Holiday favorite Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker” celebrates 20 years of touring North America in a spectacular show Dec. 13 at the West Virginia University Creative Arts Center. Showtime is set for 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at the Mountainlair and Creative Arts Center Box Offices, ticketmaster.com and by phone at 800-745-3000 or 304-293-SHOW.

In its 20th year of touring North America, Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker” brings incredible new elements and award winning dancers. The anniversary performance debuts International Ballet Competition medalist Karyna Shatkovskaya as Masha (Clara), and Vladimir Tkachenko, honor graduate of the Perm School, as the Nutcracker Prince. Shatkovskaya is a multiple award-winning soloist. In 2009 she was recognized with an award in the prestigious Second International Ballet Competition in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, and in 2010 became the State Prize Winner. Vladimir Tkachenko was born in 1987 in Kharkov, Ukraine. In 2006 he graduated with honors from the prestigious Perm Choreographic School, in the class of V. Alikina. He has toured almost all continents of the world with these companies including Europe, Asia, Africa, and North and South America.

The two perform in addition to the 40 dancer-strong corps de ballet displaying the rich tradition of Russian classical dance.

Also new to this season’s 20th anniversary production is a Christmas tree that grows to seven stories tall and the spectacular new number “Dove of Peace” performed by two dancers. “Great Russian Nutcracker” will wow audiences with towering silk puppets, 200 lavish costumes and 9 hand-painted backdrops all set to Tchaikovsky’s complete score. This timeless classic will make memories that the entire family will cherish for a lifetime.

Don’t miss your chance to see this timeless classic — this show always sells out. Tickets are on sale now at the WVU Mountainlair and Creative Arts Center. Ticket prices range from $46 to $66, depending on seat location. WVU student tickets are $28 (one ticket per valid WVU ID). Tickets may also be purchased online at ticketmaster.com, or by calling 304-293-SHOW and 800-745-3000.

The University Arts Series is produced by WVU Arts & Entertainment. For additional event information, call 304-293-SHOW, or visit events.wvu.edu. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/wvuevents and follow us on Twitter at @wvuevents for the most up-to-date show information.

-WVU-

DR/11/20/12

CONTACT: David Ryan; WVU Arts & Entertainment
304.293.8222; David.Ryan@mail.wvu.edu

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