ABOUT OUR ARTISTS
Experience the enchantment of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet with an all-star, award-winning ensemble of artists from over 11 ballet capitals, including Ukraine, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, and more. This classic Christmas production features a unique international flair that authentically emphasizes the message of peace, hope, and understanding that transcends conflict, reflected in the Land of Peace and Harmony in Act II. The world-class Principal artists of the company bring this theme to life, including gold-medalist Batur Buklu, Karyna Shatkovskaya from the Ukrainian ballet capital of Kharkiv, and rising star ballerina Olena Pecheniuk, 2022 Honored Artist of Ukraine. Rustem Imangaliyev, a highly awarded danseur from Kazakhstan, completes this esteemed cast. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this magical Christmas ballet experience!
Alex Oliva – Cyr Wheel
Alex Oliva joins the cast of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet in the 2023 US tour as a Cyr wheel artist. Alex has performed with companies and festivals all over the world, including the Western Australian Circus Festival, the International Salieri Circus Award in...
Grzegorz Jastrzebski – Cyr Wheel
Grzegorz Jastrzebski is a multi-talented performer hailing from Poland, with an impressive repertoire of skills that have mesmerized audiences across the globe. With a passion for the arts, Grzegorz has established himself as a true virtuoso in a variety of...
Carl Sprague – Set Designer
Carl Sprague is a distinguished concept designer and art director whose remarkable career spans across both film and theater. With an impressive portfolio of over 40 films, including collaborations with renowned directors like Wes Anderson, Martin Scorsese, Steven...
Roger Titley – Puppeteer
Roger Titley, the visionary creator, and artist hailing from the enchanting landscapes of South Africa, stands as a pioneering force in the realm of large-scale puppetry and creature crafting. With an illustrious career that spans decades, Roger's unparalleled talent...
Aiya Melis – Acro Dancer
Aiya Melis was born on July 10, 1999, and has established herself as a prominent soloist with the State Academic Dance Theater of the Republic of Kazakhstan. She joined our theater troupe in 2018 and brings a wealth of experience and talent to the stage. Aiya's...
Rafael Urazov – Acro Dancer
Hailing from Almaty, Rafael Urazov boasts an illustrious career as a Principal Dancer at The State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre of Almaty since 2008. His talents have earned him prestigious accolades, including the Laureate and Prize Winner title for the Ballet...
Adel Kinzikeev – Acro Dancer
Featured danseur Adel Kinzikeev graduated in 2000 in from the Ufa Choreography and Ballet School named after R. Nureyev, also a native of Tartarstan. He studied under teacher Inna Dorofeeva, Honored Artist of Ukraine and under Pedagogue V. Shapkin. In 2012 he was...
Viktoriya Dymovskaya – Acro Dancer
Honored Artist of Ukraine Viktoriya Dymovskaya became Laureate of the International Competition “Caspi Art” - Grand Prix in spring 2019. She premiered in Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker North American 25th Anniversary Tour in 2017 and in 2018 performing as...
Alex Yordano De Armas Perez
Meet Alex Yordano De Armas Perez, a distinguished graduate of the National School of Ballet of Cuba, whose journey in the world of dance is marked by exceptional achievements and captivating performances. Alex's talent shines brightly as he achieved the honor of a...
Daria Ivanenko
Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing world of ballet with the extraordinary talent of Daria Ivanenko, a renowned dancer known for her impeccable technique and captivating performances. Daria's graceful presence on stage will leave you spellbound, as she takes you on a...
Dmytro Krutii
Step into the enchanting world of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet and witness the breathtaking talent of Dmytro Krutii, a ballet dancer renowned for his exquisite classical style and virtuosic dance skills. With his deep understanding of the art form, Krutii...
Dai Sakai
Witness the extraordinary talent of Dai Sakai, an exceptional ballet dancer renowned for his blend of native and classical styles. With a world-class level of expertise, Dai seamlessly integrates the ancient culture of Japan into the realm of classical ballet,...
Rustem Imangaliyev
Rustem Imangaliyev premieres in the U.S. on the 2015 Moscow Ballet tour to 80 cities as Principal Danseur. Imangaliyev is a highly awarded danseur. He received an Honorary Mention Award from the International Ballet Competition in Korea; an Honorary Award at the...
Karyna Shatkovskaya
Karyna Shatkovskaya received her first award at the Kharkov Ballet Competition and two years later received a Diploma of Ukrainian Youth Ballet, sanctioned by UNESCO. She has been recognized in the prestigious Second International Ballet Competition (IBC) in Astana,...
Olena Pecheniuk
Principal Ballerina Olena Pecheniuk premiered with NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet on the 25th Anniversary Tour of North America as heroine Clara and Odette/Odile in Swan Lake. Olena is a rising star ballerina evidenced by her award of Honored Artist of Culture...
Batur Buklu
Batur Buklu joins NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet in the Principal role. An accomplished ballet artist from Istanbul, Turkey, Buklu brings an international perspective to the production. Batur Buklu began his training at the Istanbul State Conservatory and was...
Yurisa Haruki
Yurisa Haruki debuts in the Principal Female role of Clara in the triumphant return of NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet to the West Coast. From the tender age of 3, Yurisa Haruki embarked on a captivating journey into the world of ballet, her passion ignited at...