The Joffrey Ballet ensemble in “The Nutcracker”/Photo: Katie Miller

1
Lamentations For Peace
(Dance Center of Columbia College)
The new evening-length holiday show by South Chicago Dance Theatre founder and director Kia S. Smith is aimed at fostering a sense of audience connection.
December 6 & 7

2
Ex/Body: de/fame, de/position, de/liberate
(Edge Theater)
Molly Shanahan/Mad Shak present the final chapter in a multi-year project exploring the body’s relationship with, response to and resilience in the face of trauma. 
December 19-21

3
The Nutcracker
(Lyric Opera House)
Christopher Wheeldon’s rendition of the holiday standby, made for the Joffrey Ballet and set during the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, celebrates a decade this winter.
December 5-28

4
Chicago Tap AllStars
(Harold Washington Cultural Center)
M.A.D.D. Rhythms, Chicago Tap Theatre and independent tap artists in Chicago join a live jazz ensemble for their annual holiday show. 
December 6

5
Intermissions: Moriah Evans
(Renaissance Society)
The New York-based choreographer will present a site-specific performance for the Renaissance Society exhibition space, developed during a two-week residency.
December 1-14