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They have been practicing for months. Now these Dunham dancers are ready to take the stage in the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre’s production of “The Nutcracker: A Tale from the Bayou.”  Catch them dancing in the  holiday classic December 14 & 15 at the Raising Cane’s River Center.

Representing Dunham in this year’s production are Lila Badeaux ’24, Melina Jacobsmeyer ’25, Rachel Stanger ’23 and Ashlyn Lee ’23. All are veterans of the popular local holiday production.

Lila, an eighth grader who currently studies ballet with the Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre Dancers’ Workshop, has danced in “The Nutcracker” for five years. In previous productions she has been a cook and a soldier; this year she is dancing as one of the angels.

This is seventh grader Melina’s second year to dance in “The Nutcracker.”  The last time she danced in the production, Melina was eight years old and played a lamb.  Now a student with Dancers’ Workshop, she will be dancing as a bonbon in this year’s production.

Rachel, a freshman at Dunham, has danced in “The Nutcracker” for seven years. In past productions, she has played a soldier, a bon bon, a cook and a cherub.  This year, she will be one of the angels.  Rachel is also a ballet student at Dancers’ Workshop.

Another Dancers’ Workshop student and Dunham freshman, Ashlyn is looking forward to her second year dancing in “The Nutcracker.” She previously danced as a bonbon, but this year will be dancing dual roles as a snowflake and a flower.

For details regarding showtimes and tickets, go to batonrougeballet.org.

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