About Albuquerque
Albuquerque, the beautiful "Land of Enchantment," is a unique city filled with ancient history and inspiring landscapes. Located in the high desert of Central New Mexico, Albuquerque offers endless opportunities for exploration, from its iconic red-rock cliffs to its lush Rio Grande Valley and beyond. As one of the most populated cities, it is known for its beautiful desert sunsets, gorgeous mountain views, and outdoor opportunities.
From its curious cuisine to its award-winning microbreweries, Albuquerque is a top destination for adventure seekers. But what sets this city apart is its commitment to the performing arts. From local theater productions to world-famous Ballet Folklórico de México performances, talent is abundant in Albuquerque that contributes to a thriving creative scene.
With its rich history, it is no surprise that many filmmakers have chosen Albuquerque as their shooting location when looking for dance shoots or studio sets to hone their artistry. Historic sites such as Old Town Albuquerque along cobblestone roads once used by Native Americans hundreds of years ago provide charming locations, while its modern theater venues offer a more contemporary atmosphere for shoots.
Dance Shoot Options in Albuquerque
- Choreographer
Bringing in an experienced choreographer can be a great asset when designing and executing the right moves for your specific project or scene. Working with choreographers can help ensure that any dances or sequences performed are well-rehearsed and look polished when it comes time to film them.
- Makeup Artists and Wardrobe Stylists
Nothing enhances a dance number quite like the right makeup and wardrobe. Makeup artists are experienced in creating show-stopping looks for performers, while stylists help bring any vision to life through their creative costumes and accessories.
- Aerial Drone Shooting
Using a drone for aerial filming helps capture unique views of choreography and movement that would otherwise be difficult to achieve on the ground. The vantage gives the audience a completely different perspective of the dancers in action.
- Props/Costumes
Having props and costumes available on set can help add more visual interest to any dance scene. For example, colorful props or costumes can help enhance movements, while functional props like chairs or ladders support filming complex choreography sequences.
Dance Shoot Vendors in Albuquerque
- Jonathan Mugford
Jonathan Mugford is an accomplished filmmaker and visual effects artist in the Southwestern United States. In addition to his filmmaking work, he is a professor at the Institute of American Indian Arts and Santa Fe Community College, teaching film editing and animation. His credentials include an FAA Part 107 pilot license, which allows him to fly drones safely and legally. Jonathan provides high-quality cinematography services, including pre-production planning, script writing, filming production, post-production editing, and visual effects.
- Zoe Burke
Zoe Burke is an experienced theatre practitioner and educator based in New Mexico. She is an accomplished intimacy director, choreographer, and actress focussing on creating safer environments for classical theatrical productions. Burke also regularly leads workshops exploring consent-based practices to benefit actors and stage personnel. Through her work and expertise in social media marketing, she strives to bring greater inclusivity to the theatrical world.
- Kelly Miller
Kelly Miller is a professional makeup artist and wardrobe stylist with over 20 years of experience. She is a member of IATSE Local 480, and her extensive credits include commercials, short-term projects, and all aspects of makeup and hair, from natural to high fashion. Kelly also specializes in light visual effects work, such as cuts, bruises, wounds, and scars. As a wardrobe stylist, she has an eye for color, style, concept, and period or character details.
Pros and Cons of Dance Shoot Locations in Albuquerque
Albuquerque is an excellent location for shooting dance sequences, offering a variety of landscapes and environments that can help bring any project to life. While there are many positive aspects to Albuquerque as a filming destination, consider both the pros and cons of working on a dance shoot in this area.
Advantages
- From historical sites to modern downtown areas, the array of locations in the city suit dance shoot locations.
- Rental costs in Albuquerque tend to be lower than comparable locations across the United States.
- Many of the film rental services in the city offer on-site amenities such as sound systems, green screens, and lighting equipment that can help make your shoot run smoothly.
Disadvantages
- Depending on where you choose to shoot your scene, large crowds may become an issue when trying to record footage uninterrupted.
- The desert climate can cause unpredictable weather patterns that disrupt plans for outdoor shoots at any time.
- Depending on your chosen location or site, additional restrictions or rules could restrict how to use the venue.
Tips on How to Organize Dance Shoot Locations in Albuquerque
Creating the perfect environment for a dance shoot is essential for capturing the essence of the performance. Here are some tips on how to plan a dance shoot in Albuquerque.
- Research Locations – Consider the backdrop of your environment and its relationship with the choreography. Consider factors such as lighting, safety, noise levels, whether or not there is easy access to restrooms and other amenities, and any permits required by local authorities. Ensure the space is wide enough for dancers to move freely without feeling cramped or inhibited.
- Scout Out Setups – Plan the layout for lights and equipment for your production. Check out different angles you could use to capture the most compelling footage, practice setting up lights to get an idea of what works best, and consider using props or furniture to give more depth to every shot.
- Think About Lighting – Natural light can provide added illumination during filming and also provides an organic feel while still allowing flexibility in terms of angles or positioning for shots. Utilizing natural light also eliminates the additional costs of renting lamps or hiring extra crew members.
- Ensure Safety Protocols – Ensure there is adequate room for dancers to perform without anyone getting injured or tripping over one another due to lack of space. Mark all cables so they do not become a hazard during movement, and have plenty of water available during breaks so dancers can cool off in between takes when needed.
- Experiment With Camera Angles – Experimenting with different camera angles and perspectives throughout your shoot can give viewers more insight into what is happening onscreen and add depth to each scene. Try capturing moments from below using low angles, or get creative by shooting from above with high-angle shots.
Famous Locations in Albuquerque
- Sandia Peak Tramway
The Sandia Mountains are a prominent feature of Albuquerque's skyline, with the Sandia Peak Tramway providing visitors with a bird's-eye view of the city and surrounding area. Rising 2.7 miles from the city's northeast corner, the Sandia Peak Tramway ascends to the summit of Sandia Crest in a 15-minute journey that carries passengers to an elevation of over 10,300 feet. Spectacular panoramic views of the Rio Grande Valley and surrounding foothills are visible at any hour of the day.
- Barelas
Located just south of downtown Albuquerque, the Barelas neighborhood is a vibrant hub of Hispanic culture. At the heart of the community lies the National Hispanic Cultural Center, a modern and architecturally stunning space that celebrates the rich history and traditions of Hispanic and Latin American art. The cultural center offers three galleries featuring fine art exhibitions, performances, salsa classes, and literary events.
- Paseo del Bosque Trail
The Paseo del Bosque trail offers visitors a scenic 16-mile journey through Albuquerque, New Mexico. However, one destructive wildfire almost changed the trail's beauty forever. Thanks to firefighter and chainsaw artist Mark Chavez, the charred remains of cottonwood trees transformed into stunning sculptures, symbolizing the natural resilience of the Southwest and honoring the fire that once ravaged the area. Visitors can marvel at Chavez's creations, which range from eagles emerging from flames to mythical creatures such as the ditch witch La Llorona.
