Russian National Ballet Theatre to perform 'Sleeping Beauty' at COD

You could take several flights around the world to see some of the best entertainment on the seven continents.

Or you could head to the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, which is showcasing several top acts from across the globe for its spring season, including two performances on Saturday, Jan. 17, of “Sleeping Beauty” by the Russian National Ballet Theatre.

“We have first-class entertainment coming right to DuPage County, and our community should be supporting this,” said Diana Martinez, McAninch Arts Center director.

The Russian National Ballet Theatre was founded in Moscow during the late 1980s, when many of the great dancers and choreographers of the Soviet Union's ballet institutions were exercising their new-found creative freedom, according to the group's website. They started new, vibrant companies dedicated to classical Russian ballet, while also starting to accept new developments in dance from around the world.

The two performances of “Sleeping Beauty” will showcase traditional Russian Imperial-style ballet, featuring a large cast in a fairy tale setting and Tchaikovsky's famous score.

Dance lovers can head to each show early for a Mac Chat, which allows them to ask questions and interact with the dancers and other members of the company.

It's been less than a year since the arts center unveiled its $35 million renovation, including upgrades to the Belushi Performance Hall that features upgraded seating, a full-service bar and an acoustic shell.

Martinez said the amenities rival downtown Chicago theaters, making now a perfect time to bring top acts from around the world to the suburbs.

Other shows on the spring lineup include “Rhythm of the Dance,” presented by the National Dance Company of Ireland on Feb. 27; Les Ballet Trockadero de Monte Carlo on March 7, an all-male ballet company that takes a comedic twist on classical ballet; and Cirque Zuma Zuma on April 25, which features Egyptian limbo dancers, South African gumboot dancers, Gabonese tumblers and South African contortionists.

The new art exhibit coming to the center also comes from across the globe. “Contemporary Art of India,” which takes its inspiration from folk traditions, will be on display through Feb. 21.

So far, audiences have offered great feedback about the international acts as well as pop acts such as Colbie Caillat, who recently performed at the center, Martinez said.

“They love the big names and they love that they can go to Waterleaf, our full-service restaurant on campus,” Martinez said. “I feel like we're the best-kept secret in Glen Ellyn.”

If you go

What: Russian National Ballet production of “Sleeping Beauty”

When: 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17

Where: Belushi Performance Hall in the McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn

Tickets: $55; $45 for children

Info: (630) 942-4200 or atthemac.org