Nureyev used to call "The Sleeping Beauty" the "ballet of the ballets". In autumn 2005, Vladimir Malakhov choreographed a sumptuous new production of this work for his ensemble, the Berlin State Ballet. Together, the dancer of the century as director and the greatest and most important ballet ensemble of Germany have realized a production that will go down in dance history. In this unique illustrated book, the photographer Monika Rittershaus allows us to share in the creation of this production. She documents the work of the whole company, alternating between personal impressions and glamourous ballet photography. She shows us a modern new interpretation of one of the major repertoire pieces of classical ballet in compelling pictures. This photo essay is complemented by annotations of Christiane Theobald and Frank Sistenich.