Performances exist in the moment. These moments are meant to create a memorable performance and that is the key goal for performers.
However, there are moments that are not showcased on the center stage. These moments occur backstage, away from the limelight. They are more intimate and personal, creating a very different experience for the performers as they prepare to exhibit their craft to the world.
The New Mexico Ballet Company was founded in 1972 with the intent “to provide a means of study and an opportunity for advancement for dancers throughout New Mexico,” according to its website. It was also during this year that NMBC staged the first Nutcracker production in the state accompanied by a live full orchestra. It has continued to this day with the company presenting “The Nutcracker Ballet” annually.
NMBC Executive Director Emily Fine said that “The Nutcracker Ballet” is one of the largest productions in the state of New Mexico.
“It is a huge cast, a huge crew, and in the biggest theater as well,” Fine said. “Technically speaking, it is a very, very difficult and complex production so we have over 30 crew members just to handle props, scene changes, everything. There are also over 200 artists in the show when you add in the musicians.”
The artists also include the ballet dancers who prepare for weeks, if not months, in advance to put together “The Nutcracker Ballet.”
The final preparations can only be witnessed backstage as the dancers anticipate the big reveal to the audience. It is backstage where the dedication of the ballet dancers shines through.
“[As a ballet dancer] you have to be completely devoted and it takes an enormous amount of time,” Fine said. “You can’t dabble in ballet. You have to be disciplined, but you will gain so many life skills like self-esteem, teamwork, cooperation, independence. It is wonderful.”
The backstage moments of “The Nutcracker Ballet” may not be visible to many people who attend the production, but they are the precursors to the onstage moments and are just as important. They are translated onto the stage, being carried throughout the performance with the sole intention to put on a show.
“Our primary focus is entertainment. We always take that into consideration that we want to entertain the audience and when you do that you usually can’t go wrong,” Fine said.
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PHOTO STORY: Albuquerque provides habitat for hundreds of bird species
December 2Albuquerque offers a wide range of bird habitat over a relatively small space. The Bosque ecosystem is home to riparian species, while the city provides habitat for more adaptive urban birds, and the Sandia Mountains provide a home to higher elevation species. Hundreds of resident and migratory birds settle in Albuquerque, according to the City of Albuquerque website. Albuquerque is one of 31 Urban Bird Treaty cities across the United States. UBT cities partner with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conserve birds and bird habitat, as well as provide educational and recreational opportunities in urban areas, according to the FWS website. The FWS highlights the Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge as one of Albuquerque’s successes in bird conservation. The refuge is considered to be one of the “most ambitious urban conservation projects in the nation,” according to the FWS. In addition to Valle de Oro, birds can choose from many open spaces in Albuquerque that provide habitat, including the Bachechi Open Space, Rio Grande Nature Center State Park and even the University of New Mexico’s campus. The Bachechi Open Space is one of 17 Bernalillo County Open Space properties, according to the Bernalillo County website. The space offers wetland habitat, which attracts geese, ducks and herons. The Rio Grande Nature Center State Park provides habitat for over 300 species of birds, according to its website. During this time of year, sandhill cranes find food in the fields, and spotted towhee and duck species gather by feeders at the pond. UNM’s main campus hosts a total of 212 species of birds at different times throughout the year, according to Birding Hotspots. Even with the current Duck Pond renovation, trees and green space provide habitat for robins and roadrunners. Leila Chapa is the social media editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at socialmedia@dailylobo.com or on X @lchapa06 Paloma Chapa is the multimedia editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at multimedia@dailylobo.com or on X @paloma_chapa88
