Ski season arrives with Warren Miller’s latest

What: Warren Miller’s “No Turning Back,” a benefit for Durango Winter Sports Foundation
When: 5:30 - 9:30 p.m., Wed., Dec. 17
Where: Smiley Building Theatre, 1309 E. 3rd Ave.

It wouldn’t be winter in Colorado without the annual showing of Warren Miller films’ latest release to get skiers pumped for the season. Next Wed., Dec. 17, the Durango Winter Sports Foundation does the honors with the screening of miller’s 65th film, “No Turning Back” at the Smiley Building.

The newest installment pays homage to the last 65 years of mountain culture and adventure film-making in pursuit of the endless winter. Viewers will be visually transported to such exotic powder fields as Niseko, Japan, Mount Olympus, Greece, and the French Alps as well as the more downhome mom & pop hills of Montana. Watch Olympian Ted Ligety shred the World Cup in Colorado, Ingrid Backstrom and Jess McMillan push the boundaries of the Alaskan Chugach, and JT Holmes and Ulie Kestenholz take flight high above the Swiss Alps. Revel in the celebration for this year’s winter season and remember, this time there’s “No Turning Back.”

Social hour kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with burritos from Zia Taqueria as well as wine, Ska beer and Coca Cola products for purchase. There will also be door prizes courtesy Second Ave. Sports, Ski Barn and the Boot Mechanic. Tickets $12 each or 4 for $40, and available at Second Ave. Sports, Ski Barn or online at durangowintersports.org. All proceeds benefit Durango Nordic Club and Purgatory Ski Team.

The return of the ‘Nutcracker’ What: “Nutcracker,” by State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara

When:  7 p.m. Dec. 12-13 and 2 p.m. Dec. 13-14
Where: Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College

Durango continues its countdown to the holidays with another annual local classic, “The Nutcracker Ballet,” which takes place this weekend at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.

Performed by the State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara, Calif., the production also features nearly 60 local dancers for its eighth consecutive performance.

Artistic Director Rodney Gustafson holds true to the original classical ballet in this Tchaikovsky masterpiece, creating a traditional “Nutcracker” set in Victorian times and suited for all ages.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to see this timeless and beautiful ballet during the holidays,” said Gustafson in a news release. “It’s a story everyone can follow as it’s brought to life through familiar music and timeless dance.”

The ballet is based on the book The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffman, which tells the story of a young German girl, Clara, whose godfather presents her with a toy nutcracker. In Clara’s dream, the toy comes to life and escorts her on a journey to a magical land, where a cast of unusual characters entertains her through dance. 

The young local dancers scheduled to perform with the professionals have been coordinated by Durango Dance instructor Judy Austin, with rehearsal assistants Holly Tate, Emily Simpson and Francesca Bianchi.

State Street Ballet was founded in 1995 as a nonprofit organization by Gustafson, formerly with Geneva Ballet, Cleveland Ballet and American Ballet Theatre. The company combines the discipline and timeless elegance of classical ballet technique with updated, cutting-edge choreography. A group praised for strong commitment to artistic and technical excellence, State Street is also applauded for intelligently designed, versatile performances that have become the company’s trademark.

Doors to the Concert Hall and concessions open one hour prior to curtain. Tickets are $29/$39 and are available at www.durangoconcerts.com, by calling 970.247.7657, or at the Durango Welcome Center office inside at 8th Street and Main Avenue.