‘The Nutcracker’ warms cold winter nights
Taos dancerscers present a ballet classic, reimagined
THERE ARERE FEW BALLET TRADITIONS in the United States and Canada around the holidays that rivalal the stature and popularity of “The Nutcracker,” a collaboration in the late 1800s of Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, French ballet dancer and choreographer Marius Petipa and Russianussian ballet dancer and choreographer Lev Ivanov. It is a staple of most major ballet companies in the world this time of year.
Kathleen Martin,artin, an accomplished nutcracker-sweet-tickets-131265034251 ballerina and thehe director of Taos Acad-Acador from the academy website taosemy of Performingming Arts, said she has dance.com. The ballet will be available danced every roleole in “The Nutcracker” through a private YouTube link (link and that it is a ballet that helped her and password provided after tickets find her artistic voice. are purchased.) The YouTube link can
This holidayy season Taos Academy be accessed anytime Dec. 22 through of Performing Arts is performing the Dec. 23. The academy set things up beloved classic Tuesday and Wednes-Wednesdifferently this time to ensure a higherday (Dec. 22 andnd 23). To purchase quality streaming experience. tickets go to eventbrite.entbrite.com/e/the- Tempo caught up with the busy
Martin, deep in the rehearsal process with her troupe. Here are the edited highlights.
Why the Nutcracker ... ‘the history’ and your history with the ballet?
“The Nutcracker” has been a part of American ballet company winter traditions for
Dancer Adelaide Driver dancing in the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy.
quite some time. Every year major ballet companies and schools of the like perform “The Nutcracker.” For me, this ballet represents family, growth, magic and reminds us to follow our dreams. This ballet warms you up on a cold winter night. I have performed in “The Nutcracker” every winter since I was a little girl, it’s part of my professional and personal life. I danced every role in “The Nutcracker” – the Sugar Plum grand pas de deux, Arabian and Snow Queen are my favorite roles.
I remember one winter my tour schedule was so packed, I was home for three days in December. That Nutcracker season was so fun.
The Nutcracker is a ballet that helped me find my artistic voice. Seeing as ballerinas dance it every year, you can sing the music and you know choreography for roles that aren’t yours. We perform this ballet so often, it allows room for growth and to try new things on stage. While working with Ballet West, I danced “The Nutcracker” from Thanksgiving through
New Years, two shows a day, five days a week. I learned so much by watching other dancers from the stage and then performing myself. I hope to pass on this knowledge to our young dancers and give them an opportunity to grow and excel.
You mentioned you’d like to see it as an annual event. How do you envision this?
I hope to make “The Nutcracker” an annual event by developing the technique of our dancers and reaching out and involve the Taos community. “The Nutcracker” is a ballet that you can grow up with. There are roles for dancers ages 4 to adult. As a growing dancer, every year you learn a new role and advance throughout the ballet. I envision calling on our community for future involvement. “The Nutcracker” has a diverse cast list, for example, “the party scene” is a dance party where adults can find their time on stage. Nutcracker cracker sets and scenery are known for being extravagant and beautiful. We have so many skilled artisans in Taos I think it would be e wonderful to have local artists help p create sets and scenery. There’s an opportunity for singing carolers, live music too, gymnastic tumblers ... the e possibilities are endless!
How have rehearsals gone so far? Any surprises?
Considering wwe are living through the year 2020, our rehearsal process has experienced some curveballs. New Mexico went into our two week “reset” in the middle of our rehearsal process. At first I thought it would set us back, but my goodness, the Taos Academy of Performing Arts dancers continue to surprise me. They took the time to study their characters and focus on the basics during the reset. They came back stronger and ready to go. I am so proud of everything they have accomplished. On the director end, I have had to turn away from the original Nutcracker we all know so well and create a new version. A lot of the original choreography involves partnering and large groups of people on stage at once. It’s been tricky to alter something my body knows so well to fit the pandemic guidelines and restrictions.
Anything else our readers need to know?
As you will see, I condensed “The Nutcracker” to a 45-minute program. This production is very grand, and because of the pandemic and its social restrictions I had to make some adjustments. I hope Tchaikovsky approves of my musical changes and rearranging. Even though you will see a different version of “The Nutcracker,” the magic of Clara’s dream remains the same.
As most small businesses are experiencing hardship, our dance studio also faces an uphill battle daily. If you like and can support our studio, please purchase a ticket and stay involved with our community. Our dancers are excited to showcase their hard work.
Performances will be online Dec. 22-Dec. 23. Tickets are $20-$60. Tickets are available at taosdance.com.