of us, we’re all friends.”
Countryman noted his participation helps his command staff sell tickets to the ballet.
“Everyone wants to take photos and videos,” he said. “I’m always teasing people, and they want to have footage so they can reverse it.”
So, how well are they doing?
The sheriffs and their wives have been wonderful students, said Toya Willingham, the guest director of this production.
“From 1-10, on a beginning level, I would give them at least a 9,” Willingham, a nurse in Dunwoody who has taught at the Decatur School of Ballet for more than 20 years, told the Ledger-Enquirer. “The questions they ask are actually what any beginning dancer would ask. … They are very open to anything and everything, which makes my job easier. But on top of that, they practice before practice. They’re fantastic.”
Countryman returned the compliment.
“Toya has been marvelous,” he said. “You can tell this is something she thoroughly enjoys.”
Willingham also applauds the sheriffs for being shining examples of risking embarrassment for a greater cause beyond themselves.
“You never know until you try something,” she said. “… You’re open to an opportunity, and you’re a person that connects with other people.”
IF YOU GO
What: Columbus Ballet 27th annual production of “The Nutcracker”
When: Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 17 at 2:30 p.m.
Where: RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, 900 Broadway
Tickets: RiverCenter box office, 706-256-3612, or rivercenter.org. Discounts available for military, first-responders and those affiliated with Columbus State University.
