Three- and four-year-old ballerina’s from the Natchez Ballet Academy took their first steps toward learning how to leap with grace. Tatum Brumfield leads the group of tiny dancer when she jumps over the piece of cloth on the dance floor. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)
A photograph of a professional dancer leaping gracefully into the air provides inspiration for the little 3- and 4-year-old ballerinas of The Natchez Ballet Academy. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)
Sophie Hedrick gets ready to take her leap. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)
Three- and 4-year-old ballerinas practice their turns at The Natchez Ballet Academy Monday afternoon. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)
Emma Shermer, left, and other ballerinas practice hand positions at the Natchez Ballet Academy Monday afternoon. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)
Natchez Ballet Academy instructor Mignon Reid leads 3- and 4-year-old ballerinas during class. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)
Macy Carter, right, gets in the mood for dancing. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)
Three and 4-year-old ballerinas have fun kicking up their feet during dance class at the Natchez Ballet Academy. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)