Melissa - Reed Pipe Lead - Dancer Spotlight

This year, I’m very excited for my role as a lead reed pipe. With this role, I get to dance in the entrada/finale for the first time! It’s such a magical moment in the ballet, helping to open and close the second act beautifully. It is also my first tutu role. This will be my 4th year participating in the Nutcracker.

My favorite Nutcracker memory was last year, waiting in my soldier doll box for the curtains to open. It was really thrilling as we were one of the first dancers the audience would see. I remember being sort of shocked every night when the curtains opened, seeing all the people that came to see us.

To me, the MPBT Nutcracker means community. The cast community that rehearses for hours to put on the Nutcracker. The whole MPBT team community is made up of hardworking parents, volunteers, and directors. The local community that comes to watch us perform every year. All these people make the MPBT Nutcracker what it is and a wonderful experience to participate in every year.

#mpbtnutcracker2025 photo credit @amberkane.photography