Without Shoes Modern Dance presents ‘The Polar Express’ Dec. 15

• Without Shoes dancers will present the magic of Chris Van Allsburg’s children’s book

Staff Report

Without Shoes Modern Dance Company will present its annual performance of The Polar Express at 6 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 15, at Rockford College’s Maddox Theatre, 5050 E. State St., Rockford.

The performance is based on Chris Van Allsburg’s Caldecott-Award-winning children’s story of the same name. School group performances are also scheduled for Dec. 14-15.

The Polar Express shares the story of a boy who travels to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. He meets Santa Claus and is given the gift of choosing the first gift of Christmas. As a narrator reads Allsburg’s text, Without Shoes dancers will present the action through dance.

The 45-minute performance is perfect for families and children of all ages, and provides a heartwarming look at the magic of the season.

Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door. To reserve a seat or for more details, contact Maria E. Castello, Without Shoes artistic director, at withoutshoesmdc@hotmail.com or (815) 381-0084.

From the Dec. 14-20, 2011, issue