Rock Spring teen lands lead role in “The Nutcracker” in Chattanooga
the Chattanooga Ballet Performing Arts Center, Daley said that since “Clara” is onstage for almost every scene, it is a coveted role.
“I have been fortunate enough to participate in many classes, recitals, and productions of “The Nutcracker”, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” and multiple Children’s Company performances,” she said. “The chance to dance this role is a rare and special privilege,” she said.
Daley will dance the part of Clara in the Wednesday and Friday school performances on Dec. 7 and 9, as well as in the Saturday night performance on Dec. 10.
The daughter of Chattanooga Valley Elementary School Principal Heather Culberson and LaFayette High School Principal Mike Culberson, Daley said she intends to continue her ballet training until she attends college.
“My dream is to attend college at the University of Georgia, like my brother, and eventually attain a law degree there. I hope that I can continue to dance into adulthood, as a hobby and passion,” she said.
Daley’s mother said dance has instilled essential values — hard work, perseverance, and grace under pressure — in her daughter.
“I have watched Daley grow, develop, and thrive at Chattanooga Ballet and could not be more proud of her,” Heather said. “Daley puts forth so much effort and invests herself into every endeavor 200 percent. “I consider being her parent a privilege and will watch this performance with pride, as she is accomplishing one of her many dreams.”
Daley, now serving a second term on the State Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, said education is her top priority even as she remains passionate about activities outside the classroom.
“My mom, Heather, inspires me because she is an example of a hard-worker, who pushes me and supports me always,” she said. “Excellent teachers and staff, both at Chattanooga Ballet and at Chattanooga Valley Middle School inspire me as well.”
But it was her greatgrandmother, Marilyn Ransom, who Daley remembers as her earliest inspiration.
“She exposed me to classical music, art, books, and ballet at an extremely early age (since birth),” she said. “I cannot imagine life without art, music, and especially ballet. I am inspired every day by watching the creativity and talents of others.”