'Nutcracker' returns to Norris

Eleven-year-old Tess Jooss of Batavia has performed in the Geneva-based Street Dance Studio's annual production of "The Nutcracker" since it began four years ago. However, this is the first year she'll play the lead role of Clara.

"I really wanted it," she said. "Two of my friends were it (Clara) last year, and they really had fun."

In the past four years, "The Nutcracker" has become a holiday tradition for those who perform in the ballet, with many entering their third or fourth year.

One of those performers is Madeline Renwick of Chicago, a professional dancer and St. Charles native. She's traveled home to the Tri-Cities to be a part of the production.

"It's nice to be back in my hometown," she said.

In addition, Jeffrey Burnett and Jason Sandquist of Geneva have made dancing in "The Nutcracker" part of their holiday season, and enjoy being around the many children in the production.

"You get to see the kids grow up," Burnett said.

"As you get older you lose your holiday spirit," Sandquist said. "This revives the spirit. You get to forget you're an adult for a while."

The cast has been preparing for this year's performance since last summer. The show will feature local residents, as well as professional dancers from the Chicago area.

Dancers of all ages will be participating, giving beginners a chance to be on the same stage with professionals who've spent their lives dancing.

Over the years, the State Street Dance Studio's production of "The Nutcracker", which will take place Saturday and Sunday at the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles, has grown in both size and popularity.

This year's cast consists of nearly 100 performers, who will be accompanied for the first time by the 40-piece Kane County Community Orchestra.

With ticket sales going extremely well, State Street Dance Studio founder and artistic director Linda Cunningham fulfilling her mission to make "The Nutcracker" a holiday tradition for families in the Fox Valley area.

"Obviously the word is out," she said. "We must be doing something right."

If you go

What: "The Nutcracker," with State Street Dance Studio and the Kane County Community Orchestra

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday

Where: Norris Cultural Arts Center on the St. Charles East High School campus, 1040 Dunham Road.

Tickets: $17, $12 for children age 10 and younger. Call (630) 584-7200, ext. 10.