Amanda Assucena and Miguel Angel Blanco in the Joffrey Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”/Photo: Cheryl Mann

1
The Nutcracker
(Lyric Opera House)
Christopher Wheeldon’s Chicago-centric rendition of the holiday confection is back. For the month of December, the Joffrey Ballet transforms the Lyric Opera House into a dazzling dream version of the 1893 World’s Fair courtesy of puppetry, animations, projections and set design by a world-class creative team.
December 3 – 23

2
On the Edge of the Fault Line
(Links Hall)
Michael Estanich and RE|Dance Group continue their examinations of time and place with a tender new dance theater work exploring memory, imagination, and the relationship between past, present and future. Presented with guest company from Nashville, Satellite Dance, Inc.
December 2 – 4

3
Art Deco Nutcracker
(Athenaeum Center for Art & Culture)
A&A Ballet takes their “Nutcracker” into the early twentieth-century, with costumes and sets inspired by 1920’s design. This year’s performance will feature an appearance by Trinity Irish Dancers.
December 3

4
Mary: A Holiday Dansical
(Logan Center for the Arts)
Black Girls Dance presents a contemporary version of Black Nativity, telling the story of Mary, a high school student at Nazareth Academy, through ballet, modern, hip hop and contemporary dance.
December 18

5
Holiday Rhythms
(Jazz Showcase)
Chicago Human Rhythm Project rings in the season with live jazz and tap dance at the iconic South Loop venue.
December 12