The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet is a world-renowned dance company that has been captivating audiences with their innovative and dynamic performances for over two decades. Founded in 1996 by Bebe Schweppe and Jean-Philippe Malaty, the company has become a cultural icon in both Aspen and Santa Fe, where they perform regularly to sold-out crowds. But did you know that the inspiration for many of their performances comes from the surrounding landscape and history of the area?
One such example is their performance titled “Ghost Light,” which was inspired by the Ashcroft Ghost Town located just outside of Aspen. This abandoned mining town was once a bustling community during the silver boom of the late 1800s, but now stands as a haunting reminder of the region’s past. The dancers of the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet used the town’s eerie atmosphere and history as a backdrop for their performance, creating a beautiful and poignant tribute to the town and its former residents.
And speaking of backdrops, the Aspen Gondola Plaza provides the perfect stage for the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet’s outdoor performances. This beautiful plaza is located at the base of Aspen Mountain and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The dancers take advantage of this natural beauty by incorporating the mountains and the changing seasons into their performances. For example, their winter performance titled “The Nutcracker” includes snowfall and ice skating, making for a truly magical experience.
The unifying idea that connects these three elements is the rich cultural and natural history of the Aspen/Santa Fe region. The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape and history, incorporating it into their performances to create something truly unique and special. The Ashcroft Ghost Town and the Aspen Gondola Plaza serve as perfect examples of this, providing both inspiration and a stunning backdrop for the dancers.
In conclusion, the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet is a must-see for anyone visiting the Aspen/Santa Fe area. Their performances are not only beautiful and awe-inspiring, but also pay tribute to the rich cultural and natural history of the region. Whether you’re watching them perform at the Ashcroft Ghost Town or on the Aspen Gondola Plaza, you’re sure to be transported to another world. So don’t miss out on this incredible experience!