Sparrow Dance Productions to put on 'The Nutcracker'

ALBUQUERQUE — Sparrow Dance Productions is bringing “The Nutcracker and the Land of the Sweets Trading Company” to the African American Performing Arts Center Dec. 20-22.

Owner and director Christina Daly wants her show to pay homage to King Louie XIV, who invented ballet. King Louie XIV was the king of France until his death in 1715 and a keen dancer. In 1661, Louie XIV founded the Académie Royale de Danse, the world’s first ballet school.

“I really liked the idea that the land of the sweets trading company isn’t some ‘far off land’ but that it really represents for Clara — and for people — to grow into their legacy and have the power to create magic in their lives,” Daly said.

Last year, Sparrow Dance put on “The Nutcracker” at Rio Rancho High School, but this year they had to switch venues because of an increase in the cast.

“The theaters in Rio Rancho do not accommodate for a larger cast. Last year, we had 47 dancers. This year, we have 65 dancers. So cool!” Daly said.

Leading the show is Marissa Montano as Clara, Joe Herrera as the Nutcracker, Alexandra Anghel as the Sugar Plum Fairy, Steven Higgins as Magician Drosselmeyer, and Erin Foster as Corps de Ballet.

“It’s incomparable to any production that I have ever danced in. I love Sparrow so much because of this very deliberate emphasis on inclusivity and diversity,” Foster said.

Foster, who is from Baltimore, Maryland, has been dancing since her youth and has toured nationally and internationally.

“This is one of my first years in a lead role, and in pointe shoes. This is my first full-length production in pointe shoes, so it’s kind of like a big debut for me,” Montano, a junior at Rio Rancho High School. eagerly said.

In ballet, pointe shoes help dancers dance on their toes, and to do a full-length show is a testament to a dancer’s talent and dedication. Montano dealt with some injuries and health-related stuff that prolonged her debut.

“I spent a lot of time in a class called ‘Pre-pointe.’ In that class, we work specifically targeting the foot and ankle muscles to prepare,” Montano said. “Being in production is awesome; one of my favorite parts for sure is the community and the people.”

Higgins saw Sparrow’s “Nutcracker” last year at RRHS with his wife, Mary Marshall.

“My involvement really starts with my wife, Mary. In the spirit of full disclosure, Mary lost her battle with heart disease last month ... we had a great adventure together,” Higgins said. “Mary was a dancer.”

Higgins and Mary were married for 29 years. At one time, Mary was a dancer at Radio City Music Hall for the Corps de Ballet from 1963-68. Mary also performed in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from 1963-67.

“Since my wife’s death, this has been a real lifeline for me. I am humbled by the love and compassion that all of these cast of characters have shown me, and it is something that I am happy to be a part of,” an emotional Higgins said.

The production’s first show comes on Dec. 20, and tickets are on sale now at sparrowdanceNM.com or at Sparrow Dance Productions, 103 Rio Rancho Drive NE, Suite D6, Rio Rancho. The three performances of the show are 7 p.m. Dec. 20 and Dec. 21, and 2 p.m. Dec.22.

The African American Performing Arts Center is located at 310 San Pedro Drive NE, Albuquerque.