Heat got you dragging? Cool down with a tip from Naperville resident Kenneth Von Heidecke: Think Snow Queen, think Sugar Plum Fairy, think
”Nutcracker Suite.”
Von Heidecke, who is choreographer and ballet master of the Lyric Opera, is laying plans for a professional production of Tchaikovsky`s classic in time for Christmas. The newly formed Von Heidecke Ballet will present four performances at the College of Du Page Arts Center in Glen Ellyn Dec. 21-23.
Jack Wieseman, director of the Arts Center, said, ”It will be a brand new, full-length `Nutcracker.` We`re very excited about the caliber of the performers Ken is bringing in.”
Von Heidecke`s lineup includes Sherry Moray of Ballet Chicago to dance the Sugar Plum Fairy with Anthony Parks as her partner; Helene Dion of the Lyric Opera Ballet to dance the Snow Queen, partnered by Victor Barauskas; and Lyric dancers to fill the corps de ballet.
But no ”Nutcracker” is ever complete without the patter of lots of little feet among all those professionals. Youngsters with ballet training can try out Sunday afternoon; gymnastics training for boys is a plus.
Don`t despair if you`re too old to dance a convincing Clara. The ballet master said, ”If there are any extraordinary adults who are up to dancing in the corps de ballet of Snowflakes or `Waltz of the Flowers,` I`d certainly consider them as well.”
Auditions will be held today at the Von Heidecke Ballet studio at 1831 Wehrli Road, Naperville (phone 527-1052): boys and girls ages 9 through 12 at 1 p.m; boys and girls ages 13 and older at 2 p.m. Don`t forget your point shoes, ladies.
On Monday, auditions will be held at 8 p.m. at the American School of Ballet, 7516 S. Cass Ave., Darien. Call 833-8497 for more information.
