Relatively low COVID-19 rates this fall mean a cautious ‘normal’ for Chicago schools

Dance students at the Chicago High School for the Arts practice last week ahead of performances of “The Nutcracker.” This is the first year since the pandemic began in 2020 that the public school has a full schedule of performances. (Manuel Martinez / WBEZ)

Students at the Chicago High School for the Arts in Humboldt Park are taking extra precautions ahead of their upcoming winter dance showcase, a new spin on the classic ballet “The Nutcracker.”

Many dancers wore masks to rehearse on a recent Monday at the public school. Opening night is just around the corner, and junior Hayley Alexander says they’re being cautious because COVID-19 cases tend to surge around the holidays.