Set to warm hearts in Melbourne this winter, The Australian Ballet’s award-winning Cinderella is back for an exclusive encore season at Arts Centre Melbourne from 19 June 2015. Already a landmark ballet in the company’s repertoire after sell-out seasons in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide, Cinderella was created in 2013 by the world’s most sought-after choreographer, Alexei Ratmansky.
A master of the modern story ballet, Ratmansky fills every bar of Prokofiev’s cinematic score as he charts Cinderella’s journey from rags to rapture. In her soot-stained dress, Cinderella works away while her tempestuous Stepmother and Stepsisters prepare for the royal ball. As Cinderella dreams of dancing, an eccentrically disguised Fairy Godmother transforms her rags into a magnificent gown.
In Ratmansky’s retelling of the fairy tale, mice and pumpkins are replaced by cosmic companions who accompany Cinderella to the ball. The handsome Prince is captivated from the moment Cinderella arrives. A tick of the clock and one lost slipper later, he must embark on a world-wide journey to find his love, visiting many lands teeming with temptations before he is reunited with Cinderella.
This witty, glamorous and romantic retelling of the classic love story earned the company two Australian Dance Awards in 2014, for Outstanding Performance by a Company and for Leanne Stojmenov in the title role. The production also won two Green Room Awards in 2013, for choreography and visual design.
Set to one of the great ballet scores by celebrated composer Sergei Profokiev, the wit and charm of the Cinderella story is heightened by vibrant sets and costumes, designed by Jérôme Kaplan and drawing inspiration from Dior, Schiaparelli, 1940s Hollywood and Surrealist art.
This will be Melbourne’s last chance to see beloved Principal Artist Madeleine Eastoe, who will hang up her pointe shoes after an 18-year career with the company, following performances in Adelaide in July.
“Ratmansky has packed his Cinderella with loveable characters, warm humour and meaty choreography, creating a wonderful modern fairytale” — The Age
Cinderella
State Theatre – Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne
Season: 19 – 27 June 2015
Bookings: 1300 369 741 or online at: www.australianballet.com.au
For more information, visit: www.australianballet.com.au for details.
Image: The Australian Ballet’s Cinderella – photo by Jeff Busby