The Nutcracker Ballet is synonymous with holiday entertainment, and there are several performances in Albuquerque, ranging from those with full orchestra to simpler events. Both Nutcracker on the Rocks and Nutcracker in the Land of Enchantment are known as New Mexico Nutcracker ballets. Find a Nutcracker performance to ring in the holidays, whether looking for the classic ballet performance, or something found only in New Mexico.
Updated for 2012.
New Mexico Ballet Nutcracker
The state's oldest ballet company, the New Mexico Ballet Company, will be accompanied by the New Mexico Philharmonic Orchestra performing Tchaikovsky's music. For two weekends and five performances, this special show will dance across the stage at Popejoy Hall. Special guest dancers from the American Ballet Theatre will also perform. The performances feature full costumes and sets, creating a special holiday event.
When: November 24 - December 2; 7 p.m. 11/24 and 25; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. 12/1 and 2 p.m. 12/2.
Where: Popejoy Hall
Cost: Prices start at $9 for children and $11 for adults.
When: November 24 - December 2; 7 p.m. 11/24 and 25; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. 12/1 and 2 p.m. 12/2.
Where: Popejoy Hall
Cost: Prices start at $9 for children and $11 for adults.
Nutcracker on the Rocks
The Keshet Dance Company's Nutcracker on the Rocks defies expectations. Every level of dancer performs, from professional ballerina to wheelchair bound dancer. Music is classic rock and roll rather than classical. Much of the cast is children. Nutcracker on the Rocks is an Albuquerque classic.When: November 30 and December 1 at 7:30 p.m.; December 1 and 2 at 2 p.m.; December 2 at 6 p.m.
Where: National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th SW
Cost: $26 - $34; $2 discount for students and seniors.
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Nutcracker
The production highlights dancers, actors, circus artists and students in a show that is a Santa Fe tradition. Presented by the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet at the Lensic Theater.When: 2 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. December 1; 1 p.m. or 5 p.m. December 2
Where: Lensic, Santa Fe
Cost: $25 - $72
Ballet Repertory Theatre Nutcracker Ballet
The Ballet Repertory Theatre brings the classic tale of toy soldiers, dancing snowflakes the nutcracker and little Clara to life. The Ballet Repertory Theatre has performed the Nutcracker since 1996.When: December 8 - 24, 7 p.m. on 12/8, 12/15, 12/22; 2 p.m. on 12/9, 12/16, 12/22, 12/23; 1 p.m. on 12/24
Where: KiMo Theater, 423 Central NW
Cost: $7 - $27.
Additional ticket charges for the Christmas Eve performance includes attendance to a Nutcracker Tea following the performance. Meet your favorite Nutcracker characters and taste treats from the Land of Sweets.
Nutcracker Ballet in the Land of Enchantment
This Nutcracker is performed Performed by the Festival Ballet Albuquerque, accompanied by music of the Figueroa Project. The traditions and heritage of New Mexico are paired with the classical tale of the holidays. Choreographed by Patricia Dickinson Wells, the performance features an all ages cast from 8 year old mice to over 70 year old parents in the first act. Tickets can be purchased at Dance Theatre Southwest (296-9465) or the NHCC (724-4771); call for box office times.When: 7 p.m. 12/21; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. 12/22 and 12/23
Where: Journal Theatre, National Hispanic Cultural Center
Cost: $12 - $47
Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker
The Moscow Ballet has toured across America for 19 years. See the company of 40 Vaganova-trained dancers this holiday season as they perform the classic holiday dance for one show only. This is an all ages event.When: December 11 at 7:30 p.m.; doors open 6 p.m.
Where: Kiva Auditorium, 401 2nd Street NW
Cost: $35 - $80


