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