The Nutcracker

If you cannot see a real staged ballet, this DVD is a must. The only problem is that this DVD is set for region 2, therefore, very few North American audiences will be able to view it. However, if you own a region agnostic DVD player, you will enjoy this version of Nutcracker ballet. Phillip should consider release the same DVD for North American viewers. Some extra info regarding this production would be welcomed, especially bios of the dancers and Kirov Ballet.

Unlike the Americanized version, this ballet focuses on Masha and the Nutcracker, played elegantly by Larissa Lezhnina and powerfully by Piotr Russanov respectively. There is no Sugar Plum Fairy and her Prince in this version. Rather, it is filled with fantasized themes. This European influenced adaptation has been recorded by other DVD's, notably 80's version by The Bolshoi Ballet. Also, there are many others by Royal Ballet worth watching.

I enjoyed all versions of Nutcracker ballet, but what set this particular production apart is the performance of Larissa Lezhnina. She is not only graceful but powerful, holding her poses, jumps and landings gracefully throughout. At the same time, her dimple smile is infectious and the executions of her movements are flawlessly meticulous. To my untrained eyes, it is easy to see that she is unpretentious and thoroughly enjoys her craft. There aren't many reviews of Larissa Lezhnina on the Internet, at least not English versions, which is a shame. Hopefully, those who have seen her dance, in person or in other forms of media would post more professional reviews than my amateur point of view.