STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 23
Stillwater performer lands role in Nutcracker
AUBREY WAHPEKECHE IS A FIRECRACKER IN A TINY PACKAGE .
She recently turned 10 and is celebrating by performing in the South Tulsa Children ' s Ballet production of " The Nutcracker .” The South Tulsa Children ' s Ballet & Theatre is a nonprofit that provides performance opportunities for Oklahoma-area dance students . I sat down with the pint-sized powerhouse for her first " formal " interview , and she was happy to share her story with me .
Her dream is to be an actor , and she is well on her way . After starring in her school play as the title character in " Little Red & The Riding Hoods " ( a motorcycle gang ) her mom started looking into musical theater auditions for kids . Not one to shy away from big roles , Wahpekeche auditioned for " The Nutcracker .” With her background in ballet , tap , jazz and lyrical dance , she is a natural for this type of performance .
As a little perfectionist , Wahpekeche wasn ' t thoroughly pleased with her audition since she was confined by tights , so she actually pulled the director aside and requested a do-over . Her beautiful dance moves and advanced acro experience solidified Wahpekeche ' s spot as one of the Russian Candy Canes in the famous play . Rehearsals started in September and are weekly through November , culminating in the public performances Dec . 7-8 .
She has often placed in the top 10 for her solos at the state level and national competitions and received several judges ' choice awards as well . She ' s placed first many times and even received multiple calls to compete again , traveling to Oklahoma City and Tulsa every spring to compete in regional competitions . Each summer Wahpekeche and her mom travel to Branson , Missouri ; Arlington , Texas ; Galveston , Texas and last summer Corpus Christi , Texas to compete in dance . Summer 2025 she is already scheduled to compete in Wisconsin Dells , Wisconsin .
Aside from dance , Wahpekeche also plays basketball and softball . Wahpekeche is a member of the Native American Elementary Education program through Stillwater Public Schools as well as a participating in gifted student classes . And if that wasn ' t impressive enough , she ' s a baton twirler who will be performing in the Downtown Stillwater Christmas Parade !
She and I are both music lovers , so I asked her what she listens to while getting pumped for her auditions and performances . Wahpekeche ' s artist of choice ? Olivia Rodrigo .
Remember the name Aubrey Wahpekeche ... she ' s going to be a star !
STORY BY : JENNIFER JALBERT Stillwater Oklahoma Magazine
PHOTOS PROVIDED
SwOk
STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 23