Cinderella

Overview

Choreography - Sir Frederick Ashton

Cinderella was Sir Frederick Ashton's first full evening ballet for the Sadler's Wells Ballet (which later became the Royal Ballet) and it premiered on December 23, 1948. The sets and costumes were designed by Jean-Denis Malcles. It was the first full-length ballet of the century by an English choreographer and also the first in the Western world to use the Prokofiev ballet score that had been written for the Bolshoi Ballet.

Cinderella, the story of a beautifyl young woman with unrecognized virtues and is magically redeemed from a life of oppression, has been part of the folk tradition of every culture since antiquity. Marisu Petipa, known as the father of the classical ballet, was one of the first to choreograph Cinderella, and he greatly influenced Ashton. Cinderella was also a subject of traditional English pantomimes, with Cinderella performed by a woman and the Stepsisters' roles by men. Ashton used this idea when he and Robert Helpmann created the roles. Bceause of an injury to MArgot Fonteyn. the first performances were danced by Moira Shearer, of 'The Red Shoes' fame. Michael Somes, Fonteyn's long time partner, danced the Prince. His widow, Wendy Ellis, first stanged Cinderella for The Joffrey Ballet in 2006, fulfilling Robert Joffrey's dream of having the Ashton ballet in the company's repertoire.

Music - Serge Prokofiev

Lighting Design - Scott Kepley and Wendy Ellis Somes

Set and Costume Design - David Walker

Back by popular demand, Sir Frederick Ashton’s Cinderella returns to The Joffrey Ballet! Ashton’s Cinderella is widely considered one of the greatest ballets of this timeless fairy tale of rags-to-riches and love conquers all! Cinderella transforms from a sad young woman into a beautiful princess, despite the best efforts of her overbearing evil stepsisters, portrayed, as is tradition, by male dancers. The ballet is set to Serge Prokofiev’s hauntingly beautiful score, exquisite dancers, breathtaking sets and costumes designed by the brilliant David Walker.

Joffrey Premiere: October 4, 2006, Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL

World Premiere: December 1948, Sadler's Wells Ballet

Images

Cinderella Images

People
Title/Role: 
Composer
Name as text: 
Serge Prokofiev
Type: 
Music
Title/Role: 
Designer
Name as text: 
David Walker
Type: 
Production Staff
Title/Role: 
Choreographer
Name as text: 
Sir Frederick Ashton
Type: 
Choreography
Content
Image: 
Description: 

Choreography - Sir Frederick Ashton

Cinderella was Sir Frederick Ashton's first full evening ballet for the Sadler's Wells Ballet (which later became the Royal Ballet) and it premiered on December 23, 1948. The sets and costumes were designed by Jean-Denis Malcles. It was the first full-length ballet of the century by an English choreographer and also the first in the Western world to use the Prokofiev ballet score that had been written for the Bolshoi Ballet.

Cinderella, the story of a beautifyl young woman with unrecognized virtues and is magically redeemed from a life of oppression, has been part of the folk tradition of every culture since antiquity. Marisu Petipa, known as the father of the classical ballet, was one of the first to choreograph Cinderella, and he greatly influenced Ashton. Cinderella was also a subject of traditional English pantomimes, with Cinderella performed by a woman and the Stepsisters' roles by men. Ashton used this idea when he and Robert Helpmann created the roles. Bceause of an injury to MArgot Fonteyn. the first performances were danced by Moira Shearer, of 'The Red Shoes' fame. Michael Somes, Fonteyn's long time partner, danced the Prince. His widow, Wendy Ellis, first stanged Cinderella for The Joffrey Ballet in 2006, fulfilling Robert Joffrey's dream of having the Ashton ballet in the company's repertoire.

Music - Serge Prokofiev

Lighting Design - Scott Kepley and Wendy Ellis Somes

Set and Costume Design - David Walker

Back by popular demand, Sir Frederick Ashton’s Cinderella returns to The Joffrey Ballet! Ashton’s Cinderella is widely considered one of the greatest ballets of this timeless fairy tale of rags-to-riches and love conquers all! Cinderella transforms from a sad young woman into a beautiful princess, despite the best efforts of her overbearing evil stepsisters, portrayed, as is tradition, by male dancers. The ballet is set to Serge Prokofiev’s hauntingly beautiful score, exquisite dancers, breathtaking sets and costumes designed by the brilliant David Walker.

Joffrey Premiere: October 4, 2006, Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL

World Premiere: December 1948, Sadler's Wells Ballet

Ticket Link: 
http://www.ticketmaster.com/
date range
start date: 
Feb 17, 2010
End Date: 
Feb 28, 2010