Christmas is the most magical of seasons in the Land of Enchantment.
And in Taos, we have no shortage of Christmas traditions, beginning with the lighting of the little farolitos to the big luminarias at the Pueblo on Christmas Eve, with other age old local traditions that encompass food, story, music and dance. Traditions with roots stretching back hundreds, even thousands of years, meeting, intermingling, entwining.
Robert Mirabal’s annual Christmas concert is a modern tradition born of this melting pot of heritage and cultures colliding in a most magical way. Truly befitting of the Season of Miracles.
But, in my humble opinion, Christmas would not be Christmas without a performance of the Nutcracker, and apparently I’m not alone.
Last year, Ballet Taos thrilled audiences at the TCA when it debuted its retelling of the holiday classic The Nutcracker. Giving the beloved ballet a New Mexico accent, Ballet Taos is well on the way to creating a new Christmas tradition.
For one weekend only, this holiday season 2018, Ballet Taos will perform their whimsical version vibrant rendition of the Christmas Holiday ballet classic, “The Nutcracker”.
“A New Mexico Nutcracker” takes place in the thriving art colony of Taos, New Mexico in the 1930’s. Mabel Dodge Lujan, Maria, the daughter of a Chili Pepper Farmer, and historical friends of Mabel, such as Ansel Adams and Nicolai Fechin, gather to celebrate the spirit of Christmas. After a lively evening of gifts and dance, Maria’s gift of a dream begins. Taos Mesa comes to life with a surreal battle between natures desert creatures. Lead by the Guardian Hawk and Coyote King, the desert mesa creatures are given a choice of red chili, green chili or Christmas. Peace is restored as snow begins to fall on Taos Mountain. Maria travels across the beautiful Northern New Mexico landscape through masterful paintings by Jerry Jordan, Mary Dolph Wood, Julian Robles and Don Ward to name a few. Snowflakes, Hummingbirds, and Georgia O’Keeffe’s Waltz of the Flowers are just a few breathtaking scenes Maria experiences along the way.” Reads the Company’s Press Release.
It goes on to tell us: “In this powerful coming of age tale, images of landscape paintings from original Taos Society of Artists and living Taos artists work, fill each backdrop. Take a leap back in time and celebrate the art, diverse culture and history that makes our community truly unique.”
Ballet Taos is a 501c3 arts organization, fiscally sponsored by the Taos Arts Council, serving Northern New Mexico communities. The company includes the professional company, the academy, and an educational outreach program, Project Relevé.
“Each facet supports, educates, and inspires the next. We use dance as an instrument to impress upon our students a sense of purpose, a lifelong love of learning, and a thoughtful compassionate way of being.”Says Megan Yakovitch, Ballet Taos founder and Artistic Director.
With Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s original music, Megan Yackovich once again brings her choreographic skills to the TCA with dancers from her company and academy, along with Guest Artists: Adam Overly-Black, Serena Smith, and Kate Ma
A New Mexico Nutcracker 2018…A New Taos Tradition is at the TCA this weekend.
Friday, December 14 7:00 P.M. Doors Open at 6:30 P.M.
Saturday, December 15 7:00 P.M. Doors Open at 6:30 P.M.
Sunday, December 16 2:00 P.M. Doors Open at 1:30 P.M.
6:00 P.M. Doors Open at 5:30 P.M.
Tickets are $15.00 for children and $25.00 for adults. Tickets may be purchased in advance at www.ballettaos.com, 575.779.9128, or at the door at The Taos Center for the Arts one half hour prior to show.
SPECIAL EVENT: Today, Friday, December 14 at 10:00 – 11:30 A.M. Project Relevé of Ballet Taos will be presenting a FREE educational outreach program and will perform selections from “A New Mexico Nutcracker” for a behind the scenes preview of the opening night performance. Again, this event is FREE to the public and Ballet Taos invites you to enjoy the work of young Taos dancers. Please contact Ballet Taos, 575.779.9128, to reserve your seat.
Photographs by Heather Lynn Sparrow
