Feature: MOSCOW BALLET'S GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER: SPECIAL PERFORMANCE 12/19/18 at @ The Younes And Soraya Nazarian Center For The Performing Arts (The Soraya)

On Wednesday, December 16th, 2018, at the Soraya Theatre in Northridge, CA, a very special group of children, who have been chosen by the Moscow Ballet, will be dancing on stage alongside the ballet company's professional dancers in their prestigious and unique version of The Great Russian Nutcracker as part of their Dance-with-Us Program.

There is no other interpretation like theirs in the world. The "Dove of Peace" section of the Ballet is exclusive to the Moscow Ballet Company, and is a magnificent sight to see. Two of the Principal dancers, during the overture of Act II, partner in unison to create a white dove of peace, with a 20-foot wing span, who leads the main characters into the Land of Peace and Harmony, popularly known as the Land of the Sweets.

The story is somewhat similar to the standard version of The Nutcracker, and the message is also, which is to promote global peace and harmony.

The Moscow Ballet is world renowned for their amazing technique and virtuosity. Their artistic excellence has never been more evident in this upcoming presentation. From the most lavish and colorful sets and scenery, to the authenticity and glamour of the costuming and the undeniable proficiency of their ballet dancers, you will never see a more spectacular Nutcracker.

The "Dove of Peace" role was first performed in 2012 during their 20th Anniversary Tour, inspired by Bolshoi Ballet Principal Danseur Stanislavsky Vlasov. It is exclusive to the Moscow Ballet Company, and sets them aside as revolutionary, inventive and forward-thinking. The Los Angeles Times commented, "A sweet Dove of Peace duet... disarmingly poetic."

Other differences in the plot are also more advanced in concept to address our ever-changing world and to impart a stronger, more meaningful message to the audiences of today.

Michele Obama, in her new book, eloquently relates a touching story of the effect this particular Nutcracker performance had on her, as she watched one of her daughters perform with the Moscow Ballet, on the darkest day she and President Obama experienced while occupying the White House.

Don't miss this breathtaking, entertaining performance that will make your holiday season more joyous and purposeful!

Tickets are available thru The Soraya (Valley Performing Arts Center) Box Office; 818.644.3000. For more info: 818.677.8800; or visit their website: https://www.nutcracker.com/.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MOSCOWBALLET.COM