Hiland Theater reopens

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - The last time the Hiland Theater was as busy as Saturday night, it was years ago.

"These are the first performances since the Hiland Theater had been renovated," said the National Dance Institute, New Mexico's Executive Director Russell Baker.

The Hiland is now the home of the NDI New Mexico.

It sat empty for almost ten years. Bernalillo County spent millions to buy the historic theater in 2003, and renovate the place into a modern theater complex. But those plans fell by the wayside, until NDI New Mexico signed a lease in 2009 promising to spend more millions, and transform the place into what it is today.

"The Hiland Theater is a gem in Albuquerque. In people's mind, this is a very special place," said Baker.

The work is not over yet.

"A Future program space, more dance studios, a sound studio," said Baker, listing what still needs to be added to the renovations.

Construction crews worked since 2010 to restore the old movie theater into a dance theater. Most of the $10.5 million the dance program has raised has come from private donors.

"Our performance begins with a little history of Albuquerque and this neighborhood," said Baker about the Grand Opening dance performance put on by children from 17 Albuquerque Public Schools.

The theater will come to life six to ten times a year for other shows. It could also be rented out for more shows from other companies.

"We believe when it's fully up and running, a thousand kids will be here every week," said Baker.

It's giving people a chance to appreciate the Hiland Theater all over again.

"It was so exciting because I used to come here as a little girl with my mom. So it was amazing to bring back all these memories of when I was a kid and to see it brand new. It was amazing," said Pam Wynn, who went to the show.