On the night of March 19, 2012, the magical story of Cinderella began to unfold as only a ballet can tell it.  This occurred at the PAC, and the Russian National Ballet Theatre performed the stunning ballet in three acts.

The ballet begins with what seems to be the two ugly stepsisters fighting over a piece of fabric that they get dirty and blame on Cinderella.  The Stepmother believes them and brings out her wrath on Cinderella while the Father is passive.  Because she is in rags and her Stepmother really only cares for the stepsisters, Cinderella cannot go to the ball at the Prince’s castle.  However, the Fairy Godmother comes with the Fairies of the Seasons to cheer up Cinderella, and then she gives her glass slippers and a gown.  After catching the Prince’s eye at the ball, she must leave at midnight and leaves behind a glass slipper.  The Prince comes to her home to find who fits int he glass slipper, and the stepsisters try to fit into it with no avail.  The Prince sees that Cinderella fits and loves her despite her rags.  They than get married and live happily ever after.

This ballet was even more beautifully done than Dracula had been.  The costumes were brilliant, many covered in sparkles and shine.  The Prince and Cinderella were easily distinguishable in their sparkling white outfits.  The Fairies of the Seasons each had colors that matched their seasons, and the Fairy Godmother stole attention with her dark purple attire and glitter.

The set was just as wonderfully done.  When the seasons did, the lights changed with it.  The chandeliers flashed in time with the chimes of the clock for midnight, and there were just enough props to add realism to it.

The dancing and characters were of course phenomenal.  The Stepmother was played by a man to make the character even more hysterical and obnoxious.  The man who played the Jester could easily make anyone laugh, and the woman who was Cinderella danced and played her part gracefully.

All in all, this was my favorite PAC performance so far.  As a dancer for 15 years, watching things like this really excite me, and I thoroughly enjoy them!  For any ballets next semester, I will be the first one signed up to go!