Local dancers ready to perform 'Wizard of Oz'

You can be off to see the Wizard in Libertyville over the weekend.

Dance Academy of Libertyville will present an original ballet version of the "Wizard of Oz." Dancers from Libertyville, Vernon Hills and elsewhere in Lake County will be featured in the show.

Show times will be at 4 p.m. March 14 and 3 p.m. March 15 at Libertyville High School's auditorium, 708 W. Park Ave. Tickets cost $15.

Organizers say the "Wizard of Oz" production will be a short version of a full-length ballet. The show is supposed to be as close as possible to the screen version in an attempt to satisfy the audience.

Brazilian-born Isabele Melo Elefson's original choreography will be highlighted in the show. The Dance Academy instructor's lengthy resume includes work with ballet companies in Brazil and the United States.

Participants in the ballet are members of Terpsichore Dance Co., who are a select group from the Lake County region. The performers are trained and headquartered at Dance Academy of Libertyville.

In the second act, the production will have guest artists from Dance Academy's faculty. The instructors are professional dancers in the Chicago area.

Dance Academy of Libertyville debuted its "Wizard of Oz" show in 2006. This weekend's performance will be the organization's second "Wizard" production.

Tickets may be purchased by telephone at (847) 247-1327 or in person at Dance Academy of Libertyville, 1137 S. Milwaukee Ave. in the village. Tickets also will be sold at the Libertyville High auditorium before the performances.