This is the weekly ‘Sip of Culture. It’s a partnership between Mississippi Today Magazine and The Sip Magazine. Visit The Sip’s website to see more stories like these or to subscribe to the magazine. Dexter Bishop’s show is a highlight reel of jumps and turns that takes just under one minute on stage. It’s Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker. Tchaikovsky’s music in the Russian divertissement reaches a fevered pitch for folk dancing. Bravado highlights Bishop’s toe touches and barrel jumps, heel clicks, and other actions. It is amazing to watch. It is amazing what it takes. Is there a comparison? Bishop suggested that the 100-yard sprint might be the best, but his dimpled smile says that the dance is more difficult and less straightforward. It takes 52 to 56 seconds but you are still jumping and turning. He said, “It’s high-energy the entire time.” When it’s done, you know that you’ve accomplished it. It takes me a while to get my breath back and settle down. Bishop, now 30, returns every year to the St. Louis Ballet to give his stellar performances in the annual holiday production. This homecoming, which he returns to his roots and takes him back to the stage of his childhood in Clinton, is his seventh year. Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker is his favourite piece of music. He added that it was a loyalty thing. He grew up in this area, so it is important to give back to those who helped him become an artist. The Attache Show Choir at Clinton High School also helped him with his performance education. He was actually one of my first students and was our only son for a long time. He was even more special because of that,” Jennifer Beasley, artistic directors for the Madison-based Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet. From the beginning, she recognized his natural talent. She said, “I knew he was going somewhere.” He loved the drive and loved it. He’s a great friend and a huge blessing to us. He never forgot where his roots were, and he never forgot his training. He has always returned to me whenever I asked. “… Our audiences love Bishop.” Bishop’s strong jumps and turns make him an ideal guest artist. Beasley stated that he is very good at all the bravura-type pieces. He is perfect for Russian divertissement because of this. He can also be a prince. “… He shines in the most important roles.” Bishop’s older sibling, Chessy was the first to take dance lessons. Bishop, who recalled his beginnings at age 5 or 6, said that he saw Chessy dancing and thought it would be fun. He said that his sister runs her own dance studio, which she now calls home in Louisiana. Bishop is a graduate of Oklahoma City University as a dance performance major. He has been a principal ballet dancer at Missouri Ballet Theatre for seven years. Adam Sage, founder of Missouri Ballet Theatre, called Bishop the “backbone” of his company. Sage described Bishop as a quiet, thoughtful dancer with a refreshing sense of humor and a surprising wit. He is a huge hit with the audience, Sage said. He said that Bishop is always the one who gives back. He is that kind of man. Bishop, a black male ballet dancer, is a rarity at the regional level, where the majority demographic is white girls and women. Yes, Bishop felt he wasn’t accepted at times. He said, “When everyone around you looks different, it’s natural for you to feel like one thing isn’t the same as the other.” He said that the trick is not to let it bother you. It’s not worth dwelling on. Don’t dwell on it. Just get in and do your job. Let the work speak for themselves. Misty Copeland was promoted to principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre in 2015. This was a groundbreaking move. Her success and increasing fame brought attention to the low representation of African Americans in top ballet companies. Bishop stated that there is a noticeable change in the ballet world, and that there is more diversity. “Of course there could be more.” Bishop believes Copeland’s accomplishments and exposure will change the climate and attract more diverse audiences. Is he involved in this? He said, “Probably, I suppose.” I don’t pay too much attention to this sort of thing. I do what I have to do. … But, obviously, yeah, it’s noticeable. And I would imagine that I play a small role in that, but it’s a small one.” Beasley sees it through the eyes of her students. She said, “I believe all the younger generation of African-American students look up at him and use him to inspire them, when you consider where he comes from, all his accomplishments, and how amazing a dancer he was.” Like the Russian divertissement, perhaps. It’s a small but important role. The Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet’s The Nutcracker performance will take place today at 2 p.m., and 7 p.m. at Jackson Academy Performing Arts Center at 4908 Ridgewood Road. The Sunday show has been sold out. Tickets cost $20-$22 at door. Senior citizens get discounts. For information, visit www.msmetroballet.com.