Hyde Park School of Dance (HPSD), now in its 32nd year of training, performance, and community, welcomes families and dance enthusiasts to its annual, one-of-a-kind presentation of The Nutcracker. Performances are December 12–14 at Mandel Hall on the University of Chicago campus, 1131 E. 57th Street, Chicago.
Since 1993, Hyde Park School of Dance’s annual Nutcracker has thrilled Chicago audiences with a 200+ member cast blending classical ballet, hip hop, breakdancing, contemporary, AcroDance, tap, West African, and Chinese dance. From 7-year-olds to pre-professional and adult community dancers, the show keeps every age hooked with lively narration. A fan favorite is HPSD’s take on the classic battle scene featuring hip hop mice versus breakdancing soldiers, ultimately choosing to use the power of hip hop to work out their differences through creative self-expression, rather than resorting to violence.
Amber Echols, whose journey with HPSD started 25 years ago when she was a student, is serving as Interim Artistic Director this season while Founding Artistic Director August Tye is on sabbatical. “I am extremely grateful to be in this new position,” said Echols. “It feels like a full-circle moment—from starting out as a dancer in The Nutcracker on this very stage to directing this year’s production. It’s been wonderful to watch the dancers’ excitement during auditions and hear them talk about their dream roles because I was in their exact shoes more than 20 years ago.”
HPSD is committed to reducing barriers to arts participation, not only for dancers but for audiences as well. This year, supported in part by a grant from the League of Chicago Theatres and ComEd, HPSD will expand live American Sign Language interpretation of its performances to welcome Deaf and hard of hearing audience members. An experienced theatrical interpreter will bring the production to life on stage, with interpretation integrated into The Nutcracker to create a more engaging and inclusive experience for all.
HPSD presents its youngest performers (ages 4–6) as part of the special Young Dancers Holiday Pre-Show prior to both performances on Saturday, December 13.
The production also includes surprise cameos by local VIPs in the larger-than-life role of Mother Ginger—this year including the first-ever Mother Ginger, Laura Freseman, returning from New York City. Recent guest performers have included nationally acclaimed opera star Whitney Morrison, Hyde Park Bank Assistant Vice President and Business Development Officer Caprice Lindsay, and other prominent leaders in the community.
The Nutcracker takes place Friday, December 12 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, December 13 at 1 and 6 p.m.; and Sunday, December 14 at 2 p.m. at Mandel Hall, 1131 E. 57th Street, in Chicago.
General admission is $35 for adults, $25 for seniors (65+), $15 for children ages 6–18 and college students with school ID, and $5 for children 5 and younger (lap children are free).
Special $45 preferred section tickets are available for all ages. Tickets are available at 31109.danceticketing.com/.
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