Aurora - Paramount Theatre - Salt Creek Ballet 

Barrington - International guest artists.  Over 100 area youth dancers.  An 18-foot Mother Ginger costume.  Professional sets, music, and lighting. The stage is set for Barrington Youth Dance Ensemble's production of The Nutcracker.  A local tradition, the performances will take place at the Barrington High School Auditorium. Matinees and evening shows on December 5, 6, 7.   Tickets are going fast!  Chicago quality without the downtown prices. Please call 847-382-6333 to reserve your seats. www.byde.org

Bloomington/Normal -  USA Ballet  - www.usaballet.org

Cicero -      Ballet Legere is pleased to announce they will be presenting their 23rd annual production of "THE NUTCRACKER BALLET" in its entirety, with full orchestra, a cast over 130, lavish costumes and dazzling effects. Performances are at the historic landmark, Chodl Auditorium - 2423 S. Austin in Cicero, Illinois. Please call 773-237-1874 or e-mail BALLETLEGERE@yahoo.com  for tickets.  

Chicago - Auditorium Theatre - Joffrey Ballet of Chicago 
Chicagoland's most popular family holiday entertainment: Robert Joffrey's glorious production, with enchanting Victorian scenery and costumes, Gerald Arpino's thrilling waltzes of the Snowflakes and Flowers, dozens of dancing and singing children, and the incomparable Joffrey dancers, creating a spectacle that children of all ages will cherish forever. The Joffrey's Nutcracker is imbued with the quality of magic.  Celebrate the season with The Nutcracker where children and adults are dazzled and delighted by childhood memories.  The Auditorium Theatre is located at 50 E. Congress Parkway    -  For tickets call Tickemaster at 312-902-1500
PROGRAM DATES
Thursday, December - 7:00 PM
Friday, December 19 - 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 20 - 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Sunday, December 21 - 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Tuesday, December 23 - 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Wednesday, December 24 - 2:00 PM
Friday, December 26 - 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 27 - 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Sunday, December 28 - 2:00 PM

Chicago  -  Harris Theatre for Music and Dance  -  Choreographer Kenneth von Heidecke and Chicago Festival Ballet will present "The Nutcracker" at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park, 205 E. Randolph Dr., Chicago.  Von Heidecke returns to the Harris for a second year after his 2005 debut in Chicago, and returns to the MAC and Rialto for his 16th year. He also tours nationally with the production, and has earned accolades around the country for his innovative presentation of the holiday classic.  Backed by a legend, Maria Tallchief, legendary Prima Ballerina Assoluta (one of only six women in the history of ballet to receive this title), is artistic advisor to Chicago Festival Ballet and endorses von Heidecke's production. Considered the greatest American ballerina, Tallchief was the original Sugarplum Fairy in George Balanchine's 1954 version of "The Nutcracker," whose choreography is the most emulated around the world today.  "Balanchine's version of the Nutcracker is considered the best, and von Heidecke's version measures up to that beautifully. That's how good it is," said Tallchief. "It is truly magical."
call (312) 334-7777.

Chicago - Hindsdale Central Auditorium - (630)769-1199 Salt Creek Ballet - www.saltcreekballet.org

Chicago - Noble Horse Theatre - www.noblehorsechicago.com - 312-266-7878

Chicago -  Chicago Festival Ballet will present Kenneth von Heidecke's "The Nutcracker" at three Chicago-area theatres this holiday season. For the first time, all performances will feature live accompaniment by the New Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of Conductor Kirk Muspratt.  Chicago Festival Ballet also tours nationally with the production, earning accolades around the country. 
     Chicago Festival Ballet's "The Nutcracker" is choreographed by founder and director, Kenneth von Heidecke. Known for an artistic style that underscores the precision and discipline of ballet, von Heidke aptly blends technical prowess, refined athleticism and crowd-pleasing acrobatics in his celebrated version of the holiday classic.
     Coupled with festive staging, the production is brought to life by a diverse cast of company members whose credentials include the Joffrey Ballet, Lyric Opera Ballet, National Ballet of Cuba, Ballet Internacional de Caracas and Luna Negra Dance Theatre. Students from Von Heidecke's School of Ballet will also join the cast.  Tchaikovsky's score is skillfully performed by New Philharmonic Orchestra, a fully-professional, 80-member orchestra under the direction of Conductor and Music Director Kirk Muspratt, recently named a Chicagoan of the Year in the arts.
     Backed by a legend Maria Tallchief, legendary Prima Ballerina Assoluta (one of only six women in the history of ballet to receive this title), is artistic advisor to Chicago Festival Ballet and endorses von Heidecke's production. Considered the greatest American ballerina, Tallchief was the original Sugarplum Fairy in George Balanchine's 1954 version of "The Nutcracker," whose choreography is the most emulated around the world today. Tallchief has named von HeiDecemberke her protégé, and considers him to be carrying on the Balanchine legacy. "Balanchine's version of the Nutcracker is considered the best, and von Heidecke's version measures up to that beautifully. That's how good it is," said Tallchief. "It is truly magical."
     For more information, call Chicago Festival Ballet at 630-527-1052.
At the Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E. Van Buren St., Joliet
call (815) 726-6600 or visit www.rialtosquare.com .
At the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park, 205 E. Randolph Dr., Chicago
call (312) 334-7777 or visit www.harristheaterchicago.org .
At the McAninch Arts Center (MAC), 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
call (630) 942-4000 or visit www.AtTheMAC.org .

Crystal Lake - The Raue Center for the Arts is in the league of Historic American Theaters and is one of the finest example of restored art and décor in the nation.  This beautiful theater is located in historic downtown Crystal Lake and nestled among award winning shops and restaurants! The 800 seat Raue Center Auditorium is intimate and yet worldly as it offers the perfect venue to see the magnificent Christmas tree as it grows to unbelievable heights!  Come and travel with Clara to the Kingdom of Snow, and finally end your journey in the land of the Sweets, where dancers from far away lands come alive and the Sugar Plum Fairy dances with her Cavalier.  The beautiful music and exciting choreography is highlighted by guest artists from around the country, with 12 company dancers of the Berkshire Ballet Theatre® complimented with dancers from the Summers Academy of Dance and over 80 children and adults from the local communities.
     To Purchase Tickets please call 815.356.9212 or order online at www.raucenter.org. For more information on the Berkshire Ballet Theatre® call 815.477.0033 or go to their website at www.summersacdemyofdance.com .
      Performance Dates and Times:
Thursday, December 18, 2008 @ 7:00 pm
Friday, December 19, 2008 @ 7:00 pm
Saturday, December 20, 2008 @ 3:00 pm (Matinee) OR 7:00 pm
Sunday, December 21, 2008 @ 3:00 pm (Matinee)

DeKalb  -  The Beth Fowler Dance Company will perform their 14th annual Nutcracker Ballet at the Historic Egyptian Theater, 135 N. 2nd St. in DeKalb, Illinois.
          The Beth Fowler Dance Company, a pre-professional performing organization since 1994, is the ultimate goal of dancers prepared for dance company membership after many years of study with the Beth Fowler School of Dance, 303 W. Main, Genoa, Illinois, which was established in 1983.
          Company members are now in rehearsal for "The Nutcracker," and tickets are on sale for the company's 14th annual production of Tchaikovsky's classic holiday ballet.  Children from the Beth Fowler School of Dance perform the children's roles. Professional dancers, full sets and costumes, special effects and props are highlights of the show.
 Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and younger.
 Tickets and information are available at 815-784-5658. www.bethfowlerschoolofdance.com

Glen Ellyn  -  McAninch Arts Center  -  Joliet  -  Rialto Square Theatre  -  Who doesn't hear "Sugarplum fairy" and think of the holidays? For scores of families, The Nutcracker is a yearly tradition that brightens the magic days of late November and December. Traditionally, yet innovatively choreographed by Kenneth von Heidecke, this production of The Nutcracker features not only professional dancers but lots of local children at each venue.
     Tchaikovsky's awe-inspiring and familiar score is performed at all performances by a live professional orchestra - the New Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Kirk Muspratt.
     Von Heidecke's Chicago Festival Ballet Company presents its 19th Nutcracker which takes place this year in two locations: Joliet and Glen Ellyn. Performances are at:
2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, at the Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E. Van Buren St., Joliet
7pm Fri, Dec 19, at McAninch Arts Center College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
2 & 7pm Sat, Dec 20 at McAninch Arts Ctr. College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn
2 & 7pm Sun, Dec 21 at McAninch Arts Ctr. College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn 
     Kenneth von Heidecke is the protégé of legendary Prima Ballerina Assoluta, Maria Tallchief , who endorses von Heidecke's The Nutcracker. Tallchief was the original Sugarplum Fairy in George Balanchine's 1954 version of The Nutcracker. Today, she is the artistic advisor to the Chicago Festival Ballet
     "Balanchine's version of The Nutcracker is considered the best, and Von Heidecke's version measures up to that beautifully," said Tallchief. "It is truly magical."
     More advanced dancers and gymnasts of the cast will have the opportunity to take "The Nutcracker" on tour for performances at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center, Chillicothe, Missouri. The next weekend the touring cast will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13 at the Rosebud Theatre, Effingham, Illinois.
     An all-star cast features the return of many of Kenneth von Heidecke's principal professional dancers, most of whom are on his faculty: Teanna Zarro of Chicago as the Sugar Plum Fairy; Guillermo Leyva as the Cavalier; Ariel Cisneros of Evanston as the Nutcracker Prince; Vanessa Valecillos of Chicago as the Snow Queen; J.P. Tenuta of Oak Park as the Snow King; Jacob Brooks of Chicago as the Mouse King; and this year the role of Clara will be performed by Katherine Bruno of Brookfield at the Joliet performance. Ashley Michalek of Aurora will dance Clara at the five performances at The McAninch Arts Center, College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn.
     The 2008 version of Von Heidecke's Nutcracker boasts fabulous, detailed sets by Sahin Sahinogla of Istanbul, Turkey, and this year the sets have new backdrops. At the Glen Ellyn performances, Act II features additional designs by Jon Gantt who is the resident set designer at the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage. Costume design is by Jess Hendry of Rockford, and the principal snow tutus are designed and made by New York City's Oswaldo Munic who also designs for the American Ballet Theatre. Wardrobe mistress is Leslie Peterson of Orland Park.
     Tickets at the Rialto Square Theatre range from $30 - $38 for adults; $20.50 for children age 12 and under. For more information, visit www.rialtosqaure.com  or call the box office at 815-726-6600.
     Tickets to the McAninch Arts Center are $35 for adults, $33 for seniors, and $25 for youth. For more information, visit www.AtTheMac.org  or call the box office at 630-942-4000.    Also visit us online at: www.chicagofestivalballet.com .

Hinsdale - Hinsdale Central Auditorium - Salt Creek Ballet - (630)769-1199 -  www.saltcreekballet.org 

Joliet  -  Rialto Square Theatre  -  Who doesn't hear "Sugarplum fairy" and think of the holidays? For scores of families, The Nutcracker is a yearly tradition that brightens the magic days of late November and December. Traditionally, yet innovatively choreographed by Kenneth von Heidecke, this production of The Nutcracker features not only professional dancers but lots of local children at each venue.
     Tchaikovsky's awe-inspiring and familiar score is performed at all performances by a live professional orchestra - the New Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Maestro Kirk Muspratt.
     Von Heidecke's Chicago Festival Ballet Company presents its 19th Nutcracker which takes place this year in two locations: Joliet and Glen Ellyn. Performances are at:
2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 30, at the Rialto Square Theatre, 15 E. Van Buren St., Joliet
7pm Fri, Dec 19, at McAninch Arts Center College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn
2 & 7pm Sat, Dec 20 at McAninch Arts Ctr. College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn
2 & 7pm Sun, Dec 21 at McAninch Arts Ctr. College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Blvd, Glen Ellyn 
     Kenneth von Heidecke is the protégé of legendary Prima Ballerina Assoluta, Maria Tallchief , who endorses von Heidecke's The Nutcracker. Tallchief was the original Sugarplum Fairy in George Balanchine's 1954 version of The Nutcracker. Today, she is the artistic advisor to the Chicago Festival Ballet
     "Balanchine's version of The Nutcracker is considered the best, and Von Heidecke's version measures up to that beautifully," said Tallchief. "It is truly magical."
     More advanced dancers and gymnasts of the cast will have the opportunity to take "The Nutcracker" on tour for performances at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center, Chillicothe, Missouri. The next weekend the touring cast will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13 at the Rosebud Theatre, Effingham, Illinois.
     An all-star cast features the return of many of Kenneth von Heidecke's principal professional dancers, most of whom are on his faculty: Teanna Zarro of Chicago as the Sugar Plum Fairy; Guillermo Leyva as the Cavalier; Ariel Cisneros of Evanston as the Nutcracker Prince; Vanessa Valecillos of Chicago as the Snow Queen; J.P. Tenuta of Oak Park as the Snow King; Jacob Brooks of Chicago as the Mouse King; and this year the role of Clara will be performed by Katherine Bruno of Brookfield at the Joliet performance. Ashley Michalek of Aurora will dance Clara at the five performances at The McAninch Arts Center, College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn.
     The 2008 version of Von Heidecke's Nutcracker boasts fabulous, detailed sets by Sahin Sahinogla of Istanbul, Turkey, and this year the sets have new backdrops. At the Glen Ellyn performances, Act II features additional designs by Jon Gantt who is the resident set designer at the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage. Costume design is by Jess Hendry of Rockford, and the principal snow tutus are designed and made by New York City's Oswaldo Munic who also designs for the American Ballet Theatre. Wardrobe mistress is Leslie Peterson of Orland Park.
     Tickets at the Rialto Square Theatre range from $30 - $38 for adults; $20.50 for children age 12 and under. For more information, visit www.rialtosqaure.com  or call the box office at 815-726-6600.
     Tickets to the McAninch Arts Center are $35 for adults, $33 for seniors, and $25 for youth. For more information, visit www.AtTheMac.org  or call the box office at 630-942-4000.    Also visit us online at: www.chicagofestivalballet.com .

Lake Zurich  -  Greetings! Illinois Youth Dance Theatre (IYDT) invites you to view Tchaikovsky's ballet fantasy "The Nutcracker". This is a great opportunity to see a timeless ballet that you will remember for years to come.
Who: All Ages
What: "The Nutcracker"
Where: Lake Zurich High School
Performing Arts Center
300 Church St.
Lake Zurich, IL 60047
When: Saturday, December 20 at 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm
Sunday, December 21 at 2:00 pm
Cost: $25.00 adults, $20.00 age 6-8, $12.00 under 5, $22.00 Seniors
Call: (815) 675-9359 for tickets starting October 25, 2008
     The company of Illinois Youth Dance Theatre showcases the talents of over 60 dedicated members ranging in age from four to adult. The performance takes you on a journey that begins in a Victorian home where magic dolls, a Nutcracker Prince, and the Rat King and his mice come to life! Travel with Marie and her Prince to the Kingdom of Sweets, where Snowflakes sparkle, Candy Canes cavort, and Flowers fill the stage with a swirl of color and movement. Your students will marvel at the accomplished dancing of these young performers. IYDT will feature a guest artist, Michael Levine, formerly with the Joffrey Ballet as a principle soloist.
     Alyce Keaggy-Brinkmann is the Artist Director of IYDT. She danced professionally with the Milwaukee Ballet Company for 13 years beginning in 1983. She was promoted to soloist in 1986 by Artistic Director Basil Thompson and is a faculty member of the Milwaukee School of Ballet. Mrs. Brinkmann's professional training began on scholarship at the Ruth Page Foundation of Chicago, under Director and nationally acclaimed Ballet Master Larry Long. Under Mr. Long's direction, she performed with the Chicago Tribune Charities in "The Nutcracker" for four years, prior to joining the Milwaukee Ballet.
     Please contact Illinois Youth Dance Theatre, Inc. at (815) 675-9359 now to reserve seats.. Please call if you have any questions regarding the show. Our website is www.dancepasg.com .

Peoria - Peoria Civic Center Theater (309)673-3200 - Peoria Ballet - www.peoriaballet.com

Rockford - Ballet Metropolitan will present the Nutcracker in the Rockford area at Belvidere High School Performing Arts Center.  815-654-7190 to purchase tickets or for more information.

Rosemont (Chicago) -  The Moscow Ballet 
The Moscow Ballet presents The Great Russian Nutcracker.  For additional performance details and information please visit www.nutcracker.com

Springfield - Sangamon Auditorium - Springfield Ballet Company - www.springfieldballetco.org

University Park - Center for Performing Arts - Salt Creek Ballet -  The performance features The Salt Creek Ballet company with The Principal dancers coming from The American Ballet Theatre. This will be 9th year the company will perform The Nutcracker at The Center for Performing Arts.  Tickets can be ordered online at: www.centertickets.net or by phone at 708 -235-2222 (10-4 Mon.-Sat.)  The Center is a state of the art 1,171 seat hall with an excellent view of the stage from every seat in the house. Free parking available on the Governors State University campus. Holiday Office Parties and any groups over 20 receive discounts for tickets, (banquet rooms available for pre or post show parties). The 6th annual Sugar Plum Party will be held in between the two performances of the ballet.