M3 Dance and Synergy Dance Academy will present Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker on Saturday, Dec. 4 at 2 and 7 p.m.; and on Sunday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m. at Elgin's Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way.

This holiday classic has a new twist, complete with pre-professional ballet and contemporary students with professional guest appearances from Elijah Richardson (DanceWorks Chicago), Simone Stevens (Hubbard Street Dance Chicago), Brennen Renteria (Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre) and Jaqueline Moscicke (formerly of the Joffrey Ballet).

Adventure awaits as Clara and her Nutcracker Prince battle the Mouse King, and embark on a journey through the Land of Sweets with the Sugar Plum Fairy.

Director Lauren Blane Bogren began her training at the Faubourg School of Ballet under Watmora Casey. She attended Grand Valley State University on both academic and talent scholarships and graduated with honors with a bachelor of arts degree in dance. Professionally, Bogren was one of 12 dancers to be accepted into the Lou Conte Dance Studio Scholarship Program under the direction of Claire Bataille. She has been invited to teach at such prestigious organizations as the Chicago Dance Connection (CDC), Dancewerks, Regarding Actors (Re: Actors), Dance Masters of Wisconsin and the Chicago National Association of Dance Masters.

Tickets for the performances are $30-$40 each; visit Article Link Here or call 847-931-5900. Sugar Plum Fairy's Tea Party tickets can also be purchased at Article Link Here . Seniors and children 10 and under are eligible for discounted tickets.