Hyde Park School of Dance will present its 13th annual production of The Nutcracker December 11 through December 13.  This narrated, family-friendly production is a south side favorite and provides an abundance of merriment and magic, from mischievous baby mice to shimmering snowflakes, a giant Mother Ginger, and festive dances from faraway lands. This year's Nutcracker features the largest cast in the School's history:  175 dancers, ranging in age from five to 18.    

The production is choreographed by School founder and artistic director August Tye and Hyde Park School of Dance associate directors.  Ms. Tye is also ballet mistress for the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Public performances are scheduled for Friday, December 11 at 7pm Saturday, December 12 at 1pm and 6pm, and Sunday, December 13, at 2pm at Mandel Hall, 1131 East 57th Street.  All performances begin with a special Pre-Ballet Holiday Dance pre-show performance, featuring seasonal choreography performed by the School's youngest dancers.  Tickets for public performances are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors (ages 65+), $10 for students, and free for children under five, with discounts available for groups of 10 or more.   

Please click here to purchase tickets: http://hpsdnutcracker.brownpapertickets.com/

New this year, a Hyde Park School of Dance Holiday Bazaar offers an opportunity to meet characters from The Nutcracker, make holiday crafts, finish holiday shopping from the wares of local vendors and indulge in a hot chocolate bar and other treats. The Holiday Bazaar takes place Saturday, December 12 from noon to 6 p.m. and Sunday, December 13 from 1 to 5 p.m