Dance Top 5: December 2019

Joffrey Ballet dancer Jeraldine Mendoza in Christopher Wheeldon’s “The Nutcracker”/Photo: Cheryl Mann

1
Exit Disclaimer: Science & Fiction Ahead
(Steppenwolf 1700)
A lot has changed since The Seldoms first performed their insightful piece about climate change and its deniers in 2015. The reboot, part of Steppenwolf’s LookOut Series, reflects recent developments such as the alarming increase of extreme weather events and sets the stage for the company’s spring premiere of “Floe,” a new work about warming oceans.
December 12-15

2
The Nutcracker
(Auditorium Theatre)
Christopher Wheeldon’s rendition of the holiday classic, spectacularly reimagined in Chicago during the 1893 World’s Fair, makes its final run at the Auditorium Theatre before the Joffrey Ballet moves to the Lyric Opera next year. Worth it to see Benjamin Pearcy’s animated projections dance across the Auditorium proscenium alone.
November 30-December 29

3
Tidings of Tap!
(North Shore Center for the Performing Arts)
Chicago Tap Theatre’s annual family-friendly holiday show features a live band, the same favorite tap numbers, and a stronger connective story line thanks to new direction by Jump Rhythm Jazz Project founder Billy Siegenfeld.
December 15

4
Next 50.1
(Hamlin Park Fieldhouse)
Mordine & Co Dance Theatre’s fiftieth-anniversary season continues with a performance featuring repertory pieces by founder Shirley Mordine and Ayako Kato.
December 12 & 13

5
STARTING BEFORE YOU’RE READY…
(Steppenwolf 1700)
Dance artist Po’Chop and DJ-sound artist Hijo Pródigo join forces under the moniker VIRTUE to explore spirituality, rave, personal mythology and release in an improvisatory performance, also part of Steppenwolf’s well-curated LookOut Series.
December 20 & 21