Ovation Studios Dancers Take the Stage in ‘Nutcracker! A Magical Christmas Ballet’ in KC

Every holiday season, “The Nutcracker” returns to stages across the country, bringing dancers and audiences together to celebrate a story that never loses its charm.

This year, several dancers from Carthage’s Ovation Studios will join that tradition as part of “Nutcracker! A Magical Christmas Ballet,” performing alongside a professional touring company Dec. 12 at the Midland Theater in Kansas City. For these young performers, it’s an opportunity that’s both thrilling and deeply meaningful.

“It’s such an honor for our dancers to be part of such a classic ballet performance alongside professional dancers,” said Melanie Perkins, director and founder of Ovation Studios in Carthage, Missouri. “Opportunities like this remind us why we do what we do. Watching our students take what they learn in the studio and bring it to a professional stage is really special.”

A Timeless Classic and a Local Connection

For many, “The Nutcracker” marks the beginning of the Christmas season - a story that has captivated audiences for generations.  

“’The Nutcracker’ is timeless,” Melanie shared. “The music, the costumes, the magic - it all brings people back to that sense of nostalgia and love for the holiday season. Everyone can connect with it in some way, whether it’s remembering seeing it as a child or now sharing it with their own families.”

This year marks the fourth time Ovation Studios has participated in the Nutcracker Dance with Us program, which allows local dancers to audition for select roles alongside the professional company. Ovation’s last appearance in the production was in 2019, and before that, dancers took part in the Pittsburg, Kansas, performances in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

The Road to the Stage

Earning a role in “The Nutcracker” is no small feat. Melanie explained that the audition process was both challenging and exciting for the students.

“The touring company sent their own rehearsal director to host auditions in Carthage,” she said. “The dancers had to pick up choreography quickly and perform it on the spot. Dancers were selected for different roles based on their technique, stage presence and professionalism.”

Once selected, rehearsals began soon after. Ovation dancers have practiced diligently, spending Fridays rehearsing and memorizing choreography under the guidance of Ovation instructors Addison Carney and Zoey Woods.

“They’ve been focused and hardworking to be ready for the stage,” Melanie said. “It’s definitely a big deal for them, but they are mostly excited. We are focusing on the joy of the experience, not perfection. I remind them that there will be a lot going on the stage and to just focus on what they have rehearsed.”

Before the curtain rises, the dancers will have one full rehearsal on stage with the professional company.

Lessons Beyond the Studio

Melanie believes opportunities like this help students grow far beyond their technical dance skills.

“Performing in a professional production pushes dancers to rise to a new level,” she said. “They see firsthand the discipline, focus and artistry it takes to perform at that standard.”

Dreams Realized on a Holiday Stage

For the dancers themselves, the experience is a dream come true. Laney Wilson, a Carthage High School senior who has been dancing for 15 years, said the moment she found out she was chosen for the production was unforgettable.

“I was so excited because I was allowed to live out a dream I’ve had since I was a kid,” Laney said. “I was able to perform in ‘The Nutcracker’ when I was very young, and I remember watching the older girls perform all of the difficult variations and wanting to be just like them. Now, I’m the older girl that the younger dancers get to look up to.”

For her, “The Nutcracker” is more than just a performance - it’s a piece of history.

“Being able to be a part of something that is so special to so many people is truly a blessing,” she said. “The opportunity to be a part of a tradition that has years of history is something I will not waste.”

Growing Together

Another Ovation dancer, Jessamae Dampog, a 17-year-old homeschooled senior from Granby, Missouri, said she’s equally honored to perform this season.

“I felt super excited and honored to be able to perform a couple of parts in ‘The Nutcracker,’ and I can’t wait to perform it on stage,” she said.

For Jessamae, the rehearsal process has been a joyful journey of friendship and collaboration.

“My favorite part of preparing is getting closer to my fellow dancers,” she shared. “For all the parts, you usually have a partner, and just getting to have fun with my partner and growing as dancers together has been wonderful.”

A Community of Encouragement

As performance day approaches, Melanie couldn’t be prouder of the Ovation students’ and teachers’ dedication.  

“The joy they bring to rehearsals and the pride they take in representing Ovation Studios and Carthage is what this is all about,” she said. “These experiences remind them - and all of us - that dance is more than just movement. It’s storytelling, connection and celebration.”

For Ovation’s dancers, this performance is more than a holiday show - it’s a chance to share their talent, represent their hometown and celebrate how far dedication can take them.

Students and Their Roles:

Party Kids:
Ada Dunlavy, Adyson Brumley, Allison Brummett, Amelia Del Moral, Grace Harrell, Jolee Montague, Maddison Collins, Madelyn Neal, Quincy Peters, Selah Jones

Mice:
Allison Brummett, Amelia Del Moral, Grace Harrell, Maddison Collins, Selah Jones, Sky Mueller

SnowFlakes:
Alexandria McRoy, Annie Pierson, Felicity Peters, Lennon Bridges, Mia Ellis, Thea Kendall, Violet Colbert

Snow Maidens:
Addison Hall, Adelaide Peters, Anna Martin, Audrey Turnbull, Jessamae Dampog, Jordan Roberts, Lachlyn McCasland, Laney Wilson, Vivienne Peters

Young Spanish Variation:
Madelyn Neal & Quincy Peters

Teen Spanish Variation:
Ivy Griffith & Jaclyn Friesen

Young Chinese Variation:
Allison Brummett & Jolee Montague

Teen Chinese Variation:
Adelaide Peters & Laney Wilson

Arabian Variation:
Adelaide Peters & Laney Wilson

Young Slavic Variation:
Ada Dunlavy, Adyson Brumley, Maddison Collins, Madelyn Neal

Teen Slavic Variation:
Addison Hall, Anna Martin, Jessamae Dampog, Jordan Roberts

Rehearsal Directors: 
Addison Carney & Zoey Woods

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