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Moscow Ballet Featured as Peace Maker on CNN World-Wide

(CNN)News Anchor Christi Paul interviewed Moscow Ballet producer Akiva Talmi, local Atlanta Ballet student performing in the show and Russian Ballet Super Star and Moscow ballet performer Andrey Batalov. Allegations of Russian collusion may have cast a spotlight on divisions in the political arena, but there's at least one stage where Russia and the US seem to be in step and that is with Moscow Ballet!

Moscow Ballet performs the "Great Russian Nutcracker" across the United States and Canada. 2017 was the ballet company's 25th anniversary 'Nutcracker' tour, visiting the US annually since the Glasnost Era allowed it. And Moscow Ballet’s performance of "The Nutcracker" differs from the traditional version. There is no Sugar Plum Fairy, but there is a Dove of Peace, a gift given to the principal character, Masha, during the Christmas party scene.

Moscow Ballet producer Akiva Talmi said Masha flies on "the wings of the Dove of Peace around the world seeking peace and harmony. She goes to France, Italy, Africa -- all around the world. And she finds peace and harmony through love." To show its commitment to the theme of love and peace, the Moscow Ballet created the "Dance with Us" program where young US ballet students audition, rehearse and perform with the famous Russian dancers!