Ballerinas' bond runs deep

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Thirteen years ago, Nora Ryan and K.J. Jacoby were adopted on the same day at an orphanage in rural China. Today they're performing together in "The Nutcracker" by the Joffrey Ballet at the Chicago Auditorium Theater.

"We get mistaken for sisters all the time. People ask if we are sisters," K. J. Jacoby said.

Their mothers, Christine Ryan and Diana Jacoby, met during the adoption process and said goodbye at the airport. One year later they were brought together again.

"We both ended up moving one block from each other. We didn't know it. I was walking my dog and ran into Christine when she was out doing something in the neighborhood," Diane said.

"I was like, 'Oh my gosh, there is Diane from China,'" Christine said.

The women never forced their daughters into friendship, but it was a natural bond. Nora and K.J. were soon inseparable.

"We did Irish dance together. Tap together," Nora said.

"We do everything together. Same school. Same camp. We see each other every day," K.J. said.

This year will be the girls' third performance in Joffrey's "The Nutcracker."

"I know she is always there for me and I (am there) for her. It's great to know you always have a friend with you," Nora said.

"I think it is very special for children in this situation to have a bond. I think they will be lifelong friends as Christine and I will," Diana said.

Nora and K.J. hope to someday return to China. Right now they're focused on getting into a Chicago high school. They'd like to go to the same school, but know there's a good possibility they won't- and say being apart won't break their bond.