A dazzling new version of a much-loved classic performed by the Mariinsky (Kirov) Ballet. Acclaimed Russian artist Mihail Chemiakin returned to the original story by E.T. A. Hoffmann to create a darkly magical childhood world of dancing snowflakes, sinister rats and a dangerous journey to the City of Sweets. Tchaikovsky"s complete score is conducted by the celebrated director of the Mariinsky Theatre - Valery Gergiev. Artists of the Mariinsky Ballett Students of the Academy of Russian Ballet: Masha - Irina Golub Nutcracker Prince - Leonid Sarafanov Nutcracker - Alexander Kulikov Herr Stahlbaum/Rat Emperor - Vladimir Ponomarev Frau Stahlbaum/Rat Empress - Elene Bazhenova Drosselmeyer - Anton Adasinsky