The Women’s Board of The Joffrey Ballet presented its 17th annual Nutcracker Family Dinner at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel on Dec. 7. More than 450 guests enjoyed an afternoon that included a performance of Robert Joffrey’s holiday favorite, “The Nutcracker,” a family-friendly dinner and a variety of fun-filled activities for the young and young at heart.
The afternoon began at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University with a performance of “The Nutcracker” that featured colorful costumes, lavish scenery and Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky’s iconic score performed by the Chicago Philharmonic.
After the performance, guests were transported by trolley to the “Land of Sweets” (Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel’s Atlantic Ballroom) where children enjoyed magic acts by The Great Frankini (Frank J. Glab) and delighted in decorating pointe shoes, creating custom jewelry and T-shirts, having their faces painted and snacking on sweets of every sort.
As is customary in the “Land of Sweets”, dessert was eaten first (gingerbread cookies and macarons), followed by a sit-down family-style dinner that included traditional favorites — maple-glazed turkey with chestnut stuffing.
The event raised more than $82,000 to support all aspects of the Joffrey’s mission, including the community engagement programs that bring the art of dance to underserved communities. “We have to remember the kids who are not so fortunate. We have invited 4,900 Chicago schoolchildren to ‘Nutcracker’ performances this year. I think this is an important mission for the Joffrey,” said Ashley Wheater, Joffrey’s artistic director.
The event concluded with children dancing, playing games and enjoying a sing-along. “Let It Go”, the theme song from the hit movie “Frozen,” was a crowd favorite.
The afternoon was co-chaired by Joffrey Women’s Board members Laura Ferris Anderson, Maggie Scheyer and Jessica Steffensen, along with their daughters.
Freelance writer Candace Jordan is involved with many local organizations, including some whose events she covers.
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