I created this book to share the magic of ballet with you in a fun and approachable way. Inside, you'll find stories behind the most beloved classical ballets and a ballet dictionary to help you understand all the essential terms. Whether you're a b...
The Cinderella Ballet was composed by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev (Pronounced as Prock·ko·fee·ev) in 1944. This ballet unfolds over three acts.
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(Fun Fact: The Cinderella Ballet was composed six years before the Disney animation of Cinderella was released in 1950)
Act I:
The Stepsisters are frantically getting ready for the palace ball, fussing over their dresses and hair. Meanwhile, Cinderella sits quietly by the fire, gazing at her mother's portrait, dreaming of happier days. With just her broom and her imagination, Cinderella dreams of dancing at the ball with a prince.
Suddenly, a mysterious woman shows up at their door to beg for food. The Stepsisters rudely push her away, but Cinderella kindly offers her some bread. The woman leaves but takes notice of Cinderella's kind heart.
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Next, the house is buzzing with dressmakers, shoemakers, hairdressers, a jeweler, and even a dance teacher-all there to help the Stepsisters get ready for the ball. Cinderella is left behind, sad and alone, watching as they all head off to the palace.
Just as she starts daydreaming again, the mysterious woman returns and reveals herself as Cinderella's Fairy Godmother. She calls upon the Fairies of Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, who bring gifts and help prepare Cinderella for the ball. Before sending her off in a carriage, the Fairy Godmother warns Cinderella that she must leave the ball before midnight, or everything will disappear. Cinderella then begins her journey to the ball.
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Act II:
At the palace, the court is lively, with courtiers dancing and the jester entertaining the guests. Cinderella's father and the Stepsisters arrive, followed by a grand entrance from the Prince. Then, Cinderella makes her own magical entrance, looking like a true princess, so much so that her Stepsisters don't recognize her!
The Prince is completely enchanted by her and, as a gesture of admiration, offers her three rare oranges (a symbol of rarity and desire). In a moment alone, Cinderella and the Prince confess their love for each other. But as they get lost in the moment, time slips away, and before they know it, the clock strikes midnight!
Cinderella rushes out of the palace, accidentally leaving behind one of her glass slippers. The Prince picks it up and vows to find the mysterious woman who stole his heart.
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Act III:
Cinderella wakes up at home the next morning. She finds the other glass slipper in her apron pocket, proof that the magical night wasn't just a dream! Meanwhile, the Stepsisters brag about their time at the ball, completely unaware of Cinderella's adventure.
Suddenly, the Prince arrives, searching for the woman whose foot fits the slipper. The Stepsisters try desperately to squeeze into it, but of course, it doesn't fit. As Cinderella steps forward to help, the second slipper falls from her apron. The Prince immediately recognizes her as the woman he's been searching for!
The Fairy Godmother reappears, ensuring the happy couple are united, and they live happily ever after.
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