Holiday dance preview: so many Nutcrackers

There are 28 days until Christmas, and many places to see sugar plum fairies between now and then. Here's a winter dance breakdown for your holiday planning pleasure.

• Joffrey Ballet's 25th Anniversary Nutcracker: Robert Joffrey's first Nutcracker was performed December 10, 1987 at the University of Iowa, on the company's national tour. Joffrey turned the European Nutcracker into an American version, and the show is now a Chicago holiday staple. The show runs from December 7-27 at Auditorium Theatre. More info at www.joffrey.com.
• Ballet Chicago's The Nutcracker: Ballet Chicago performs the Christmas classic at the Athenaeum Theatre in Lakeview. Performances are December 15-23. Bonus? They'll be hosting a Nutcracker Sweets Party before the Saturday performances. Tickets are $25, find more info at www.balletchicago.org.
• Radio City Christmas Spectacular: The Rockettes are back in Chicago after a four-year hiatus. They'll perform five new numbers, presumably all with kicklines and glitter costumes. The show is currently runs December 14-30 at Akoo Theater in Rosemont. Visit www.radiocitychristmas.com for more info.
• Salt Creek Ballet's The Nutcracker: Salt Creek will perform its version of the holiday classic at The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts the weekend of December 15 with guest performances by SCB alumni. Find more info at www.saltcreekballet.org.
• Tidings of Tap: Chicago Tap Theatre presents its Tidings of Tap as an alternative to the traditional holiday shows. A whimsical take on a holiday celebration, the show is December 14-16 at UIC Theater. Visit www.chicagotaptheatre.com.