Here are our favourite spectacular moments from this truly enchanting production:
This version begins with Cinderella losing her mother. As our heroine cries by her grave, a tree begins to grow! This is a striking invention by set designer Julian Crouch, puppeteer Basil Twist, and projection designer Daniel Brodie: one, two, and more branches extend upwards, and leaves seem to dance in the wind.
Later, it appears to grow again, changing colours with the four seasons, and delivers all the magic Cinderella needs to get to that life-changing ball.
The Royal Albert Hall transforms into the perfect ballroom with a giant chandelier and 50 dancers waltzing in lavish court dress – the Prince’s ball is as regal a party as you’d expect.
Look out for the dancers’ beautiful group formations, the arrival of three Princesses keen to impress the Prince, and the entrance of Cinderella: she seems to stand still and float above the crowd.
The love story at the heart of this ballet really comes to life when Cinderella dances with Prince Guillaume at the ball.
Composer Sergei Prokofiev wrote the score for Cinderella. Just like his other famous ballet, Romeo & Juliet, the music is very passionate, but with an added element of magic! The music for the pas de deux between Cinderella and the Prince is particularly special: very rich and romantic, with a big explosion of passion in the middle.
As you watch them dance against a starry sky and hear the music soaring from the English National Ballet Philharmonic, you can’t help but drink in the beauty of it all. Watch some of the pas de deux here:
After Cinderella’s abrupt departure from the ball, everyone wants to have a go at trying on her golden pointe shoe, from Cinderella’s Stepsisters to ladies-in-waiting and even some of the fantastical creatures that live in the kingdom: large-headed gnomes, conkers and bird ladies!
Their line-up features some very funny choreography and showcases the stunning range of costumes that have been created for the show. Special credits go to the dancers performing in those characters’ big masks.
Everyone who has seen this production talks about it: out of very little, a horse-drawn carriage is conjured up on stage. This is pure theatrical magic and something you have to see to believe!
