Rudolph Nureyev Merle Park 'Nutcracker' Grand Pas de Deux

This is the Grand Pas de Deux from the 'Nutcracker' - danced by Rudolph Nureyev and Merle Park in 1968 The introduction is by Dame Ninette de Valois - she talks of the version's connection with Russian choreography and that she finds it one of the most exciting things she's seen for years. I love that Nureyev has brought the male dancer forward at many points to be executing the same choreography as the ballerina - instead of the old notion of him as just 'porteur' in a pas de deux - just there to present his partner. Pure champagne!