Sixty-six Young Dancers from Chicago Selected to Perform with the Moscow Ballet

CHICAGO, IL, October 24, 2012 (Press-News.org) Sixty-six talented young dancers from Chicago and the Chicago suburbs have been selected to perform onstage with the esteemed Moscow Ballet in the upcoming December 2, 2012, 20th anniversary performance of "The Great Russian Nutcracker" at the Akoo Theatre at Rosemont (formerly the Rosemont Theatre) in Rosemont, Illinois. The dancers, who range from 7-15 years of age, were selected from an open audition process overseen by members of the Moscow Ballet artistic team and Altin Naska, noted international choreographer and artistic director of the Southport Performing Arts Conservatory (SPACE).

"This is the opportunity of a lifetime for these young dancers," said Naska who will be heading up weekly rehearsals for the young dancers. "Not only will the children have the opportunity to share the stage with the professional dancers from the Moscow Ballet, but they will be participating in a grand holiday tradition by performing in 'The Great Russian Nutcracker.'"

The Moscow Ballet's "The Great Russian Nutcracker" is the unique telling of the classic story of Masha (Clara) and her Nutcracker Doll told with true Russian flair. In 2012, Moscow Ballet celebrates its 20th year of touring this performance across North America to much critical acclaim. The whimsical fantasy of Moscow Ballet's "The Great Russian Nutcracker" is legendary with the piece firmly enshrined as a Christmas staple for audiences across the country and in Canada. Pytor Ilyich Tchaikovsky's beloved "Nutcracker Suite" and Moscow Ballet's company of 40 Vaganova-trained dancers are the perfect combination for a holiday celebration for all.

Tickets for the December 2, 2012, "Great Russian Nutcracker" performance at the Akoo Theatre in Rosemont, Illinois, are on sale now through Ticketmaster and range in price from $26.00 to $86.50 excluding tax and handling fees. To purchase tickets, call Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or visit http://www.ticketmaster.com .

Chicago's SPACE is a European-style performing arts conservatory that provides instruction in music and dance. Founded in 2005, SPACE has fueled the artistic dreams and aspirations of hundreds ofartists from ages pre-school through adult. SPACE provides personalized instruction for all levels of artistic ability and offers a large range of music and dance education including Suzuki instruction, traditional individual instruction and a Gifted Program.