Certain moments in Durango clearly mark the start of the holiday season, and for me—and many families across the region—State Street Ballet’s Nutcracker at the Community Concert Hall is one of those. This year, we celebrate a significant milestone: twenty years of this beloved production gracing our stage. The Concert Hall is honoring it in the best way possible—with a fundraiser that feels more like a gathering of old friends than a formal event.
Maybe I’m a little nostalgic, but The Nutcracker has always held a special place in my heart. The first time I saw it, I was in fourth grade. Growing up in a small Indiana town, a whole busload of us would be taken to “the city” to see what felt like our very first big cultural experience. A real theater. A ballet. Classical music that seemed to shimmer through the air. I remember sitting there completely transfixed. It was the most memorable introduction I ever had to the world of artistic classics, and it sparked something in me that never faded.
Now, when I watch the kids enter the Concert Hall—hair neat, outfits buttoned, eyes wide and shining—I feel that same flutter I experienced all those years ago. Knowing this production has been part of Durango’s cultural heartbeat for twenty years makes it even more meaningful.
When State Street Ballet first brought The Nutcracker here in 2004, I don’t think any of us realized the tradition it would become. Over the years, thousands of local children have performed on that stage as mice, soldiers, party guests, snowflakes—you name it. Families keep coming back year after year, introducing each new generation to the magic. And backstage, dancers, crews, costumers, and the dedicated staff of the Community Concert Hall work tirelessly to ensure each December is as enchanting as the last.
And then, about nine years ago, the production became even more spectacular. The San Juan Symphony started performing the score live, teaming up with the Durango Children’s Chorus, whose young voices added a new layer of wonder. That moment—when live orchestral music, professional dancers, and the voices of local children filled the hall together—elevated an already beloved show to something truly unforgettable. It became more than just a performance. It became a community masterpiece. This year’s 20-year celebration also serves as a vital fundraiser to support the Concert Hall’s ongoing mission: strengthening programming, expanding youth involvement, creating educational opportunities, and sustaining collaborations that make productions like this possible. These moments don’t happen by accident—they’re built by a community that believes wholeheartedly in the arts and shows up for them again and again.
What I love most about this milestone is how beautifully it reflects the spirit of Durango. State Street Ballet brings the artistry. The Concert Hall offers the home. The Symphony and Children’s Chorus add depth and connection. And the audience—kids, parents, grandparents, newcomers, longtime fans—we bring the heart.
So, here’s to twenty years of snowflakes drifting across the stage. Twenty years of Tchaikovsky swelling through the hall. Twenty years of Clara and the Prince have led us into a world where magic feels real.
And here’s to the next twenty—whatever beauty, surprises, and memories they bring.
Because in Durango, traditions like this don’t just last. We choose them, nurture them, and celebrate them — together.
