Ruth Page Civic Ballet Presents THE NUTCRACKER, Now thru 12/13

The Ruth Page Civic Ballet is proud to present its annual production of The Nutcracker, choreographed by Ruth Page and co-directed by Victor Alexander and Dolores Lipinski Long. This production, celebrating its 50th anniversary this holiday season, will be performed at Northeastern Illinois University, 3701 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue in Chicago, tonight, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 6 at 1 and 5 p.m. and at the Ravinia Festival, 200 Ravinia Park Road in Highland Park Dec 13 at 3 and 6 p.m. Tickets for NEIU are $25 for general admission, $20 for seniors and children under the age of 12 and $10 for NEIU students, faculty and staff, one ticket per I.D. card.

Also available is "Tea with Clara," a delightful tea party which patrons can enjoy with their favorite The Nutcracker characters from 3:15 - 4:45 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6. Tickets for "Tea with Clara" include admission to the tea party and either 1 or 5 p.m. show, are $85 for adults and $50 for children under the age of 12. Tickets for the Ravinia performances are $10 reserved seating. Performance tickets are now on sale and may be purchased at www.ruthpage.org. "Tea with Clara" tickets may also be purchased at www.ruthpage.org.

Central to the Civic's performance schedule is their annual presentation of The Nutcracker, the popular recreation of the beloved holiday classic. Originally presented in the Arie Crown Theater from 1965 to 1997, the Ruth Page Civic Ballet's performance recreates Ruth Page's original full-length staging. Exquisite dancing, stunning costumes and magical settings in the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of the Sweets, these performances promise world-class entertainment and holiday joy for children of all ages.

Guest artists from Cuba's Escuela Nacional de Ballet, in partnership with The Ruth Page Center for the Arts' Cuba Y Chicago cultural exchange program, will perform in the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy, Snow Queen, and Sugar Plum/Snow Cavaliers. In addition to these guest artists, the cast is comprised of members of the Ruth Page Civic Ballet, adult and child performers, and students of the Ruth Page School of Dance, bringing The Nutcracker cast to over eighty performers.

About Cuba Y Chicago, A Cultural Exchange Program with Cuba

The Ruth Page Center for the Arts obtained official permission from the Cuban Ministry of Culture to initiate the first official artistic and collaborative exchange with Cuba's Escuela Nacional de Ballet. The two organizations are both noted for their exceptional training history and professional artistry, and the primary goal in this exchange is to explore the differences in dance methodology and training, especially within ballet and contemporary dance genres, while creating cross-cultural learning and a shared artistic experience. The collaboration also includes the creation of new choreography that both institutions will develop together in partnership with Cuba's renowned pianist and composer, Frank Fernandez, a Cuban "national treasure" whose work is internationally recognized, that will be premiered in both countries.

The Ruth Page Center's connection to Cuba began many years ago when Ruth Page, herself, was presented and performed in Havana in 1932. She was described in the press as "perhaps the best dancer of ballet in the world" as she performed to George Gershwin's "Prelude in Blue" while the composer himself was in attendance. The collaboration with ENB is an opportunity to carry on the legacy of Ms. Page while also honoring their founder, Alicia Alonso, both pioneering ballerinas, teachers and performers. ENB is also the largest school of its kind in the world and the same institution where Ruth Page School of Dance Director, Victor Alexander, received his professional training. This is a historic moment in our national and artistic lives. Dance artists and students from both countries are living in a pivotal time. This exchange provides an opportunity to learn, engage and develop artistically with one another.

The Escuela Nacional de Ballet is the largest ballet school in the world and the most prestigious ballet school in Cuba. Many of the school's alumni are eminent professionals, recognized in Cuba and internationally. Most of them form part of the Ballet Nacional de Cuba, one of the most important companies in the world. The Ruth Page School of Dance, located within The Ruth Page Center for the Arts in Chicago and one of the leading dance training centers in the country, has for over 44 years provided the highest level of training to talented young dancers and professionals. Students will train in the School's dance program before moving on to national and international professional dance companies.

About Victor Alexander

Born in Pinar del Rio, Cuba, and trained at the prestigious Escuela Nacional de Arte (ENA) in Havana. Alexander has had an extensive performing and choreographic career in the United States. He is the director of the Ruth Page School of Dance and was also included in Dance Magazine's prestigious "25 to Watch in 2013" list. Alexander is known for his riveting stage presence as he mixes formidable technique he gained in the rigorous training ground of Cuban dance schools with facility at theatrical interpretation.

About Dolores Lipinski Long

Because of her lifetime connection to Ruth Page, Dolores Lipinski Long has been associated with the world's greatest dancers, choreographers, producers and designers. In addition to her role with the Ruth Page School of Dance as its associate director, she is also the co-director of the Ruth Page Civic Ballet. With her celebrated husband of 47 years, Larry Long, (1936-2009), Long co-founded the Ruth Page School of Dance.

About the Ruth Page Civic Ballet

An important component of the Ruth Page Center for the Arts and its School of Dance is the Ruth Page Civic Ballet, the official youth training performance company and one of its Artists In-Residence. This small classical company of talented young dancers is now in its 17th season and was founded in 1998 by Larry and Dolores Long, the original directors of the Ruth Page School of Dance.

Serving as a bridge between ballet training and professional performance, the Ruth Page Civic Ballet provides performance opportunities for the most advanced ballet students from the School as a means of continuing their training. Members of the company will train in this program before moving on to national and international professional dance companies. The Civic's dancers are joined in performances by notable guest artists and choreographers, expanding their sphere of professional work.

The Ruth Page School of Dance, one of the leading Ballet training centers in the country, provides the highest level of training to talented young dancers, professionals and those who study dance for personal enrichment. Larry Long (1936-2009), the School's much-loved Director, was recognized as one of the preeminent ballet teachers in America. Mikhail Baryshnikov in an article in The New York Times named Mr. Long as one of six ballet teachers in America who have distinguished themselves as the best in developing students into professional dancers. With the passing of Mr. Long in 2009, the Ruth Page School of Dance continues his legacy of excellence through its renowned faculty and regular guest artist and teacher offerings.

About the Ruth Page Center for the Arts

An incubator of artistic energy and excellence and the center of Chicago's dance history, the Ruth Page Center for the Arts carries forward the vision of international dance icon Ruth Page to make dance accessible to everyone, ensuring that children and dance artists have a place to study, work and perform at the highest level of excellence. Located at 1016 N. Dearborn Street, the Center serves the Chicago dance community by being an incubator, providing a home, office space, rehearsal space, performance opportunities, professional dance training and marketing support for the up-and-coming companies and artists of Chicago's vibrant dance scene. Founded by Chicago icon and internationally-renown performer and choreographer, Ruth Page, the Center reflects her vision of supporting dance excellence in Chicago. Emanating from the Illinois heartland, the visionary work of Ruth Page influenced the growth of theater design, opera-ballet and dance. She achieved worldwide recognition as a true pioneer of dance in America by creating at the forefront of social, political and artistic issues. As a prominent force in the Chicago arts community, the Ruth Page Center for the Arts continues that legacy through its initiatives and programs that nurture the art form of dance, and by being an arts incubator for emerging and established artists and organizations.

The Ruth Page Civic Ballet is proud to present its annual production of The Nutcracker, choreographed by Ruth Page and co-directed by Victor Alexander and Dolores Lipinski Long. This production, celebrating its 50th anniversary this holiday season, will be performed at Northeastern Illinois University, 3701 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue in Chicago, Saturday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 6 at 1 and 5 p.m. and at the Ravinia Festival, 200 Ravinia Park Road in Highland Park Dec 13 at 3 and 6 p.m. Tickets for NEIU are $25 for general admission, $20 for seniors and children under the age of 12 and $10 for NEIU students, faculty and staff, one ticket per I.D. card. Also available is "Tea with Clara," a delightful tea party which patrons can enjoy with their favorite The Nutcracker characters from 3:15 - 4:45 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6. Tickets for "Tea with Clara" include admission to the tea party and either 1 or 5 p.m. show, are $85 for adults and $50 for children under the age of 12. Tickets for the Ravinia performances are $10 reserved seating. Performance tickets are now on sale and may be purchased at www.ruthpage.org. "Tea with Clara" tickets may also be purchased at www.ruthpage.org.

For more information about The Ruth Page Center for the Performing Arts and its programs visit www.RuthPage.org.

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