As we welcome March, we turn the spotlight on two remarkable UK ballerinas, Emily Pohl and Mia Jones. Their dedication, passion, and artistry bring the magic of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet to life for audiences around the world. From their early inspirations to their favorite moments on stage, Emily and Mia share their journey and excitement for the upcoming tour.
Emily Pohl: A Legacy of Dance and Dedication
What inspired you to pursue ballet, and how does it feel to bring this classic story to life?
Ballet has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember—I come from a family of dancers and am proud to be the next generation involved in our family-run dance school in Essex, which has been running for over 100 years. Growing up in that environment, dancing felt like a natural path for me.
Performing in NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet is always a special experience, especially with its stunning choreography and the opportunity to bring the classic production to audiences across America. One of the highlights is meeting audience members after the show, on our way back to the tour bus!
What is your favorite scene to perform, and why does it hold a special place for you?
The Snow Scene is my absolute favorite! It’s such a harmonious moment where the entire corps de ballet comes together at the end of Act I. There’s something incredibly special about dancing in unison with such a talented and supportive group—it’s a test of stamina, but also an exhilarating moment of teamwork and artistry. Every time we finish that scene, there’s an incredible sense of accomplishment.
How has your training in the UK influenced your performance in NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet?
My training at English National Ballet School and Central School of Ballet has been instrumental in preparing me for NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet. At Central, touring with Ballet Central gave me invaluable experience in adapting to professional company life. In my performances, I always strive to bring discipline, strong technique, artistry, and stage presence while remaining completely present and aware on and off stage. Preparing thoroughly before each show is essential for me—I dedicate myself fully to every performance and truly love every moment on stage.
What’s next for you in 2025? Any exciting projects or tours ahead?
Currently, I’m dancing with New English Ballet Theatre in London, and we’re preparing for our Spring season in April. I’m especially excited to perform works in collaboration with The Royal Ballet’s Matthew Ball and Valentino Zucchetti—it’s an incredible opportunity to work with such brilliant choreographers.
Mia Jones: From London to the World Stage
Where are you from, and what inspired your ballet journey?
My name is Mia Jones, and I am from London, England. I’ve been dancing since I was three years old when my parents first took me to ballet classes. At age 11, I began training at a vocational ballet school in London and later continued my training at Central School of Ballet for three more years before graduating in 2022.
Growing up and studying in London, I had the chance to perform The Nutcracker many times with my school, London Vocational Ballet School. The Nutcracker has always been my favorite ballet, and I have so many great memories performing it throughout my training. Now, being able to tour with NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet in the U.S. as a professional is incredibly special for me.
What’s been the most joyful part of discovering new cultures while touring internationally, and how has it influenced your dancing?
One of the most special parts of touring is sharing the experience with dancers from all over the world. Our company is incredibly international, and I’ve loved learning about different pre-show rituals. For example, the Italian dancers would form a big circle before each performance, placing their hands together in the center and wishing each other luck. By the end of the tour, almost the entire company had joined in. It created a deep sense of connection and unity that carried onto the stage and made our performances even stronger.
Can you recall a moment when an audience’s enthusiasm made a performance unforgettable?
Absolutely! Last year, we performed in Nashville on Christmas Eve, and the energy in the theater was magical. During the final bows, I looked out to see the entire audience on their feet, clapping and cheering. Seeing that level of appreciation was an incredibly moving experience—it reminded me why I love performing.
What excites you most about the upcoming tour?
I’m most excited to reunite with the incredible dancers and crew from last year’s tour. The experience was truly special, and I can’t wait to step back onto the stage and share that magic again with audiences across the country.
Since finishing The NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet tour last December, I have had the opportunity to perform in Dubai and tour France and Germany with Giselle. Each new experience brings something different to my artistry, and I look forward to bringing that growth into this year’s performances.
From breathtaking performances to unforgettable connections with audiences worldwide, Emily Pohl and Mia Jones embody the heart and soul of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet. As they prepare for another incredible tour, we can’t wait to see their artistry light up the stage once more!
Tickets go on sale April 1! Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic live.
Follow us on social media for special discounts, updates, and behind-the-scenes moments from the tour!
