The Joffrey Ballet in “The Nutcracker”/Photo: Cheryl Mann
1 The Nutcracker (Lyric Opera House) Christopher Wheeldon’s spectacular adaptation, created for the Joffrey and set in Chicago during the 1893 World’s Fair, makes the move to the Lyric stage. December 4-26
2 Fires of Varanasi: Dance of the Eternal Pilgrim (Harris Theater) Ragamala Dance Company presents a reflection on death, transformation and rebirth through the classical South Indian dance form Bharatanatyam, in a performance dedicated to former Harris Theater president and CEO Patricia Barretto, who passed away in 2020. December 2
3 Holiday Rhythms (Jazz Showcase) Chicago Human Rhythm Project’s annual holiday benefit concert of tap dance and live music takes place at the intimate and festive confines of Jazz Showcase. December 7
4 Art Deco Nutcracker (Athenaeum Theatre) A&A Ballet, led by former Joffrey Academy artistic director Alexei Kremnev, sets the traditional holiday confection in the glitz of 1920s America. December 4
5 The Nutcracker (Mandel Hall) Hyde Park School of Dance’s annual student production weaves modern, hip-hop and traditional Chinese dance into the ballet, and contemporary music into Tchaikovsky’s score. December 10-12
