BEAUFORT COMMUNITY NUTCRACKER
WELCOMING THE HOLIDAYS WITH THE BEAUFORT COMMUNITY NUTCRACKER
story by KAREN SNYDER photo by JOHN WOLLWERTH stage photos by CARL DERRICK
It’s been a holiday classic for more than 125 years. For many, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker ballet and its dreamlike tale of a toy soldier come to life is synonymous with the holiday season. And, thanks to Artistic Director Melissa Derrick and USCB Center for the Arts, it’s back in Beaufort for its second annual performance.
Derrick, a native of Brazil and owner of the Derrick Ballet Conservatory, brings her many years of dance experience and unwavering commitment to bring classical ballet to Beaufort in hopes that all ages can either participate in or enjoy the annual performance.
Last year was the first local performance of The Nutcracker after a seven-year hiatus, returning to town and the stage under the newly formed 501(c)(3) non-profit organization named Beaufort Community Nutcracker.
A classically trained ballerina herself, Derrick spent her youth dancing some 45 hours a week, but never performed in The Nutcracker. “In Brazil, it’s summer in December. So, it wasn’t the same tradition it is here,” she explains. Yet, Derrick admits it was her own experience in classical ballet that sparked her desire to bring the art form to Beaufort’s youth.
“They could be just as passionate about classical ballet as I was,” she adds, “yet they won’t know if they are not exposed to it.”
It seems Derrick’s plan, with the support of countless parent and community volunteers and local business and individual sponsors, has come to fruition with some 80 children and adults among The Nutcracker performers. Though 36 of the local ballet’s performers have returned from last year’s performance, the majority of this year’s company is new. The performers range from ages 6 to 70, according to Derrick, who says she loves the “positive energy” they bring to the stage.
“I love that we have dancers from all backgrounds and some who may never have even danced before,” adding “we even have a local football player,” referring to Kaedin Grisson, of Beaufort High School.
According to Derrick, Ambrose Reichel, age 13, returns as Clara and Luci Dodge, age 15, returns to her role as the Sugar Plum Fairy. In addition, international professional dancers Savyo Alves Pereira of Brazil will dance as the Mechanical Doll and Cavalier with Sugar Plum Fairy, and Diego Clever de Souza will perform as the Nutcracker “It can be difficult to find male dancers locally,” she explains.
“I feel lucky to live in such a wonderful town like Beaufort,” says Derrick, who moved to Beaufort in 2000, “with community members willing to support the arts.” She adds that the dedication of the dancers to the weekly rehearsal schedules and the time and talents of their families and many volunteers who support the effort are what make the experience so special.
Dancers auditioned to participate in The Nutcracker in August, with rehearsals held throughout the last three months. Those participating paid $125 each, which helps to support the cost of rehearsals and costumes, some of which are more than $500 each to purchase. “We also offered scholarships to 10 students so they could participate.
“Our parents have been very generous with donations so that we can decrease the cost for participants and purchase or replace costumes,” she says, adding that 16 costumes plus headpieces for the Snow Dance alone cost approximately $4,000.
Funding for the ballet comes from a variety of sources, including fundraisers and sponsorships. “Tyler Reichel is in charge of the sponsorship committee, and she adds countless hours to raise a large amount of money,” says Derrick. For example, parent Jody Hayward and her daughter Sophie, who dances in several scenes of the production, elegantly decorated pointe shoes that represent different characters in the Nutcracker. Several local artists, including Mary Ann Ford, Cheryl Eppolito, Tei Tober hand paint Nutcracker Christmas ornaments. These items are sold at the Nutcracker Store during on the performance dates of December 13 and 14. Local individuals and businesses also support the costs of the $32,000 production. Though Derrick expects The Nutcracker’s two dates to sell out quickly, ticket costs range from $15-$22 and are available through USCB Center for the Arts. “We are incredibly appreciative of all of our sponsors,” says Derrick. “Without them, there would not be a Nutcracker in Beaufort.”
Derrick understands and appreciates the tremendous effort it takes to bring The Nutcracker to Beaufort, explaining that dancers come from all over the Lowcountry to participate. “We have dancers from Lowcountry Dance Center, Bluffton School of Dance, and others,” she explains.
“You become so attached to the kids,” admits Derrick, who “gives up” her own family to put in some 17 hours per week of instruction including artistic direction and choreography, along with Derrick Ballet Conservatory instructor Heather Cahoon.
Derrick, who is also a nutritionist contractor with Beaufort County, is married to local physician Dr. Carl Derrick and has a daughter, Gabi O’Quinn, and three stepsons, Heyward, Crosson, and Stuart Derrick. Even Derrick’s brother, Maurilio Sakzenian, who lives in Brazil, is involved with the Beaufort Community Nutcracker designing the production’s logo, which incorporates the Woods Memorial Bridge, and the performance program.
With its many scenes including the colorful opening party with Clara, Fritz, family, guests, and toys; to the battle with the Mouse King, mice, and soldiers; the Snow Forest; and the Land of Sweets with the famed Waltz of Flowers and Sugar Plum Fairy; it can be challenging to choose a favorite part of The Nutcracker.
Derrick admits that the first act and the 20-minute “party scene” with everyone on stage quickly bring goosebumps to her arms. “It’s so magical!” Yet, the Snow scene, which includes a 6.5-minute dance and the Waltz of Flowers with a seven-minute performance are equally impressive, she adds.
For Derrick, as a young girl who danced every day after school from 1 to 9 p.m., classical ballet was a way “to make a bad day good again. I was simply passionate about dance and would eat, sleep, and breathe it.” Therefore, she understands why parents and their children want to become involved in dance and in particular, The Nutcracker. “It builds confidence for children. It’s about discipline, respect, and working together.”
Derrick’s lifelong passion for dance is evident. It includes an accomplished background having danced in two ballet companies for over ten years and performed in La Bayadere, Swan Lake, Paquita, Sleeping Beauty, Don Quixote, and Little Mermaid. She studied The Royal Ballet School’s System Training. She also studied the Russian Ballet (Vaganova technique) at the Academia de Ballet Lina Penteado.
Using her professional training, Derrick knows it’s essential to work with each and every dancer to put on their best performance in The Nutcracker.” I try my best to work with the dancer’s ability so that they look beautiful dancing rather than making it look too difficult for the dancer,” she explains. In addition, practice extends outside their studio time together. By using a mobile app called BAND, dancers also are provided with videos for additional practice at home.
Beyond the dancers, who demonstrate their commitment by attending every rehearsal (only two absences are permitted), Derrick is quick to commend the support of the whole community for making the production a success as well as the dedication of her core team of volunteers who serve as the organizers and board of directors of the Beaufort Community Nutcracker.
Most important, Derrick notes the partnership with USCB Center for the Arts as the venue, which “adds so much charm and theater support” to the success of The Nutcracker. “If it weren’t for the efforts of USCB Director Bonnie Hargrove and her mission to bring the production to Beaufort, costume designer for angels and Mouse King, Pat Willcox, and Greg Rawls who brings his talents to set design and props, it just couldn’t happen,” she says.
“Our goal is to make The Nutcracker a Beaufort tradition,” she states. “We are truly fortunate to have the support of the whole community and so many people with good hearts.”
For more information or ticket purchases, visit www.uscbcenterforthearts.com, the Beaufort Community Nutcracker Facebook page, or email beaufortnutcracker@gmail.com.
