McALLEN — Whether a tradition or a new experience, many Rio Grande Valley residents gathered here to witness the holiday classic, “The Nutcracker,” for a milestone performance Saturday that was half a century in the making.
Conductor Norman Gamboa directs the live symphony orchestra during a dress rehearsal for the Rio Grande Valley Ballet’s 50th Anniversary celebration performance of “The Nutcracker” on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, in McAllen. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Kayla Abbott as the Sugar Plum Fairy during the Rio Grande Valley Ballet’s 50th Anniversary celebration performance of “The Nutcracker” on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, in McAllen. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Sofia Oliveira, 16, adjusts her Sugar Plum Fairy tiara backstage on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, in McAllen. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])The Rio Grande Valley Ballet dancers during the Chinese dance sequence celebrating the Rio Grande Valley Ballet’s 50th Anniversary celebration performance of “The Nutcracker” on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, in McAllen. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Monica Rios plays the role of Mother Ginger in “The Nutcracker” on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, in McAllen. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Nutcracker angels wait backstage before the start of the Rio Grande Valley Ballet’s 50th Anniversary celebration performance of “The Nutcracker” on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, in McAllen. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])The Rio Grande Valley Ballet celebrates the 50th Anniversary performance of “The Nutcracker” at the McAllen Performing Arts Center on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, in McAllen. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Waltz of the Snowflakes during the Rio Grande Valley Ballet’s 50th Anniversary celebration performance of “The Nutcracker” on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, in McAllen. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Kayla Abbott ties her ballet shoes backstage before the start of the Rio Grande Valley Ballet’s 50th Anniversary celebration performance of “The Nutcracker” on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022, in McAllen. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Ballerinas dance while guiding Marie and the Prince towards the Christmas Star during a dress rehearsal for the Rio Grande Valley Ballet’s 50th Anniversary celebration performance of “The Nutcracker” on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, in McAllen. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Sofia Oliveira is seen backstage during “The Nutcracker” performance on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])
