Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker

Featuring spectacular sets and beautifully costumed Russian dancers, Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker is an annual treat for the whole family. Whimsical and imaginative storytelling blends with the richness of Russian classical dance to make the Great Russian Nutcracker a unique performance not to be missed! Choreographer Emelianov has been praised by critics for the ballet’s unique interpretation of its Act II setting in the “Land of Peace and Harmony.” To convey his message of peace, Emelianov incorporates an ethereal dove that escorts Masha and the Prince to a land where there is no war or suffering. New for 2008 is a whimsical, giant, six-handed grandfather clock, who signals the transition to the “Land of Peace and Harmony.” Moscow Ballet continues its commitment to “Celebrating Children…The Arts Can Make a Difference.” Local children in each market will audition to appear with the 132 Russian dancers on the tours. Last year, more than 6,000 U.S. children performed the Great Russian Nutcracker with Moscow Ballet’s dancers as part of its educational outreach campaign. Set against Valentin Fedorov's spectacular scenic design, with larger-than-life puppets and the backdrop of unicorns, exotic birds and animals, the Great Russian Nutcracker is a visual delight. The sets were inspired by the art of French Post-Impressionist painter Henri Rousseau, who worked in the Naïve, Primitive style. Federov is a graduate of the world-renowned, Moscow-based Stanislavski Institute, where the method-acting system used by many Hollywood actors was developed.