ABOUT OUR ARTISTS
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet features world-class principal artists including ballerinas Karyna Shatkovskaya from the Ukrainian ballet capital of Kharkiv and Elena Pecheniuk, 2013 Honored Artist of Ukraine from Dnipro. Premier Danceurs Batur Buklu, a gold medalist from Turkey, and Rustem Imangaliyev, a highly awarded danseur from Kazakhstan, complete this esteemed cast.
The 2024 production debuts new choreography from rising star Viktor Davydiuk, choreographer and Ballet Master, brought to life by Cyr Wheel Artists Alex Oliva and Grzegorz Jastrzebski. Acro Ballet Artists Viktoria Dymovska, Adel Kinzikeev, Rafael Urazov, and Aiya Melis bring extra thrills to the stage in the Dove of Peace adagio and Arabian variations.
These great artists bring an international flair to NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet that authentically emphasizes a unique message of peace, hope, and understanding. Join us for an unforgettable journey through this enchanting Christmas ballet!
Yasmina Dzhanbotaeva
Born in the Chui region of Bishkek, Yasmina Ruslanovna Dzhanbotaeva began her ballet training at the prestigious Bishkek Choreographic School in 2008 under the guidance of Kyrgyz Republic Honored Artist Aida Akhmadalieva. In 2018, she secured third place at the...
Ren Morioka
Ren Morioka, NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet prima ballerina, will lead the 2024 Western USA tour. Born in Hiroshima, Japan, she began her ballet training under the tutelage of Emi Tanaka and Keiko Koike, who are both renowned for their meticulous instruction and...
Denys Panchenko
Denys Panchenko, born in Kyiv in 1990, is a distinguished ballet artist renowned for his captivating performances. After graduating from the Kyiv State Choreographic School in 2009, under the mentorship of Mykolai Vasyliovych Abramenko, Denys embarked on a remarkable...
Rustem Imangaliyev
Rustem Imangaliyev premiered in the U.S. on the 2015 NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas 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...
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,...
Elena Pecheniuk
Principal Ballerina Elena Pecheniuk premiered with NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet on the 25th Anniversary Tour of North America as Clara in NUTCRACKER! and Odette/Odile in Swan Lake. Elena was awarded Honored Artist of Ukraine in 2013 and is a Laureate of...
Viktor Davydiuk – Ballet Master
Introducing Viktor Davyduik, Choreographer and Ballet Master for NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet Viktor Davyduik’s vibrant, new choreography for NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet is a hit! He expertly weaves together classical ballet, great storytelling,...
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 Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker North American 25th Anniversary Tour in 2017 and...