Don't miss this season's production of the Nutcracker

Open your holiday season like a gaily wrapped present with southern New Mexico's largest, most lavish production of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker," presented by the Dali Ballet Company of Ruidoso. Featuring all-new choreography and exquisite costumes, this timeless tale of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince and their Christmas Eve journey to a world of dreams and magic begins Friday, December 8 at 7 PM and continues Saturday, December 9 at 2 PM and 7 PM at the elegant Spencer Theater in Alto, north of Ruidoso.

Joining Dali Ballet Company dancers are the professionals of the Youth American Ballet Company and Ballet Lubbock. "Dali's production offers a tremendous opportunity to see gifted and talented dancers from around the world," said a Dali Ballet Company spokesperson.

Sean Mitchell of Ballet Lubbock portrays the Nutcracker Prince. As the broken toy brought magically to life, athletic Mr. Mitchell brings drama to his battle with the Rat King then musicality to hispas de deux with Clara. 

The Nutcracker Prince escorts Clara to the Land of Sweets presided over by the Sugar Plum Fairy. Act Two reveals to Clara the magic of Christmas Eve in an extraordinary display of special effects and lighting that highlight dancers' exceptional interpretation of Tchaikovsky's renowned music.

This is Mr. Mitchell's second year in the Nutcracker Prince role with Dali. With Ballet Lubbock, he has danced other classical ballet "Nutcracker" roles as well as musical theater.

Katherine Derkach and Georgi Rusafov of Youth American Ballet Company in Gilbert, AZ portray the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier in their first appearances with Dali. 

The "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" is a pas de deux eagerly anticipated by ballet enthusiasts. The opening delicate bell-like notes of the celesta herald the "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" as the most recognizable music of the ballet as well as an iconic holiday melody. 

Ms. Derkach, the Sugar Plum Fairy, is a principal dancer of Youth American Ballet Company. She has performed Aurora, Clara, Dew Drop Fairy and Snow Queen in their productions. She achieved third place the fourth World Ballet Art Competition in September. 

Georgi Rusafov portrays the Cavalier. He is the Artistic Director of Youth American Ballet Company. From Sofia, Bulgaria, Mr. Rusafov performed as a soloist with the Bulgaria National Opera and Ballet, received advanced Vaganova master education and won several ballet awards. In the US he was a principal dancer for Milwaukee Ballet, Northern Plains Ballet and Omaha Ballet Theater and Ballet Arizona.

Tickets for this traditional holiday classic at the Spencer Theater Friday,December 8 at 7 PM and Saturday, December 9 are available by calling the Spencer box office: 575-336-4800 or online:www.spencertheater.com. Follow "The Nutcracker" behind the scenes on Facebook at Dali Ballet Company.

Call for your tickets today for this fabulous local production of a holiday favorite

Dali Ballet Company in Ruidoso presents its twelfth annual production of Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" Friday, December 8 at 7 PM and Saturday, December 9 at 2 PM and 7 PM at the Spencer Theater in Alto, north of Ruidoso. This eagerly-anticipated production features local dancers and guests artists in original choreography to such well-loved music as "Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy," "March of the Toy Soldiers" and more.  Tickets for this popular holiday classic are available at the Spencer Theater, 575-336-4800 or http://www.spencertheater.com/ .

Rainfall in Sun Valley Report

Missed last month, so now you can check out September's rainfall, too.

Farmer's Almanac Predictions for THE DESERT SOUTHWEST REGION

NOVEMBER 2017: temperature 53° (3° below avg.); precipitation 1.5" (avg. east, 1" above west); Nov 1-3: Sunny, cool; Nov 4-10: Scattered t-storms, cool; Nov 11-25: A few showers east, sunny west; cool; Nov 26-30: Showers, then flurries, turning cold.

DECEMBER 2017: temperature 46° (2° below avg.); precipitation 0.5" (0.5" above avg. north, 0.5" below south); Dec 1-10: Showers, then sunny, very cold; Dec 11-19: A couple showers east, sunny west; turning mild; Dec 20-31: Rain, then sunny, very cold west; periods of rain and snow, cold east.

ANNUAL WEATHER SUMMARY: NOVEMBER 2017 TO OCTOBER 2018

Winter will be colder than normal, with above-normal precipitation. The coldest periods will be from late November into early December and in late December and mid-January. Snowfall will be above normal in the east and near to below normal in the west, with the snowiest periods in late December, early and mid-January, and early February. April and May will be slightly rainier than normal, with temperatures below normal in the east and near normal in the west. Summer will be slightly hotter than normal, with the hottest periods in mid- and late June and early August. Rainfall will be below normal in the northwest and above normal in the southeast. September and October will be cooler and drier than normal.

HOW TO READ LONG-RANGE WEATHER FORECASTS

(Source: https://www.almanac.com)

Long-range predictions show weather trends in temperatures and precipitation. For example, will the winter be colder or warmer than average? Will there be more or less snow than what's typical for your area?  Our famous predictions (traditionally 80% accurate) are made 18 months in advance, and meant to help you make more informed decisions for long-term planning.

Here on Almanac.com, we provide free long-range forecasts for the next 30 to 60 days covering U.S. and Canadian regions. Find all 12 months of predictions in the annual Old Farmer's Almanac.