Ballets 93

Cinderella, Prokofiev’s most famous ballet, is a work of pure enchantment, a timeless tale told through the magical medium of dance. First performed in Moscow in 1945, this masterpiece remains a staple in the repertoires of ballet companies worldwide, capturing hearts and imaginations for generations. This review delves into the ballet's multifaceted brilliance, exploring the storytelling prowess of Prokofiev’s score, the captivating choreography, and the electrifying performances that bring Cinderella’s world to life.

From the opening bars, Prokofiev's music envelops you, a rich tapestry of sound woven with such intricate detail that you're swept away into the fantastical world of Cinderella. The score, a testament to the composer’s genius, is a masterpiece in its own right. It’s brimming with contrasts - the tenderness of Cinderella’s yearning, the harshness of her stepmother's cruelty, and the playful mischievousness of the fairy godmother’s magic. Each character, each emotion is given its own unique voice, painted with colours as vibrant as a stained-glass window.

Prokofiev masterfully uses his music to highlight the different characters. The stepmother and stepsisters are rendered in grotesque, distorted musical figures, their every movement punctuated by sharp, dissonant chords. Cinderella's theme is filled with longing and fragility, soaring through the orchestra in delicate melodic phrases. And then there’s the fairy godmother, her magic imbued in shimmering, ethereal melodies that feel as light as gossamer wings.

• The Prince’s theme, often accompanied by strings playing a lilting, graceful melody, expresses a genuine charm and sweetness. It's no surprise that the Prince's movements are typically light, his leaps graceful, a reflection of the pure, joyful emotions Prokofiev imbues within the score. His movements are a joyous, energetic response to the melody's upbeat quality.
• Then there’s the stepmother’s waltz, punctuated by brass flourishes, the heavy rhythm driving the music forwards like a relentless force. It's not the kind of waltz where you can simply float, a dancer needs to channel its raw energy, mirroring its stark, relentless qualities. As the stepsisters’ entrance follows, the brass and percussion come to the fore. Their movements, inspired by the jarring, insistent nature of this music, become exaggerated and clumsy, perfectly capturing their exaggerated self-importance.

As a dancer, one of the things that most intrigues me about Cinderella is the relationship between music and movement. Prokofiev's music, in its complex interplay of light and dark, creates the perfect emotional backdrop for Cinderella’s story, prompting us to consider themes of hope, transformation, and ultimately, the triumph of kindness. The score sets the mood for every moment - the quiet intimacy of a tender duet, the breathless excitement of a waltz, or the raw energy of a ballroom scene. It’s as if each note in the score was written with our bodies in mind.

And then there’s the famous "Waltz of the Flowers", perhaps the ballet’s most beloved moment. It is a musical masterpiece, a celebration of beauty and light, and every ballerina dreams of performing this section. Here, the music's dreamy, otherworldly quality evokes the magical atmosphere of the enchanted ball. The steps, usually airy and graceful, are punctuated by ethereal moments, conveying the dream-like feeling of a magical, wondrous world. The Waltz of the Flowers is a technical feat, requiring tremendous control and balance. The challenge lies in creating effortless beauty, gliding across the stage with an ethereal quality that feels almost supernatural.

A ballet lives and breathes through its choreography, and Cinderella is no exception. Whether it's the timeless steps of the traditional Russian style or the captivating, flowing movements of a contemporary interpretation, every movement becomes a thread in the tapestry of the story. The ballet is ripe with moments that ignite the imagination.

• Take the "transformation" scene. When Cinderella’s wish is granted by her fairy godmother, this sequence becomes the pinnacle of choreographic storytelling. Every dancer brings her own interpretation, every step a delicate bloom of hope that bursts forth with vibrant life. It's the transformation from rags to riches, but also from a life of oppression to one of joyous possibility. Every spin, every delicate arabesque tells this story, reflecting Cinderella’s burgeoning confidence, the emergence of a woman in bloom.
• As we enter the ballroom, the Prince's first encounter with Cinderella. We watch as he, completely enchanted by her, dances with Cinderella in a way he has never danced before. The steps, though traditionally executed, gain a renewed energy, a heightened romanticism. Each step reveals their connection, a delicate pas de deux that encapsulates a nascent, deeply emotional relationship.
• And then there's the "glass slipper". This object, a symbol of Cinderella’s escape from her dreary life, is central to the ballet’s dramatic climax. Choreographers have embraced the object with different perspectives: some choose to focus on the frantic, searching steps of the Prince, creating a frantic, passionate choreography. Others create a quieter moment, where the glass slipper is more than just an object, becoming a poignant, physical reminder of Cinderella's magical presence. The dancer embodying Cinderella must convey both the elation of freedom and a lingering vulnerability, the slipper serving as a poignant symbol of her stolen dreams.

Watching the ballerina become Cinderella, there’s an evident evolution. Initially, her steps are tentative, reflected in the subdued music. The steps are modest, small, perhaps even shy. As the magic of her fairy godmother sets in, the ballerina transforms, a shift echoed in the changing rhythm of the music. She moves with increasing grace and confidence, her steps becoming longer, her port de bras graceful and expansive. As Cinderella experiences freedom and happiness for the first time, the dancer radiates joy, reflecting the magic in her every gesture, her face aglow with the exhilaration of a life changed.

And it's in the most unexpected moments that the true power of choreography shines through. A look across the stage, the sweep of an arm, the exquisite shaping of the hand in an arabesque – each gesture becomes an eloquent form of expression. For me, it's always captivating to watch dancers create a nuanced, evocative story within the choreography, leaving audiences awestruck by their powerful silence.

There’s an intimate relationship a dancer forges with a role, an especially profound connection with iconic characters like Cinderella. I’ve spent years honing my technique and expressiveness, each rehearsal a stepping stone towards a truly powerful interpretation. It's an introspective process. For me, it involves questioning myself, delving into Cinderella's experiences - her pain, her quiet strength, her unwavering hope. It’s about allowing the music and choreography to flow through me, becoming an instrument that resonates with the deepest core of this timeless story.

The ballet comes to life through the artistry of the performers, who bring Cinderella's world into our own. Legendary dancers, like Maya Plisetskaya and Natalia Makarova, have redefined the role with their iconic portrayals. Their interpretations transcended mere dance, they embodied Cinderella’s yearning and resilience with such emotional intensity that it left audiences spellbound. But the beauty of the ballet is that it transcends any one dancer. It becomes a blank canvas where generations of ballerinas have painted their own versions of Cinderella.

It’s incredible to see how different performers find unique approaches to the role. Some emphasize the vulnerability and fragility of Cinderella. Others highlight her fierce determination and strength. These variations make every performance unique. The beauty of ballet, as I have learned, is that its essence transcends boundaries. The music, the choreography, and the characters speak a universal language, resonating with audiences regardless of age, background, or experience. In its profoundness and simple charm, Cinderella captures our imaginations, making it one of ballet's enduring masterpieces. Every performance, whether in a grand theater or a cozy studio, is a testament to the magic that unfolds on stage.

A memorable ballet must possess a core that stirs emotions in every spectator, whether a child marveling at the spectacle or a seasoned critic appreciating the technical intricacies. Cinderella achieves this. It has the power to enchant young audiences with its magical world, while offering deeper insights to those seeking the complexity and emotional depth woven into its every thread.

Cinderella remains an essential part of the balletic landscape, and for good reason. Prokofiev’s vibrant score, the timeless beauty of the choreography, and the boundless possibilities of interpretation make it a ballet for all times. Whether watching a dazzling production with glittering costumes or a simple rehearsal with bare-bones staging, there's an enduring charm to Cinderella that never fades, leaving us in its magical grip, long after the curtain falls.