History

1972-1975

In 1972, Suzanne and Sidney Johnston founded the New Mexico Ballet Company in order to provide a means of study and an opportunity for advancement for dancers throughout New Mexico.  Ms. Johnston served as the NMBC Artistic Director from 1972 to 1975.  During this era, the company performed and toured in Texas, Louisiana and Tennessee as a member of the Southwest Regional Ballet Association.

Building Strength
1975 – 1982

NMBC continued to grow and redefine itself under the Artistic Directorship of Rebecca Peltz (1975-1976), Lana Kroth (1976-1977), Alan Baker (1977-1978), Jon Christophori (1979) and Lorenzo Luckie (1981-1982).  During this era, the company focused on goals of training local dancers to build a strong corps and in promotion of dance arts to New Mexico audiences.  This period of growth culminated with Lorenzo Luckie’s presentation of Renaissance, including internationally acclaimed ballet star Fernando Bujones.

Acclaim and Pageantry
1982 – 1987

Suzanne Johnston resumed her position as Artistic Director from 1982 to 1987.  Highlights during this era include world renowned guest performers including Mikhail Baryshnikov, Robert La Fosse, Susan Jaffe, Melissa Hayden, Juliet Prowse and David Chavez.  In addition, Melissa Hayden of New York City Ballet was brought in to teach master classes to New Mexico dancers.
“Anyone interested in viewing some of the best technique in ballet should…see… The New Mexico Ballet’s Gift of Dance.”
Mazur, The Albuquerque Journal, 1985.

Artistry and Imagination
1988 – 1996

David Chavez assumed the role of Artistic Director from 1988 to 1996.  During his tenure, NMBC produced eleven original productions including Carmina Burana, Dia de los Muertos, A Christmas Carol, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Vision Quest, The Jungle Book, The Red Shoes, and A Stravinsky Dance Festival.  Through the help of grants awarded by the Urban Enhancement Trust Fund of the City of Albuquerque, NMBC was able to provide public school children with free access to many of these performances.

“Chavez’s “Rite of Spring”…was total theater, and true to the violent, primitivistic rhythms used by Stravinsky…”
Jennifer Noyer, The Albuquerque Journal, 1995.

Tradition and Innovation
1997-2008

Patricia Dickinson Wells became NMBC Artistic Director in 1997.  During this era, NMBC continued to provide New Mexico audiences and artists with access to esteemed guest artists such as Dr. Mel Tomlinson, formerly of New York City Ballet and Alvin Ailey.  With the assistance of acclaimed repetiteur Jillana, NMBC was honored with approval of the George Balanchine Trust and New York City Ballet to perform Balanchine’s works Serenade and Concerto Barroco.  NMBC’s regular performances of The Nutcracker Ballet and Dracula became mainstays for New Mexico audiences and these successful programs allowed the company to commit resources to more innovative presentations such as Three Decades of Dance (2005).

Classic and Experimental
2009-Present

Jolie Sutton-Simballa took the reins of Artistic Director after six years as Assistant Artistic Director.  Her first production, 20th Century Composers ~ 21st Century Choreographers, was a collaboration with Albuquerque’s Chatter, A Chamber Ensemble and included classical and contemporary choreography to live chamber music.  Sutton-Simballa has guaranteed the continuation of NMBC’s history of bringing internationally renowned artists to the state by securing guest artists from Joffrey Ballet and American Ballet Theatre (Sarah Lane & Luis Ribagorda) to perform the lead roles for 2009′s performances of The Nutcracker Ballet.  See us next in NMBC’s March 2010 production of Alice and Wonderland & Other Children’s Stories which will bring literary treasures to life, on stage at UNM’s Rodey Theater.

NMBC’s first Summer Intensive Workshop was a huge success. Philip Neal, Principal dancer with New York City Ballet, was brought in for the first 2 weeks. Mr. Neal spread his vast knowledge of George Balanchine’s technique and choreographic works through techique, pointe, pas de deux and variations classes. Ms. Teanna Zarro, formerly of the Joffrey Ballet, wrapped up the third week of the intensive teaching the youth level a version of the Sugar Plum Fairy variation from The Nutcracker Ballet.

The Future
A Commitment to NM Artists and Audiences

NMBC is well-grounded in the New Mexico community to continue to achieve our goals of:

Bringing innovative, high-caliber productions to New Mexico stages with the assistance of local dancers, choreographers, musicians, artists, costumers and technical stage crew.

Supporting Arts in Education for New Mexico school children through school shows, “History of Dance” programs, and outreach to Title I schools.

Providing a means for young dancers to launch professional dance careers through training, performance and the chance to work with world-renowned guest artists.

As with any arts organization, NMBC relies on the support of volunteers and corporate and private donors to achieve these goals.  Please consider supporting NMBC through financial donations or by volunteering your valuable time or skills.

We look forward to seeing you at our next performance!