By Jamie Mercer

The Observer

It’s been said that performers need to “look inside” to find that relationship with the characters they portray.

For Olive Branch diva Rachel Shumake, who portrays “Dorothy” in the Ballet Memphis production of “The Wizard of Oz,” finding that connection wasn’t difficult.

There’s no place like home because this is my home,” the Olive Branch High School graduate said. “I’ve had experiences outside of (Ballet Memphis), then you come back and you appreciate your little piece of the world.

“Whenever I’m doing a role, I’m always trying to make it real, see how it relates to me,” she continued. “Like Dorothy, I’ve been other places but I know ‘there’s no place like home’ because this is my home.”

Shumake started on her life’s work when, at age six, she attended a performance of Ballet Memphis.

“I was an imaginative child,” she recalled. “When I saw the magic and the wonderment, and a place where dreams come true, I decided I wanted to become a dancer.

“If I could sing, I’d probably be a singer,” Shumake laughed. “But I can’t, so I became a dancer.”

Shumake began taking lessons and soon found herself immersed in classes and performances with Ballet Memphis. After graduating from high school in 2002, Shumake made the transition from student apprentice to full company member.

“We work in seasons,” she explained. “They have auditions for the company in the spring, then they offer you a contract for the next season.”

After portraying everything from a snowflake to a baby mouse, Shumake has the opportunity to tackle one of the most beloved characters in history – Dorothy from “The Wizard of Oz.”

“I think it’s always hard when people have the story with words, because we’re telling the story with movement,” Shumake said. “With ballet, it’s like when you look at a painting – you’re taking away what attracts you to it.”

Ballet Memphis presents, “The Wizard of Oz” on Nov. 7-8 at The Orpheum. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

“It’s a lot of work, but it’s gratifying because the space is so beautiful,” observed Shumake, who had her first performance at The Orpheum as a baby mouse in “The Nutcracker”  “I’m a little nostalgic.

But performing isn’t Shumake’s only interest. She also teaches at the Ballet Memphis School and is a certified instructor at the Pilates Centre of Ballet Memphis.

“I do love teaching because I feel connected to the children,” she said. “In dance I’ve learned self-discipline, to express myself and tolerate others; you have to have that background when teaching.”

Now, at age 25, Shumake said she wouldn’t mind becoming a teacher – that is, after she finishes her dancing career.

“I used to be apprehensive about my passion for dance,” Shumake explained. “Right now I’m enjoying that I have time to do all the things I’m doing.

“I’m old in the dance world but young in real life,” she smiled. “I would like to travel and I’d like to get my degree. I’d like to teach, maybe kindergarten or elementary school.”

 For now, Shumake and her fellow cast members are focused on their upcoming production. But even though she knows the audience members will be expecting a stage version of the film, Shumake feels Ballet Memphis will provide something special for everyone.

“This year is the 70^th anniversary of ‘The Wizard of Oz,’” she said. “I’ve got this image of what it was like (when the film debuted in 1939).

“It has a dream-like quality when you watch it,” Shumake noted. “It’s so ‘over-the-top’ with the colors.”

Although the Ballet Memphis production contains no dialogue and different music from the film, Shumake is confident that audiences will enjoy the adventure.

“I feel people just want to see a good story,” Shumake continued. “They want to be taken into the middle of what’s going on, for them to be with me on the journey and be inspired by the story.

“I always want more people to come to our shows,” she added. “I don’t think people understand the caliber of people we have on stage. We’re not a huge city but we have a great ballet company.

“I think once people experience Ballet Memphis one time,” Shumake smiled, “they’re hooked.”

Tickets to “The Wizard of Oz” range from $5 to $70. For more information call (901) 737-7322 or go on-line at www.balletmemphis.org.