Naperville's DanceWest Ballet presents 25th annual 'Nutcracker' Dec. 7-9

DanceWest Ballet Company's production of "The Nutcracker" is an annual holiday tradition in Naperville featuring more than 100 students, professional dancers, breathtaking scenery and enchanting costumes.

DanceWest will presents its 25th production of "The Nutcracker" on Friday to Sunday, Dec. 7-9, at Pfeiffer Hall on the campus of North Central College in Naperville.

Ricardo Moyano, who will portray Herr Drosselmeyer, notes that "The Nutcracker" is one of the world's most beautiful and engaging ballets.

The ballet will be presented in its entirety, with Katia Carranza of Miami City Ballet dancing the role of Sugar Plum Fairy. Eduardo Pi Iglesias of Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami, will dance the role of Cavalier.

Artistic directors Regina and Ricardo Moyano have perfected their version of "The Nutcracker" to create an accurate depiction of the original ballet by incorporating stunning costumes, lights, scenery and choreography.

Reviews have called the production "a major league performance" and a "sparkling rendition" of Tchaikovsky's much-loved holiday tradition.

Performances are 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 7; 1 and 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8; and 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9.

Call the North Central College box office at (630) 637-SHOW or purchase tickets online at www.napervillenutcracker.com.

A preperformance "Sugar Plum Tea" is set for 11 a.m. Dec. 8-9 at the theater. Call (630) 778-1303 for reservations.