Winter Dance Programs Heat Up The Holidays

By Michelle Meywes Kopeny in Arts & Entertainment on Dec 5, 2014 8:00PM

It’s a hectic time of year with all the gift shopping, travel planning and, of course, holiday parties, but these hot dance programs are worth fitting into your busy schedule.

Hubbard Street Dance’s Winter Series is back on the MCA stage for the third year in a row. Princess Grace Awards: New Works, features new works from three Princess Grace Award-winning contemporary choreographers, two of which are world premieres. The debuts come from RUBBERBANDance Group founder and artistic director Victor Quijada and Hubbard Street’s own Robyn Mineko Williams. Quijada is known for incorporating hip-hop in his works, and collaborated with DJ-composer Jasper “Lil’ Jaz” Gahunia for his piece, Enter Woven. They’re joined by Kyle Abraham’s Counterpoint, which was originally commissioned for this summer’s Chicago Dancing Festival.

The Joffrey Ballet also kicks off their annual presentation of The Nutcracker tonight. Set to Tchaikovsky’s unmistakable score, this classic ballet is a family favorite. Choreographed by Robert Joffrey in 1987, this version has an American setting instead of a European one, but sticks true to the traditional story following Clara on her adventure to a fantasy-land of toys and sweets. Updated costuming and a set by Oliver Smith amps up the glitz and glitter.

Hubbard Street Dance’s Winter Series is now playing at the Museum Contemporary Art’s Edlis Neeson Theater (220 E. Chicago Ave.) and runs through Dec. 14. Tickets start at $35.

The Nutcracker runs for an impressive 24 performances at the Auditorium Theatre (50 E. Congress Pkwy.) through Dec. 28. Tickets are $32 to $134.