'Local 'Nutcracker' performance with Kentucky Ballet Theatre a dancing dream come true for local teen

Nov. 30—On Tuesday night, the Kentucky Ballet Theatre brought "The Nutcracker" to life on The Center for Rural Development stage. And like a surprise gift from Uncle Drosselmeyer, there was a local talent on stage with them.

Fourteen-year-old Melody Epperson danced in the beloved holiday favorite, as part of her work with the Kentucky Ballet Theatre, a professional ballet company serving central Kentucky. The organization offers an academy and classes for young dancers in the region, and Epperson, who attends Southwestern High School virtually as a freshman, is one of their students.

Melody — daughter of Misty and Aaron Epperson and granddaughter of Somerset's Eddie and Jodie Epperson — was introduced to the Kentucky Ballet Theatre through her former dance teacher, Mara Coy, and Britani Shoemaker of Pep & Pizzazz here in Somerset.

"(Coy) was leaving (the local studio and) told me that if I wanted to continue to do ballet seriously, I needed to go to Kentucky Ballet," said Melody.

She had already developed an interest in the art of ballet dancing after watching a movie about it when she was 7 years old, and the opportunity to work with perhaps the finest ballet company for miles around was one she had to take. Another factor in Melody's interest in dance was seeing another version of "The Nutcracker" — one done each year here locally by Pep & Pizzazz dance students.

"She was seven year old when she started," said Melody's mother Misty. "We had moved to Somerset and her cousin took (classes) at Pep & Pizzazz. (Melody) went and saw her do 'The Nutcracker' and was like, 'I want to do that next year.'"

Dancing is in her blood; Misty noted that Melody is the type of kid that is "always dancing around the house."

Misty said that the Kentucky Ballet Theatre has two different paths that young dancers can choose from — contemporary and classical, the latter of which has a focus on becoming a professional ballerina.

"You have to take a placement class, and if you aren't able to do the professional classical track, they put you in contemporary," said Misty, "but she qualified for the classical track, and then they put her in Level 2 (out of four levels). When you get in Levels 3 and 4, you practice alongside the professional company that's there."

Specifically, Melody is studying Cuban classical ballet — "It's built on strength, teaching them to be strong, as well as flexible," said Misty.

The class schedule is intense, running all week long — hence Melody's virtual studies with Southwestern.

"(The Pulaski County School System) has been really great," said Misty. "They include her in anything that she wants to be included in."

There are certainly sacrifices Melody makes for her pursuit of ballet; she noted that she doesn't get to spend much time socializing with friends. Then again, "most of my friends are at dance," she said with a laugh.

In addition to her training however, Melody also gets to audition for parts — like those she landed in "The Nutcracker." She's also been in productions of "Dracula" and "The Wizard of Oz" by the Kentucky Ballet Theatre. Melody is one of about a dozen dancers like her at her level, and four more in Level 1.

Melody described performing in "The Nutcracker" here in her home community as a good experience. She noted that she was a bit nervous to do so, but performed successfully and to her own satisfaction. And she was excited to get to do a solo for the home crowd.

For mother Misty, "it was really nice to not have to drive to Lexington. ... Usually, our Somerset friends and family drive to the (Lexington) Opera House to see her perform, so it was nice because they were able to get tickets here and come see her. Even though it was a on a school night, it was still way more convenient for everybody.

"She did have lots of friends come," added Misty, noting that some of the Pep & Pizzazz family Melody had been a part of was there as well. "One of her former ballet teachers, Ms. Cathy Smith, was there too, so it was nice to see her, and for her to be there to support (Melody)."

Melody danced the part of Angel Fairy at the beginning of the second act, as well as that of Mother Ginger. She also portrayed a rodent in the first act, part of the Mouse King's army.

Misty said that on Wednesday, the day after the performance, the Kentucky Ballet Theatre also did a School Time Theatre performance for local young people in elementary and middle schools.

"I hopped in the back and so I got to see it from the side, from the wings, and and it was just so awesome to see how everybody cheered each other on and was so supportive of each other," said Misty. "Just getting to hear the excitement of the kids cheering them on and they got to answer questions at the end (was enjoyable)."

She was impressed with the local students' curiosity about ballet when asking questions of the performers; "We hope more kids in this region become interested in ballet," said Misty.

Tuesday wasn't the only opportunity to see Melody in "The Nutcracker" — the Kentucky Ballet Theatre will be performing it again at the Lexington Opera House next Saturday and Sunday, December 9-10, and the Saturday and Sunday after that, December 16-17. The dancers will rotate parts, so Melody will get to play other roles in upcoming performances.

"We're doing a lot at the opera house," said Melody.

The "Nutcracker" ballet, choreographed by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov with music by Tchaikovsky, tells the story of a child's Christmas fantasy. Following the gift of a soldier-shaped nutcracker, young Clara is swept up in a fantastic battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King, is transported to the magical Land of Snow, and gets a taste of the enchanting Land of Sweets before her dream ends.

For Melody Epperson, the dreams aren't about fantastic creatures and magical lands, but about a future doing what she loves. She's already spread her wings some, working in Mississippi with Christian ballet company Ballet Magnificat, and has plans to audition to do a summer session with the Sarasota Ballet in Florida. And Melody said her "realistic goal" for the future is to become one of the world-class professionals with the Kentucky Ballet Theatre, but would enjoy traveling and performing beyond the state's borders as well.

Misty knows those are big dreams to fill — but she also knows Melody has what it takes to leap as high as she wants.

"I'm very proud of her," said Misty. "She's just such a hard worker and it's nice to see her following her dream. Ballet is very difficult to be in because there's competition and very few companies and so I worry because I just want her to be successful and be able to do her dreams but also be independent."