Santa Fe Arts and Culture Magazine: View Article

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet: The Nutcracker

Since early October, young ballet students at The School of Aspen Santa Fe Ballet have spent Saturdays practicing for a battle – a battle between mice and men that is. These aspiring ballet students assume the role of mice, soldiers, dolls, party guests, clowns and even bumblebees as Aspen Santa Fe Ballet readies to usher in the holiday season with its annual production of THE NUTCRACKER.

For the seventh season, this magical holiday ballet will be performed by Santa Fe’s own professional dance company December 9, at 7:30 pm, December 10, at 2 pm and 7:30 pm, and December 11, again at 2 & 7:30 pm at The Lensic, Santa Fe’s Performing Arts Center.

Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’ magical production, based on the well-known book by E.T.A. Hoffman and set to Tchaikovsky’s music, incorporates lavish scenic designs by Roger LaVoie, numerous beautiful costumes, a large cast, special effects, and new, original choreography by ASFB directors Jean-Philippe Malaty and Tom Mossbrucker.  Described as a joyous and dazzling production, The Nutcracker features ten company dancers, many guest artists and over 100 local Santa Fe dance students from The School of Aspen Santa Fe Ballet.

The ballet opens with a large book suspended mid air transforming the theater to an extraordinary world where dancers and characters emerge from its pages. With special effects and elaborate sets the ballet moves from a Victorian party scene, to a battle of oversized mice and toys, to a carousel with a star lit canopy.  True to Aspen Santa Fe Ballet style, this sophisticated production is full of whimsy and seamlessly blends classical ballet with circus artists, traditional dances and other unexpected surprises.  Full of joy and magic, it’s an unforgettable theater experience that will create lifelong memories!

This year’s production of The Nutcracker includes 100 children from the School of Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, ages 5 to 17.  Josie Sanders and Lindsay DeMay share the role of Clara and two of the school’s advanced dancers, Elena Carroll and Mariel Lowe, will be featured in the roll of Dragonfly in Waltz of the Flowers. A trapeze artist, and Russian and Chinese character dancers round out the cast of this beautiful production.

As added special event for the children, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet and The Eldorado Hotel will host a Land of the Sweets Tea Party following the Saturday and Sunday matinees.  These fun event will feature personal appearances by the Nutcracker’s cast of characters who will mingle with the guests.  Hot chocolate and delicious holiday sweets will be served and children will have the opportunity to have their picture taken and get autographs from their favorite dancers.

Tickets for the performance ($15-$48) and tea ($18.50) are available directly through the Lensic Box Office at 505 988-1234, in person at 211 W. San Francisco or on line at ticketssantafe.org. For further information call the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet office at 505 983-5591.