Nutcracker performances this weekend. A must see for the holidays.

Joey Garcia portrays Uncle Drosselmeyer, Clara's magical godfather who at the stroke of midnight, creates a fantasy world of childhood enchantments for Clara. See Dali Ballet Company's "The Nutcracker" this weekend at the Spencer Theater.

Emily Hutchinson portrayed an Arabian Dancer in last year's Dali Ballet Company's production of "Nutcracker." She will dance the Spanish Dance lead this year, as well as Snowflake and Marzipan in this weekend's performances.

It's a dancer's dream to perform exquisite classics in professional venues. For over seventy dancers, that dream becomes reality when Dali Ballet Company of Ruidoso presents Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" Friday, December 8 at 7 PM and Saturday, December 9 at 2 PM and 7 PM at the Spencer Theater, north of Ruidoso.

Dali's dancers attain their dreams of lead roles after years of disciplined "working up" from corps du ballet.  Fans anticipate each year's "Nutcracker" to discover how dancers have matured into leads or soloists.  And because Dali's dancers are versatile, many perform different roles in one production. 

This year's Clara and Fritz, Alora Shaver of Ruidoso and Matthew Rabke of Capitan, both performed in previous "Nutcrackers" as well as other Dali ballets. In addition to their lead roles, Alora will also dance with Snowflakes and Matthew with Toy Soldiers and Candy Canes.

"Waltz of the Flowers" leads are Kaylee Hall, last year's Clara, and Anya Rabke, last year's Ballerina Doll. Kaylee leads Marzipan, is a Snowflake, and demi-solos Arabian with Gaby Martinez, who also dances Snowflakes and Waltz of the Flowers. 

Anya also dances Arabian, Marzipan and Snowflakes. 

Emily Musgrave interprets Rat King for the first time this year. In Act II see her versatility in Arabian, Snowflakes and Waltz of the Flowers.

Emily Hutchison is a seasoned performer of several "Nutcrackers." See her versatility as Spanish Dancer lead as well as in Marzipan, Snowflakes, Waltz of the Flowers and Arabian.

Courtney Daniels performs Dew Drop Fairy, one of many leads she has danced in many "Nutcrackers" since the age of five. This year she also leads Arabian and dances with Snowflakes and Spanish Dancers. 

Joey Garcia reprises Uncle Drosselmeyer in his third "Nutcracker" and has performed in numerous Dali productions.

Saddie Hillburn and Zoe Hillburn dance Nesting Doll leads. 

Ashtin Bright leads Candy Canes and dances Snowflakes, Marzipan and Waltz of the Flowers.

Mia Simpson solos as Gypsy Doll, understudies Clara, and also dances Chinese and Snowflakes.

Z'maury Zamora delights as the comedic Jester Doll and dances Chinese.

Hannah Anderson interprets Ballerina Doll and appears in Chinese.

Kathryn Paulos brings exuberance as the Chinese lead and dances Spanish, Waltz of the Flowers and Snowflake.

Brianna Leach solos Gingersnap and dances Marzipan, Snowflakes and Waltz of the Flowers.

Although not an artist or dancer, "ballet dad" Robbie Hall reprises his comedic turn as Mother Ginger whose ample skirt hides little Polichinelles.

Tickets are still available for this weekend's production. Call the Spencer Theater at 575-336-4800, or visit www.spencertheater.com. Follow Dali behind the scenes by visiting Dali Ballet Company on Facebook.

What's up with this weather? Come find out on Tues, Dec 5

You're Invited! Please support the Capitan Library

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.