ballet

A scene from “The Nutcracker” presented by the Ballet Repertory Theatre of New Mexico featuring Clara and the Nutcracker. (Courtesy of Ballet Repertory Theatre of New Mexico)

Katherine Giese knows that when it comes to presenting a production live, there are many challenges.

Yet, with a smile, she moved forward to execute a plan.

It’s what she’s done all her life as a professional dancer.

Giese and the Ballet Repertory Theatre of New Mexico are in the final hurdles in presenting the holiday tradition, “The Nutcracker.”

The company will present six performances over the course of two weekends beginning on Saturday, Dec. 17, and Sunday, Dec. 18, at the KiMo Theatre. It then repeats on Dec. 23 and Dec. 24. There is also a student matinee performance Monday, Dec. 19.

“Rehearsals have been going well and we’re having fun,” says Giese, BRT executive director. “One of the challenges this year is that more than half of our cast has never done this performance before. There’s a learning curve but the excitement to be back on stage is thrilling.”

The story of “The Nutcracker” is loosely based on the E.T.A. Hoffmann fantasy story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” which is about a girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve and wages a battle against the evil Mouse King.

Giese became executive and artistic director in 2004. Over the course of her career in that position, she’s been able to work with dancers and see their growth.

Staging “The Nutcracker” takes a lot of time, she says.

“I’m burning the candle at both ends and even in the middle,” she says jokingly. “Being able to watch the dancers get ready for the production has been so cool. We’re finally back on stage and for many of the dancers, it’s their first experience doing this. Every rehearsal brings some nervousness, but it quickly changes to excitement.”

This year’s cast consists of 43 members, which is smaller than previous years.

“The cast usually ranges from 50-70,” she says. “Everyone has two parts at least. We’re all in on this production because it is such a revered tradition.”

Giese says in the week leading up to the opening on Saturday, Dec. 17, the dancers will rehearse inside the KiMo Theatre.

“It’s exciting because each dancer will learn exactly where they have to be,” she says. “This is the final step to opening night.”