Megan Michaels of Hinsdale (far left) raises her sword as the toy pirate come to life in The Salt Creek Ballet Studio dress rehearsal for "The Nutcracker" on Sunday. | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times Media

Rheana Montesantos of Clarendon Hills, as Clara, holds her precious Nutcracker as Christina Hebding, playing her mother, Frau Stahlbaum, hugs her. The Salt Creek Ballet Studio held a dress rehearsal for "The Nutcracker" on Sunday. | Jon Langham~for Sun-

Jessilyn Gibas of Hinsdale, as the Columbine Doll, dances after appearing out of a cabbage as the first gift. | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times Media

A pair of mice, Ara Alessi of Darien and Emma Kneitt of Oak Park, watch the party scene where Clara gets her Nutcracker during a rehearsal for The Salt Creek Ballet Studio. | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times Media

Madeline Grimes of Western Springs, as the Soldier Doll, gives a smart salute. The Salt Creek Ballet Studio held a dress rehearsal for The Nutcracker before last weekend's performances. | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times Media

The Mouse King (J.R. Kirchner of Chicago and the Nutcracker (Jack Gerling of Sugar Grove) have an epic battle. The Salt Creek Ballet Studio held a dress rehearsal for "The Nutcracker" on Sunday. | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times Media

The Frost King (Michael Fitzgerald of Winfield) dances with the snowflakes. The Salt Creek Ballet Studio held a dress rehearsal for "The Nutcracker." | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times Media