Moscow Ballet to Bring THE GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER to State Theatre, 12/13

An annual tradition at the State Theatre, Moscow Ballet's The Great Russian Nutcracker is a magical and timeless holiday tradition that comes to life...and snows over the audience! This fun-for-the-entire-family classic will be performed for two audiences on Saturday, December 13th.

Show times are 3 PM and 7 PM. Tickets are $43, $38 and $33 for children 10 & under and can be purchased by visiting the State Theatre Box Office, 453 Northampton Street, Easton, by calling 1-800-999-STATE, 610-252-3132 or online at www.statetheatre.org. Sponsored by 100.7 WLEV, The Morning Call, B104 and the Allentown Art Museum.

Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker is comprised of award-winning principals and corps de ballet who perform Olympic-worthy leaps, lifts and pirouettes in the classic holiday tradition. To the delight of audiences of all ages, the artists bring humor, charm, athletic prowess and Russian flair to Tchaikovsky's timeless score.

Ekaterina Bortiakova returns after garnering rave reviews in 2013. Bortiakova's partner Akzhol Mussakhanov is a native of Kazakhstan and laureate of several prestigious International Ballet Competitions. Rising star Yuliya Aleinik earned first place in Ukraine's "International Youth Classic Dance Competition" and in "Special Foundation of the President of Belarus for Talented Youth." In addition she medaled at the 2010 3rd International Yuri Grigorovich Competition. Premiering in the US with Moscow Ballet, Artem Belov medaled at Kazan's International Ballet Competition, was 1st place winner of Rudolf Nureyev Foundation Competition and was awarded Silver in "Arabesque" competition IBC and more.

The beloved Christmas story is brought to life by 40 dazzling Russian dancers in beautiful hand-made costumes adorned with Swarovski crystals and more. Consistently praised by the press: "Bravura expertise" Los Angeles Times, "Brimful with feeling" New York Times and "Sweet" Dallas Morning News, audiences love the Dove of Peace with a 20-foot wingspan, Russian folk legends Father Christmas and Snow Maiden and the Land of Peace and Harmony. Performed to Tchaikovsky's complete score, Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker tells the traditional story of a young girl meeting her Prince on Christmas Eve. Act I's Christmas Party includes magical toys, a growing clock, 6ft tall Matrushka (Nesting ) Dolls and falling snow. Act II features 2 dancers moving as 1 soaring "Dove of Peace" and the Land of Peace and Harmony, both exclusive to Moscow Ballet. See the best Russian dancers perform jaw-dropping moves and bring Christmas to life at Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker!

Visit www.nutcracker.com for complete tour and company information.