Ballet
Cinderella
Cinderella turns the beloved fairy tale into a magical evening of dance. It has a fairy godmother, a midnight deadline, and a glass slipper that changes everything. It is a favorite for families who want a story they already know and love.
Fast facts
- Composer
- Sergei Prokofiev
- Choreographer
- Notable versions include Rostislav Zakharov and Frederick Ashton
- Premiere
- 1945, Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow
- Structure
- Three acts
- Running time
- About 2 hours 15 minutes with intervals
The story
Cinderella is treated cruelly by her stepmother and stepsisters and left behind while they prepare for the royal ball. Her fairy godmother appears and transforms her into a beautiful guest, but warns that the magic will end at midnight. At the ball the prince falls in love with her, and she rushes away at the stroke of twelve, leaving behind a single slipper. The prince searches the land until the slipper fits Cinderella, and the two are happily united.
What Cinderella is famous for
- the fairy godmother's transformation
- the midnight deadline
- the comic stepsisters
- Prokofiev's score
Companies that perform Cinderella
Cinderella is in the repertoire of companies including San Francisco Ballet, The Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, The Australian Ballet.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it the same as the fairy tale?
Yes. It follows the classic Cinderella story with the fairy godmother, the ball, and the glass slipper, told through dance and Prokofiev's music.
Are the stepsisters funny?
In many productions the stepsisters are played for comedy, sometimes even by male dancers, which adds plenty of laughs to the story.
Is it a good ballet for kids?
It is a wonderful family choice, since children usually know the story already and can easily follow the magic on stage.
Who composed Cinderella?
Cinderella was composed by Sergei Prokofiev.
How long is Cinderella?
Cinderella runs about 2 hours 15 minutes with intervals.