Ballerina Overcomes Challenges To Earn Starring Role in 'Nutcracker'-Inspired Production - 27 East
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Ballerina Overcomes Challenges To Earn Starring Role in ‘Nutcracker’-Inspired Production

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East Hampton High School junior Maya Leathers will share the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy with two fellow ballerinas in Studio 3's production of the Nutcracker this holiday season. JENNIFER VAN ARSDALE

East Hampton High School junior Maya Leathers will share the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy with two fellow ballerinas in Studio 3's production of the Nutcracker this holiday season. JENNIFER VAN ARSDALE

East Hampton High School junior Maya Leathers will share the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy with two fellow ballerinas in Studio 3's production of the Nutcracker this holiday season. JENNIFER VAN ARSDALE

East Hampton High School junior Maya Leathers will share the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy with two fellow ballerinas in Studio 3's production of the Nutcracker this holiday season. JENNIFER VAN ARSDALE

East Hampton High School junior Maya Leathers will share the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy with two fellow ballerinas in Studio 3's production of the Nutcracker this holiday season. JENNIFER VAN ARSDALE

East Hampton High School junior Maya Leathers will share the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy with two fellow ballerinas in Studio 3's production of the Nutcracker this holiday season. JENNIFER VAN ARSDALE

East Hampton High School junior Maya Leathers will share the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy with two fellow ballerinas in Studio 3's production of the Nutcracker this holiday season. JENNIFER VAN ARSDALE

East Hampton High School junior Maya Leathers will share the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy with two fellow ballerinas in Studio 3's production of the Nutcracker this holiday season. JENNIFER VAN ARSDALE

East Hampton High School junior Maya Leathers will share the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy with two fellow ballerinas in Studio 3's production of the Nutcracker this holiday season. JENNIFER VAN ARSDALE

East Hampton High School junior Maya Leathers will share the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy with two fellow ballerinas in Studio 3's production of the Nutcracker this holiday season. JENNIFER VAN ARSDALE

Maya Leathers has overcome several challenges, including a recent diagnosis of Tourette's Syndrome, and will share the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in an upcoming production of the Nutcracker.

Maya Leathers has overcome several challenges, including a recent diagnosis of Tourette's Syndrome, and will share the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in an upcoming production of the Nutcracker.

East Hampton High School junior Maya Leathers will share the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy with two fellow ballerinas in Studio 3's production of the Nutcracker this holiday season. JENNIFER VAN ARSDALE

East Hampton High School junior Maya Leathers will share the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy with two fellow ballerinas in Studio 3's production of the Nutcracker this holiday season. JENNIFER VAN ARSDALE

From left, Studio 3 co-owner and instructor Meredith Shumway with students Bianca Hommert and Maya Leathers. Hommert and Leathers will share the role of Sugar Plum Fairy along with fellow Studio 3 ballerina Avery McClelland (not pictured).

From left, Studio 3 co-owner and instructor Meredith Shumway with students Bianca Hommert and Maya Leathers. Hommert and Leathers will share the role of Sugar Plum Fairy along with fellow Studio 3 ballerina Avery McClelland (not pictured).

Avery McClelland will share the role of Sugar Plum Fairy with her fellow Studio 3 ballerinas Maya Leathers and Bianca Hommert.

Avery McClelland will share the role of Sugar Plum Fairy with her fellow Studio 3 ballerinas Maya Leathers and Bianca Hommert.

authorCailin Riley on Nov 30, 2022
Maya Leathers was going through a rough time earlier this year. The East Hampton High School junior was struggling to manage the pressure of expectations that are part of that... more

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