The Nutcracker returns with Boston ballet stars

This weekend, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet (ASFB) ushers in the wonder of the holidays with its beloved Nutcracker, featuring Boston Ballet stars Haley Schwan and Patrick Yocum.

A magical carousel transports dancers worldwide as they perform traditional dances, including a high-flying Ukrainian hopak, a Chinese ribbon dance, and a Spanish flamenco. ASFB’s Mexican Folklorico students also showcase their skills in the show.

About 30 professional dancers from various companies nationwide, including Diablo Ballet from California and Kansas City Ballet, meet in Santa Fe and Aspen to rehearse and then perform.

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“Authentic castanet dancers and big group numbers stay true to the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet communities,” said Schwan, who returns this year as the Sugar Plum Fairy, adding that her colleague, Yocum, is a true prince on and off stage. “It’s such a pleasure to see masters of their craft. We all get together to make something special.”

She admits that it can be a struggle to present “The Nutcracker” in a fresh manner, especially since she performed it about 50 times in Boston. But, in addition to staying true to the authentic dances of each region — something the traditional Nutcracker didn’t always do — ASFB does stage it differently, without losing any of the story’s charm. For example, the Chinese dance in the original Nutcrackers isn’t authentic, but a Chinese dancer choreographed the part in this one. And, the Folklorico students perform actual folk dances rather than a balletic interpretation of the folk dances.

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“It’s nice to stay connected with the magic — ASFB really embodies that,” she said. “We’re trying to care for this tradition by not only bringing it into the future, but also bringing the community into it with kids and professionals. It shows that traditions can be refreshed; you see new people come through the ranks — it’s the beauty of art.”

Dancing with professionals offers an incredible opportunity for local kids. Not only do they look up to them and possibly aspire to reach their caliber, but they also witness what goes on behind the scenes “to make the magic,” she said.

“We create this world for the kids watching. It’s really an immersive experience,” she said, adding that the dancers answer questions kids ask and interact with them on and off stage.

And, it’s not only inspiring for kids; the production also renews the dancers.

“I came back to Boston beaming with renewed inspiration not only with the power of dance, but also with the connection (of the dancers). It’s such a great group of people. The atmosphere of the dancers is so positive,” she said. “It’s a full-circle moment (dancing) the Sugar Plum. You see this very unattainable beauty as a kid, and you go through all of the hard work to be able to take on that sort of role. I know what it meant to me as a child. To find what it means to me as an adult is really special. I’m hoping the audience experiences our joy and passion.”