LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / November 15, 2000

DESTREHAN – When the River Region Ballet presents its annual production of “The Nutcracker,” one of the star performers will be realizing one of her life-long dreams.

She is Katelyn Rodrigue, 12-year-old daughter of Brian and Kathy Rodrigue of Destrehan. And she is “Clara,” the little girl whose dream sets offevents in the Christmas classic’s story.

The St. Charles Borromeo Elementary seventh-grader has paid her dues toreach this role, having worked her way up in past production as a Mouse, Soldier, Candy Cane, Gumdrop and Friend.

“When I opened the letter I was really excited, and then a few days later I went to dance class and I couldn’t wait to tell my friends,” Katelyn said. “Icouldn’t stop smiling.”Katelyn began dance classes at 18 months of age, mostly doing “Mousercise” routines for two years. Then she went under the tutelage ofSusan Ferrera at Images Dance Studio, where she has studied classical ballet for the past eight years.

Along the way her athletic abilities have expressed themselves in other ways, including volleyball and basketball. She also studied gymnastics forthe past six years, winning more than 50 medals in several state competitions.

Normally, 13 years old is the lower cutoff age for “Clara,” however, after going through an audition and callback, she edged out the role over several others late last month.

Besides being one of the youngest to essay the role, Katelyn thinks she is likely one of the tiniest, at less than 5 feet in height. Nevertheless, thisis a role she’s dreamed of all her young life.

Katelyn was at a volleyball practice when her mother arrived to bring her the unopened letter. “I waved it to her from the stands,” Kathy Rodriguesaid. The girl ripped open the letter and grinned her broad grin. “I didn’tbelieve it at first,” she said.

As for her dreams of the future, Katelyn hopes to attend Dominican High School and continue her dance lessons, perhaps in the role of “The Turk” in a “Nutcracker” production.

Whether a chance to dance the “Sugar Plum Fairy,” a role usually carried by a professional dancer, is in her future, remains to be seen. However, itwon’t be for her lack of drive and talent.

“Everything she puts her mind to, she does and does well,” her mother said.

“I just love to watch her perform,” her father added.

This year’s edition of “The Nutcracker” will also be something of a family affair, as one brother, Casey, has a role and another brother, B.J., isworking the lights.

More than 100 performers auditioned, with dancers from all across southeast Louisiana. Patrick McKenney will return in the role of “UncleDrosselmeyer,” Joshua Eichhorn will portray “Fritz,” Michael Guidry will portray “The Nutcracker Prince,” and “The Mouse King” will be performed by Adam Peyton.

Soloists in the production will include Julie Burke, Alicia Captain, Rebecca Delery, Taylor Eilers, Jeanette Meleen and Amber Roussel.

Performances will be at Destrehan High auditorium on Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m.and Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.At the door, tickets will be $12 for adults and $6 for children.

For ticket information, call 764-1969 or 764-7678.

“The Nutcracker” is all about Christmas dreams, but for Katelyn Rodrigue, one Christmas dream will, indeed, come true.

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