New Mexico Dance Collaborative (NMDC) brings professional dance to the community of Taos and provides opportunities for young dancers from the region to further their training. The weekend consists of a series of masterclasses from internationally acclaimed teachers, contemporary and classical dance performances, and educational talks. NMDC participating dancers will be considered for invites, scholarships, and apprentice opportunities for summer intensives and future performance projects happening in our region. We are exceedingly fortunate to have Mr. Jock Soto; former Principal Dancer with New York City Ballet and faculty of School of American Ballet, Ballet Taos Guest Faculty & Choreographer, and a 2024 recipient of the NMArts Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, and Mr. David Taylor; Artistic Director of Zikr Dance Ensemble, as our master teachers for the sixth annual New Mexico Dance Collaborative Festival. NMDC is a platform to advertise the exceptional teaching talent that this region has to offer and expose students to training that they may not otherwise have access to. Our chosen master teachers for this year’s edition of NMDC make an ideal duo, as they come from completely different backgrounds, and have achieved great success in their careers as world renowned dancers, choreographers, teachers, and directors. 

The events of the weekend will begin with Mr. Soto’s masterclass on stage at the Taos Center for the Arts Community Auditorium (TCA) Friday afternoon. All NMDC masterclasses are open to the public for viewing for a suggested donation. On stage masterclasses offer a behind the scenes view of young artists hard at work presenting their best for the master teachers coaching them. Immediately following Mr. Soto’s masterclass, dancers and audience members are encouraged to stay for an Invited Talk entitled My Journey. Mr. Soto will discuss his extensive career with New York City Ballet sure to inspire the next generation of NM dancers.

NMDC opening night will commence with a mixed bill performance from Ballet Taos. ACT I: Stravinsky’s ‘FIREBIRD’ and ACT II: a new contemporary ballet entitled ‘ONEIROMANCY’. Ballet Taos brings the legendary folktale, ‘FIREBIRD’, to life. Set to Stravinsky’s intricate score, audiences will be transported to an ethereal forest full of mythical creatures, a magical bird, and a young prince and princess challenged with ending an evil sorcerer’s reign. Self-less love and bravery prevail in the end. Captivating choreography, vibrant costumes and sets, and extraordinary guest artists, joined by Ballet Taos youth dancers, grace the stage for this must-see performance. ‘Oneiromancy’, an in-depth, collaborative exploration of Bach recomposed, highlights new choreographic work by Mr. Jock Soto (NYCB), and upcoming NM choreographer, and professional dancer, Athena Dunleavy. The innovative movement and seamless musicality of the work is a feast for the senses. 

Saturday morning welcomes masterclasses for young beginning level dancers held at the Wildflower Playhouse. A Classical Ballet Technique class, taught by Megan Yackovich, Artistic Director of Ballet Taos, will be held from 10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M., followed by a Flamenco Technique class, taught by Taos’ very own Casandra Romero, Theatre Director of the Wildflower Playhouse, 11:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.

Saturday afternoon NMDC returns to the TCA stage with two master classes for intermediate and advanced/professional level dancers taught by Anaka Weiss-Jones of ZIKR Dance Ensemble. When masterclasses conclude, ZIKR Dance Ensemble company dancers will host a Q & A prior to their evening performance.

NMDC concludes with an evening performance of our professional guest company, Zikr Dance Ensemble. Showcasing an international cast of world class dancers, Colorado’s acclaimed Zikr Dance Ensemble presents “Mysteries”, featuring Artistic Director David Taylor’s new choreography to a freshly restaged and expanded “Liturgies”, which will include a breathtaking background film by internationally acclaimed digital artist Stuart Lippincott. Also on the program will be Taylor’s iconic “Guides”, set to the beautiful Adagio by Tomaso and the mesmerizing “Sadhu”, which explores the worldly renunciation by the holy men and women in Hinduism and Jainism, set to the music of Philip Glass. This stunning multi-media dance production is not to be missed!